Quote:
Originally Posted by bbusybookworm
Hmm, Just got My mom a Sony Vaio P11
I was all set to get her the Asus 1000HE, as it had the best balance of Specs and Performance (As I thought) and a great battery life.
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There are a few downsides.
First the smaller screen does take a little getting used to, and if you multitask a lot, its probably not the best option.
Performance wise, its so-so, but how much of it is due to the slower processor and how much is due to the OS still has to be seen, and once I get some time to install Windows 7 on it, will see. Still, It is usable, though if you have more then a few apps open at the same time, it can and does freeze up a bit.
To keep it nice and slim, Sony has moved the VGA out and Ethernet jack to a separate Dongle which they to their credit have included in the box. Still it is one more thing you have to keep track off, and if you have to use it often can be a bit tiresome.
Only 2 USB Ports and no analog Mike in, though there is a built in mike. Still if you plan to use a head set, better get a USB one.
Overall, its a really nice machine, though you really pay a premium for the Small size and low weight.
It worked out to £700 for the machine and another £40 for the carry case (The official Sony one was £100!!!!!!)
That's a little over double the price of the 1000HE, but still below other ultra-portable notebooks such as Sont Tz, Toshiba Portege, etc.
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Wow, that's quite the expensive netbook. I really hope that netbook satisfies her needs.
As you've acknowledged, it's double the price of a 1000HE, however it is indeed smaller and low weight. But DOUBLE THE PRICE!!! And, it still has several shortcomings that you've outlined. I'd rather the 3G dongle than the ethernet/VGA one but i guess that's personal preference.
For me, a netbook is intended to fill a gap with already having another "main" computer. I would find it very hard to spend $1K on a netbook to fill that gap with some of the inherent limitations that having a netbook has. But I guess if a netbook is your main computer, perhaps the expenditure is worthwhile.