Overall this machine is very satisfactory. I would have given this Netbook 5 stars with the exception of one minor flaw (I will explain this later on in this review.)
Out of the box this machine is very capable of doing what it was designed for without any delay. It has a 1.6 ghz Intel Atom processor (5watt I believe) and 512mb of ram. I can tell you two things right now, because this machine comes with Linpus lite on it. Its specification is very generous and way more than what is required for its intended use. But and this is a BIG but.....if you have multiple pc's at home (more than likely running windows) you will find it very difficult if not impossible to setup file sharing between the pc's. Which will make transferring your existing documents near impossible unless you are
very experienced at using Linux.
Which brings me to this Netbooks only real flaw. The Hard Drive (Solid State) If Like me you are a Windows user, and you like being able to share your files, listen to your music without transferring it to the Netbook and finally you enjoy controlling your desktop computer around the house. Then that means for sake of ease your gonna want to put Microsoft Windows on this little beast.
In only this scenario will this machine show its only flaw, Its unbelievably slow and small (8gb) hard drive. After you go through the 4 - 6 hours its takes to install Windows XP on this machine. You will find that this seemingly fast Netbook is all of a sudden not what it seemed. With Linpus lite (Linux) your looking at a start time of around 20 seconds, With Windows XP your looking at a start up time of around 15 - 20 minutes before its usable.
Why is this so I hear you ask. Well consider this...Solid State hard drives have only been around for a year at the most. So why has such a cheap Netbook got a SSD and yet still remain relatively low cost? Its simple, the drive is really low spec, I mean RIDICULOUSLY LOW SPEC. It has a max transfer rate of 38 megabits per second (mbps). Seems a lot doesn't it? Well sadly no, let me put this into perspective for you. The wireless Lan Card (or WNIC, call it what you will) is 54mbps. So file transfers are always slowed down across your network by not the wireless but you guessed it...the SSD.
One more example to put this in perspective consider your Desktop HDD. If its a really old one, Your desktops HDD is probably around 300 - 400 mbps. So when you install oh lets say, Open Office on your desktop it takes 5 - 10 mins. On this Netbook with Windows XP and 1.5gb of ram (I Upgraded, trust me...There is no difference in performance) To Install the exact same version of Open Office you talking 1.5 hours (I was so bored I lost interest and left this machine going, so I didn't count.)
Okay I have rambled on about this machines only real flaw for ages, but don't let my review sway you from buying this machine just yet. Consider this, would you class yourself as a PC geek?
If yes then you have read enough, go buy another Netbook or the more expensive version.
If No, Then I will put this too you. Out Of the box and unchanged, this machine is very fast and very usable. Its sleek in design and looks good. it has all the keyboard functions you get from a regular keyboard (via the FN button and the blue symbols showing its FN Functions) It has an 8.9" screen and (via the FN key) it can have its brightness controlled. Which REALLY saves on battery life. You talking around 3 -4 hours battery use..depends upon silly things like volume, screen brightness, if your using the wireless and or memory card, etc (these all affect the power consumption)
In conclusion. If your an inexperienced PC user or your buying this as a Christmas/Birthday/Whatever gift for your children, or even your Grandparent. Then this is the machine for you. why? Simple its cheap, Fully functional mini laptop. It has a microphone and webcam with Acer Messenger. So yes you can or your gift recipient can use this machine for just about anything you would use a desktop computer for (Except Gaming)
But...
If your a PC geek, or your spec obsessed, or a windows user (like me :P) This isn't really the machine for you. Due to its small and ridiculously slow SSD (hard drive.) That is this wonderful machines only real flaw (You could always buy and IPOD HDD which is faster and bigger) and this Netbook will see you through. but personally I would recommend buying the Windows version rather than trying to save yourself some money (like I tried to do)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Small and portable. Has a good messenger. Disadvantages: Can't download anything, and does not have a CD drive. Also is fairly low on memory
Advantages: Small and portable. Has a good messenger. Disadvantages: Can't download anything, and does not have a CD drive. Also is fairly low on memory
Nov 26th, 2008
