11.6" + Netbook with Ion Options...Trouble Deciding

blobert

Sorry, I meant to post this in the Laptops sub-forum, would it be possible to move it?

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Hello,

I was all set to buy the new Samsung n510. Having previously had the nc10 which I really liked I was all set to get this slightly bigger screened version. I am also keen to take advantage of the Ion processor to allow me to play 720p + MKV files directly to my home cinema set up (currently cannot do this with xbox 360 without annoying converting etc)

The Samsung n510 is pretty pricey, elara seem the best value at €460. However this model is pretty basic spec with 1gb ram/160gb Hd/Xp. In other countries it is launching with 2Gb, 250Gb and Windows 7, so I'd imagine it'll be available here with that spec some time soon. The cost will most likely be well over €500 though based on the price in other countries with that spec, very pricey.

Was having a look around and see the HP Compaq Mini 311 for sale for £323 delivered from Overclockers. Spec is exactly the same except for the slightly worse Atom processor (very marginal difference). The price is over €100 less though, seems a better deal.

Then I saw the Lenovo S12 about to launch with Ion. For €452 delivered from Lenovo you get:

320GB HD, 2Gb Ram, Windows 7, 12.1" screen.

This seems a pretty good deal compared to the Samsung.

Just wondering if anyone else had any opinions or options I should be considering.

Would be looking to order something in the next week or two so waiting a few months for better deals is not really an option.

Let me know if I am missing something, all 3 above get pretty good reviews so it's a tough decision:)

Thanks in advance.

AlmightyCushion

Moved from comp and tech.

Alanstrainor

Ion is not a processor, it's a graphics card. And afaik it can process 1080p, so long as it's not flash based. I bought the n510 for my uncle and it's a fine machine, but then again i didn't have a chance to use the HP Compaq mini 311, so i really can't compare, but the ION Graphics really does make a huge difference.
But i suppose it depends on what you're going to be using it for, if HD video is a priority, and some very moderate gaming, then i'd say it's a worthy upgrade, if not, then i wouldn't be so sure.

Stuky69

Just looking at Lenova IdeaPad U350, looks impressive

blobert

Thanks guys,

The Lenovo has jumped back to €550 in price so is no longer an option.
Should have probably bought it at €450, seemed a very good price for all the spec.

Seeing as the HP and Samsung are practically identical except for the former being €100 less I think I'll just go for the HP.

Samsung looks nicer but it's quite a lot more to pay.

HP/Compaq 311 gets very good reviews so I'm sure it'll do the job.

Any further opinions before I order would be appreciated.

Voodu Child

You say you need to buy a laptop ASAP so its probably irrelevant. But there is a new Atom platform coming in Q1 2010 (Pineview), with new processors and the option of a Broadcom video decoder (capable of the same kind of video acceleration). Its going to directly compete with the Ion concept so we might see lower prices all round.

blobert

Thanks, I know there are better ones around the corner, but I'm missing the NC10 so much I can't wait till Jan. Current atom is actually being phased out from Jan onwards I believe.

Figured it was worth selling the Samsung while its resale value was still good and upgrading to a slightly bigger screen for not much extra. The HD playback is also a major plus.

The Lenovo S12 is still £389 delivered on the UK site so it might be worth getting it delivered to Dealhunter etc up north and dropped down to me here, could still get it for €450 that way.

Tough choice:)

ytareh

Have an N510 now a few days (got it from Elara -they may still have one in stock, on site in Dublin 12)for 460 euro...its a considerably better gaming machine than the NC10 -remember many a low spec gaming machine like the Dell1330 had the (overheating)8400 graphics card ...the 9400 should be a bit better again .BUT the Atom cpu is a bottle neck holding back that gpu ...
Basically it will allow you to play 2-4 year old games on medium levels that would have struggled on the NC10 at minimum levels ...but its not gonna be much fun on newer games...
The 11.6" screen SEEMS a lot bigger to me so if the NC10 is as big as you'd like to carry that might be a deal breaker ....the NC10 is slightly better built (nicer plastics in places-power on button is oval and looks cheaper than the round NC10 one )
Resolution is 1366x768 so quite a bit bigger than NC10...Im happy I made the trade up overall.

blobert

Overclockers wanted to charge 21.5% Vat which put the price up a lot.

I ordered it for £318.91 delivered from lambda-tek.com in the UK.

Seems a great price at about €350, will let you know if it turns up ok.

air

blobert wrote: »

Overclockers wanted to charge 21.5% Vat which put the price up a lot.

I ordered it for £318.91 delivered from lambda-tek.com in the UK.

Seems a great price at about €350, will let you know if it turns up ok.

That sounds a great price, they're listing it at £378 inc VAT now:
http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop/index.pl?prodID=1768864

Ubaroo

Does anyone know anything about the dual core Acer netbook thats going for 499 in agros? Pretty good spec for the price.

anyone know where there's a good price for a hp mini 311 with windows 7. a lot of places still seem to be only selling it with xp.