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Netbook Operating System, Memory and Graphics

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Netbooks
  2. Netbook Reviews
  3. Netbook Operating System, Memory and Graphics
  4. Windows Netbooks
  5. Discount Netbooks Features Comparison Table
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Netbook Operating System, Memory and Graphics

Netbooks Operating System.

The cheapest netbooks run Windows 7 Starter as the operating system, a lighter version of Windows 7 that's designed to work well with netbooks.
Windows 7 Starter has most of the basic functionality you'd want from Windows 7 Home Premium, such as network support and the ability to play audio and video files. But Windows 7 Starter doesn't include the popular Windows Aero feature, so the user interface isn't as powerful or efficient, and you won't be able to change your desktop background. Also, Windows 7 Starter only supports up to 2GB of RAM.

A handful of mini netbooks use Windows 7 Home Premium, but most cost more than our $320 ceiling. One exception is our top pick, the Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454; a netbooks review says the beefier operating system on the Aspire One partially accounts for its laudable performance. The Samsung Series 5 Chromebook takes an entirely different approach, using Google's Chrome OS as its operating system. The Chrome OS is basically an enhanced Google Chrome Web browser, and mini netbooks that run on Chrome are heavily web-oriented. Chrome netbooks don't run standard Windows programs; instead, they run web-based apps.

Netbooks Memory.

Laptop buyers typically look for 2GB to 4GB of memory (or RAM) in their systems, but nearly all the cheapest netbooks ship with just 1GB of RAM. Netbook reviews say this is sufficient for most netbook tasks, but if you watch online videos or run several applications simultaneously, performance may be adversely affected. Among the cheapest netbooks, the Acer Aspire One AO722 BZ454 is unusual for its 2GB of RAM, a feature that provides more leeway for more intensive use, such as browsing with multiple tabs open or running several programs at once. A good many consumers posting netbooks reviews on Amazon say upgrading this system to 4GB kicks it up several notches. The cost of an upgrade is usually $25-$40; the only model on our list that can be upgraded to 2GB of RAM when ordered is the HP Mini 210.

Review continues below

Netbooks Screen and Graphics.

Screens on the cheapest netbooks are wide and have a bit of an odd resolution, typically 1024 x 600, rather than the more familiar 1366 x 768 resolution found on laptops; the standard display 10.1 inches. The Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454, however, stands apart from the cheapest netbooks crowd with its 1366 x 768 resolution and 11.6-inch display. Small screens no doubt make for excellent portability, but the price of that convenience is a cramped, occasionally fuzzy view: Web browsing, video streaming, and low-level gaming just aren't as clear as on regular laptops.

The cheapest netbooks have only basic graphics capabilities, usually in the form of a modest Intel or Radeon video chip. This means they're not the best platform for graphics, gaming, or videos, which are pretty demanding of a system's graphics hardware, although they do an adequate job with YouTube videos and the like. The standard 1024 x 600 resolution isn't high enough to play true HD 720p video; the higher resolution of the Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454, however, is up to the task, according to a netbooks review on About.com. Some hardware manufacturers, such as Nvidia, are creating netbook components that will boost the graphics power of netbooks, but that's not a primary concern for users of the cheapest netbooks.

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Best Cheap Netbooks

Acer Aspire One
Gold Medal

Acer Aspire One

 AO722-BZ454
This version of the Acer Aspire One includes a relatively large 11.6-inch screen, a fast CPU, and a full version of Windows 7, all for a budget price. Reviewers say it runs well, though its keyboard performance could be better. Still, it's an excellent deal. Read more »
Netbooks Deals
Toshiba Mini NB505
Gold Medal

Toshiba Mini NB505

 The Toshiba Mini NB505 has a distinctive look with a choice of lid colors, but reviewers really like it for above-average battery life, good performance, and comfortable keyboard. Read more »
Netbooks Deals

Good Cheap Netbooks

HP Mini 1103
Gold Medal

HP Mini 1103

 Reviewers like the HP Mini's keyboard and touchpad for their feel and function, and the 7,200 rpm hard drive gives this computer a performance boost. Read more »
Netbooks Deals
Gateway LT2805U
Gold Medal

Gateway LT2805U

 This Office Depot special from Gateway is a typical netbook in many ways but for its smaller battery. While that helps keep the price low, we suggest you not stray too far from a power cord for any length of time. Read more »
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Don't Bother Cheap Netbooks

HP Mini 210

The HP Mini 210 has a marathon-worthy battery life and a user-friendly keyboard, but reviewers aren't crazy about the integrated touchpad buttons, which are hard to use. They also found performance to be below average. Read more »

Asus Eee PC 1015B

According to reviewers, the Asus Eee PC 1015B's performance is sluggish, which was a real turn-off. Reviewers also note that the small keyboard seems cramped and doesn't have a good, tactile feel. Read more »

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