Netbooks

[Anapan]

Just a note about HP laptops: If it came with Vista Home Edition on it, it's very difficult to get it off to put XP on. There's a hardware tweak they did specifically to stop people downgrading. Never saw anything like it. You actually need to modify the CD, and HP does not support the downgrade (no drivers/support/proper downgrade cd).

[MentalMan]

Just a note about HP laptops: If it came with Vista Home Edition on it, it's very difficult to get it off to put XP on. There's a hardware tweak they did specifically to stop people downgrading. Never saw anything like it. You actually need to modify the CD, and HP does not support the downgrade (no drivers/support/proper downgrade cd).

That is pretty nasty, didnt even knew about that myself.

"Luckily" I cant use XP because of the lack of DX10 support and upwards, so I had to ditch it a long while ago. For anyone considering to downgrade though, that is indeed pretty bad. But on the other hand, it sure dosnt come as a suprise. Push Push Push.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

Just a note about HP laptops: If it came with Vista Home Edition on it, it's very difficult to get it off to put XP on. There's a hardware tweak they did specifically to stop people downgrading. Never saw anything like it. You actually need to modify the CD, and HP does not support the downgrade (no drivers/support/proper downgrade cd).

You know HP was sued and lost over when they did this and forced software and hardware updates through themselves only a few years back. I'm surprised the idiots are trying again.

[casterofdreams]

I have my PC for games. I want it to surf the internet in bed, maybe watch shows on Hulu, play NES/SNES/Genesis emulators, older PC games via GOG and the like and just to have a device better than my smartphone to take around with me. I see no need for a full laptop and I'd rather have smaller and lighter.

Edit: That Pioneer looks nice but I bet it will be expensive. I am thinking $300 for something.

I think this got a bit out of hand. I have the same set up as to what your achieving, Powerhouse PC for everything like school and whatnot, and a small guy for the simple things in life. I don't think Octopod is looking for a "Alien Ware" like Netbook, he has a nice PC for those kinds of tasks.

On to the topic. For what you are looking to do, I think a great option would be the Toshiba NB 205. It cost me $320 and it does gaming emulation up to 32-Bit (VBA emulator as an example) without a hitch. I like the keyboard as the keys are tile like and raised up which feel nice for long typing sessions. 160 Gig HDD is standard from what I'm seeing and I think its plenty enough. Battery life is great at about 6 to 8 hours on default settings. I hope I helped.

Here is a link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Mini+Netbook+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Atom%26%23153%3B+Processor+-+Royal+Blue/9545129.p?id=1218122580711&skuId=9545129

[RokstaEnSweden]

I'm also in the market for a netbook. As stated above, they're not meant to be a replacement computer, but if you already have a primary PC and need something for travel, or to be lazy in bed with, then the netbook is a good option (or an iPad if you're a zombie).

Personally, I went with the Asus 1005HA after a lot of research and waiting. The final deciding factors for me were the large number of positive reviews for the model, the brand, and the ease that you can install Ubuntu netbook remix on it. Let's face it; you don't want to buy a netbook and then bog down its already limited resources with something as unholy as windows.

The only thing that bothered me regarding netbooks is the small keyboard, but the 1005HA is supposed to have close to a full-sized one to match the 10.1 inch screen. Also, if you're going to want to play back HD content on the device, then as someone mentioned, you may want to wait until the new Asus model comes out which has the Nvidia ION graphics. I've been debating that myself, but ultimately I just wanted something I could surf the internet on and bring with me when I travel.

[Octopod]

Yeah, my PC is Core i7 860 @ 2.8 GHz, 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 TB SATA HDD, GTS 240... I can play modern games on that. I just want something I can play Fallout 2 on at school and fuck around with the internet. Something light that easily fits in a backpack that is already full of books. I was looking at the 3G ones since they seem to cost about $150 and the 3G would come in handy but I do not want a second data plan bill when I already have a Droid. Besides, I could probably tether my Droid to a netbook, right?

That Toshiba does look pretty nice but 1 GB RAM and Windows 7 seems like a bad fit, doesn't it?

[casterofdreams]

for me im very good at adapting to new windows systems becuase of the top 3 utilities i have on both pcs. i have them both optimized with revo, avg free, and glary utilities. i like the interface and never have a problem with compatability issues. but enough about that... 1 gb of ram is enough for what you seem to be looking for although i dont know if its upgradable. it also has an intel chip even though im an amd fanboy, it does the job just fine.

[CRTGAMER]

Surprised nobody said it, but don't get that over priced iPAD. It falls in the niche if you like a touch screen keyboard and if it wasn't so ridiculously over priced. Other Netbook manufacturers are coming out with their PC versions.

[Pulsar_t]

Nobody with an iota of logic will even go near that thing. Is it possible for Apple to gain world domination and trump Microsoft? I foresee dark days ahead for humanity.

[Octopod]

I hate Apple. Have no fear, I will never buy an iPad.

Yeah, the rumored HTC Android tablet I saw somewhere could be cool but I am not sure. I like physical keyboards.