What's a good netbook?

[smearyllama]

As I'm soon to replace my ancient Dell laptop with a home-built gaming PC, I'm still gonna need a way to move around with a smaller computer.

As I won't need very much power, and I really need are to be able to use the web and play a few games on long trips, what do you guys recommend?

Here's what I'm looking for:

-Light power. Plants Vs. Zombies and Fallout are all it needs to handle.
-Lightweight and small. 10in. or so is good.
-Long battery life. Plane rides are much less dull with a good game to play on a six-hour flight. 6+ hours should do.
-Good resolution.

Does anyone have a recommendation? I'd love to get some feedback!

 

[New Troll]

You don't need anything fancy for your needs and most of them are about the same spec-wise. My advice, check out the local discount store and see what name-brands they have for sale. You can usually find a decent Toshiba or Dell for around $250. And if it comes with something better than an Atom processor, all the better!

 

[Hashime]

I would look at an Asus or an MSI. I have had good experiences with both. The only thing to consider is your hand size in comparison with the keyboard size; try before you buy.

 

[Nova5]

Netbook? Good? Not in my reality...

Really though, just keep the hell away from EePCs.

Seconded. I've had to re-install Windows on a friend's Asus EeePC and another friend's Samsung NP-N150, and I can tell you the EeePC was the experience from hell. Dodgy driver support, god awful hardware (in the reliability sense, not in terms of power), and one of the ugliest displays I've ever seen.

As far as 'good' netbooks go, I'd say that Sony and Samsungs are more reliable. Given that the netbook market is tanking right now and retailers are trying to get out from under their netbook stockpiles, you can pick up some Sony VAIO models for around $300 at Fry's right now that were listed for over $600 just a few months ago.

 

[Ziadaine_v1legacy]

Thirded with EeePCs. Also, steer clear from ACER, DELL and Alienware (all that is is a fancy sticker and a few extrs $$$). MSI are def' a very good and reliable brand, as are Toshiba and ASUS.

 

[Nova5]

Thirded with EeePCs. Also, steer clear from ACER, DELL and Alienware (all that is is a fancy sticker and a few extrs $$$). MSI are def' a very good and reliable brand, as are Toshiba and ASUS.

I'd question the reliability of most Asus or Toshibas, given that most of their product line has begun using Atheros wi-fi chipsets (the least reliable, least functional wi-fi cards out there). Most of their "high-end" netbooks are alright, though.

 

[SovietX]

I have a Acer Aspireone netbook. Its fairly small and runs alright. I can play Fallout 2 and Diablo 2 no problems. It takes a while to start up but thats probably because I have FL Studio on there.

 

[Andrea Chard]

i use a samsung NC10 and in my opinion its f*****g fantastic....abt 5 hours battery life, 6 if you play about with the settings...good memory size (sorry but cant remember off the top of my head), and it picks up a decent connection when needed.

To top it off....the bastard is almost bulletproof...ive lost count of how many times ive dropped it or knocked it off my bed

 

[MASTACHIEFPWN]

If you have an endless amount of funds, get an alienware M11X!

 

[BlueberryMUNCH]

I use a HP mini 550...I think...and it was used as my only computer for three months, and it was problem free and I got used to it.

I think there are better versions out now, but it's still great. I got it for £250 about a year ago(Y).
The keyboard's pretty big, too^_^.

 

[vxicepickxv]

Thirded with EeePCs. Also, steer clear from ACER, DELL and Alienware (all that is is a fancy sticker and a few extrs $$$). MSI are def' a very good and reliable brand, as are Toshiba and ASUS.

It seems that Acer and Asus are special brands, and sometimes they're good for some people and not for others. My Acer is still kicking after two years, and last year my buddy has his Asus replaced 3 times in less than 6 months.

We never figured out what the problem really was, because on the last time, they just sent him a new one, instead of the old one. I've heard nothing but bad things about EeePC's. Alienware is just an over hyped, overpriced Dell anyway.

I'd also stay away from anything HP or Compaq. I don't know anyone who's had an HP or Compaq that lasted longer than a year without some major problem showing up, myself included.

 

[ramboondiea]

id say the acer aspire one d250 or if you want the slight upgraded version the d255.
had mine for a year now, use it for uni work and general use and its fantastic, i have the larger battery which does a maximum of 8-9 hours, depending on what your using.
it has my seal of approval! ha