In the computer world, the difference between netbooks and notebooks is relatively obvious – netbooks use atom central processing units, run on Windows XP and only 1 GB of memory, and have smaller screens at 10 inches or less. On the other hand, the average notebook has a distinctly larger screen, better processor, more memory at 2GB or more, and runs on Windows Vista. However, it seems that computer manufacturers are choosing not to keep these differences any longer. In the 12-inch display category, it is especially noticeable as it is getting more difficult to distinguish between so many similar computers.
The typical example is the Gateway LT3100, which is a 12-inch netbook. I first noticed it at Computex, but was later informed that Acer had it in stock even earlier. This Gateway model only recently debuted, but the truth is that it does not look any different from the average 12-inch netbook. It weighs a bit over three pounds, is less than an inch thick, and is sold in a variety of colors, but I was only able to see the black and cherry red. Although the outside of the Gateway LT3100 is nothing special, that inside is a completely different story. The very basic model of the Gateway LT3100 is built on these specifications at $400:
- 11.6-inch WXGA (1364×768) LED back-lit display
- 1.20GHz AMD Athlon 64 L110 processor
- 2GB of memory
- ATI Radeon X1270 integrated graphics
- 250GB hard drive
- Windows Vista Basic SP1
There are other netbook options that offer similar qualities and deviate from the “average” netbook –
- The Acer Aspire One 751h: Although it has the same display size and resolution as the Gateway LT3100, its other specs follow the typical guidelines for a netbook – it has a 1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z520, 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of memory, 6-cell battery, and runs on Windows XP. All this is included for about $380.
- The Dell Mini 12: It uses the same CPU as the Gateway LT3100 and has the same amount of memory (1 GB), but comes with an additional 40 GB hard drive, 12.1-inch screen display (1280×800), and runs on Ubuntu Linux; all for $400. If you want Windows XP instead of the Linux, it costs $100 more, but a larger hard drive is added to your purchase.
- Asus S121: It is labeled as a notebook with a 12.1 inch display and an Atom Z-Series Chip – a better version of the Eee PC S101 netbook.
However, the big question is: Why are all these netbooks utilizing the Z520 than the Atom N270, which is more typical of smaller netbooks? Most computer manufacturers answer this question by claiming that the Z-series has better battery life, but the truth is that the performance is not even up to par with the N270. The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is a new netbook that has all the specs that are standard of a 12 inch netbook at $500 –an Atom N270 CPU, 160 GB hard drive, 12.1 inch screen (1280×800), 1 GB of memory, and the Windows XP system. This Lenovo model is simple to think about, but Lenovo thereafter released a different S12 with the GeForce 9400M GPU instead of the GMA950, and Nvidia’s Ion chipset. Although this particular S12 will be sold at a higher price with a less than average battery life, it will provide better performance.
The Gateway LT3100 was an unexpected surprise to computer critics because AMD had once expressed its plan to stay away from netbooks. The Athlon 64 L110 was not originally a part of the company’s roadmap, but was released with 512 KB of cache, a M690 chipset, and a 1.20 GHz single-core processor. However, AMD is primarily known for its Neo processor that that is used for cheaper, ultra-thin notebooks. Currently, the only computer that uses this processor is the HP Pavilion dv2z, a 12.1 inch laptop. At $599.99, it is equipped with a Radeon Xpress 1250 chipset, 1.6 GHz AMD Athlon Neo MV-40, 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of memory, and Windows Vista. However, the Pavilion dv2z is also available in two different, dual-core Neo processors:
- The 1.6GHz Athlon Neo X2 L335: Contains 512K of L2 cache, functions with the MS780G with the Radeon HD 3410 with 512 MB graphics or the Xpress 1250 chipset.
- The AMD Turion Neo X2 L625: Has 1MB of L2 cache, the same frequency as the Athlon, and functions with the MS780G and other, more powerful graphics.
In addition, AMD claims that the Neo X2 is a customized chip that is noticeably different from the “Conesus” dual-core Neo processor, which is considered to be standard. The “Conesus” version will be released with the Congo platform later this year. This platform is expected to debut more 12 inch laptops in the future.
Intel has a few of its own advancements in this category, such as the ultra low voltage or ULV processors. Intel has always sold low-voltage and ultra low-voltage chips, so this is not an area that it has not dealt with before. However, these low-voltage chips were only incorporated in premium laptops with displays that were 13 inches or less. The ULV processors can be now found in more standard laptops like the Acer Aspire 3810 Timeline and the MSI X340, which cost less than $1,000. Although most of these laptops are 13 inches, it is quite obvious that the ULV processors are meant to compete with AMD’s Neo processor. Both processors cost more, but offer a nice substitute to 12 inch netbooks.
In conclusion, I wanted to point out that the 12 inch laptop segment offers a large variety of options that cannot be compared to any other category. The recent 10 inch netbooks are clearly an attractive deal – they have comfortable keyboards, performance good enough to handle basic tasks, high portability, and a great price at around $300. Although notebooks have lowered in price, the truth is that it cannot match the cheap price of a netbook. But, if you feel that better performance is what you are looking for, then go ahead and buy the notebook – you’ll be better off spending more money on the real thing.