HP TouchSmart tx2

The newest 12-inch notebook from HP is no ordinary ultraportable laptop. The HP TouchSmart tx2z is the first consumer notebook and tablet PC that offers on-screen multi-touch control. Forget about using the notebook's touchpad or an external mouse. If you see something on the screen you want to press or move just reach up and touch it. HP's new "MediaSmart" software allows you to use your fingertips to take command of everything on the screen with a quick touch or simple gestures. Is this the future of laptop computing? Keep reading to find out.

HP TouchSmart tx2z specifications:

• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-86 (2.4 GHz)
• 12.1" WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen (1280x800) with Integrated Touch-screen
• 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics with 64MB Display Cache Memory
• 400GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Reaction)
• Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• 8-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• HP Mini Remote Control
• 5-in-1 digital media reader
• Express card/34 PC card slot
• Dimensions: 8.82" x 12.05" x 1.23"/ 1.52" (with 4-cell battery)
• Weight: 4.65 lbs (varies by configuration)
• Starts at $1,149.99 (Price as configured: $1,733.99)

The TouchSmart tx2 is a solid convertible notebook designed to function as either a standard notebook or you can rotate the screen 180 degrees to turn the notebook into a tablet and write directly on the screen using the included digital pen. The overall chassis design is nothing new; the design is virtually the same as the tx2500 with the only obvious change being the new glossy "Reaction" Imprint Finish which is a dark gray rather than silver seen on the previous generation. HP's Imprint Finish always looks cool but the glossy surface is a fingerprint magnet and HP even includes a polishing cloth because this notebook will start picking up finger smudges after just a few minutes. The body of the notebook is smooth with rounded edges, making it extremely comfortable in your hands while carrying it around.

One of the big questions surrounding the release of the TouchSmart tx2 was whether it would have an active digitizer like the tx2500z or if it would sacrifice the active digitizer (and quality tablet functionality) in order to provide multi-touch screen controls. We're pleased to tell you the tx2 still has an active digitizer along with the multi-touch screen. You can use your fingers or the pen. The tx2 also has great entertainment features, like Altec Lansing speakers and a mini-remote control. For the price this tablet seems to be packed full of features just like its predecessor.

The pen is solid but it's a pretty basic pen. It reads the screen when it's about an inch above and then disables the touchscreen, this way your hand doesn't interfere if you rest your palm on the screen when writing. The N-trig pen technology used is fantastic, just remember you can't keep picking the pen up or the touch feature will be activated again and your hand might trigger something on the screen.

HP offers the new TouchSmart tx2z with a range of AMD processors starting with the 2.1GHz Turion X2 RM-72 dual-core processor and ending with the 2.4GHz Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 in our review unit. However, the big news in 2008 has to be the availability of AMD's new "Puma" platform with improved processors and graphics. The new AMD dual-core processors are nice and perfectly capable of handling your computing needs, but it's the integrated graphics that will get your attention.

Sure, it might be hard to get excited about an integrated graphics processor (IGP). Every IGP on the market prior to this year was painfully inferior to a dedicated graphics card and every IGP on the market struggled to handle high definition video and 3D video games. That all started to change this year with the introduction of the ATI Radeon HD 3200. For the first time ever consumers had a low-cost IGP that offers flawless 1080p video playback and can even play many 3D video games at reasonable frame rates!

by Jerry Jackson

Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725

The Qosmio X305 is the flagship gaming notebook sold by Toshiba, with configurations including dual graphics cards, dual storage drives, and the latest Intel quad-core processors. With a stylish design and great surround sound speakers the Qosmio notebooks walk the fine line between consumer notebooks and super high-end custom gaming notebooks.

Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725 Specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.0GHz, 1066MHz, 6MB Cache)
• 4GB DDR3 memory PC3-8500 DDR3
• Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit, SP1)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTX graphics (1GB GDDR3)
• 17” WSXGA+ Display 1680x1050 (Glossy)
• Intel Mobile PM45 Chipset
• DVDRW-SuperMulti with Labelflash
• 64GB SSD + 320GB hard drive (7200rpm)
• Intel 5100AGN WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Stereo speakers with subwoofer
• Webcam and microphone
• 180W (19V x 9.5A) Power Supply
• Battery:8-cell 14.4V 58Wh
• Weight: 9lbs 5oz
• Size: 16.2” x12.0” x 1.7” /2.5” with feet
• MSRP: $2,699.99

The Toshiba X305 gaming notebook is one of the larger models we've seen in the office, with the rear of the notebook peaking at 2.5” thick including the feet. Its wedge shape amplifies the height at the rear, making the notebook look twice as thick going from front to back. The X305 is designed to handle a quad-core processor and dual graphics cards which need extra room to get proper cooling ... not to mention fitting the components themselves. To put its size into context, the dual-screen Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds is only 2.1” thick. Overlooking the thickness, the design is stylish and gives you the impression that this is definitely not a standard notebook. The glossy trim, flame paint job, and translucent red plastics really help to get that point across. The paint job could have been more detailed with more realistic flames, but that might have been cost prohibitive with the production process.

Build quality is average, and perhaps should have been better in certain areas. The back cover of the display shows a significant amount of flex due to a large empty space between the lid and screen panel. When holding the laptop with one hand from the side (if your hand is big enough) the lid compresses and squeaks quite a bit. Better support might have resolved this problem and given the lid a much more durable feel. The keyboard was another area that could have been much better. The support beneath the center of the keyboard was fine for heavy typing, but typing near the bottom corner of the keyboard resulted in a "popping" sensation making the keyboard move around.

Toshiba included what appears to be an Alps touchpad on the X305 based on the fact that Alps drivers were preinstalled on the system. Windows Update saw it as a Synaptics model and installed drivers as such, causing some confusion over what type of touchpad it really is. The Synaptics drivers had very limited settings, missing all sensitivity options, so it could have just been an error from Windows Vista. The touchpad didn’t seem that responsive and required a heavier touch to accurately move across the display. The surface texture provides a bit of traction without making your finger stick ... something you appreciate after hours of gaming. The large touchpad buttons were easy to trigger and gave shallow feedback when pressed.

by Kevin O'Brien

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 2GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M)

As I examine the MacBook, let's start with the easy stuff and save the value proposition and judgment for later. My MacBook is the base model. Vital statistics are as follows:

• Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz CPU with 25 Watt TDP
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400m IGP with shared memory
• 13" WXGA High-Definition Display With 1280 x 800 Resolution
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 System Memory (dual channel mode)
• Superdrive 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support

The notebook itself is constructed of aluminum and glass. The case is a unibody that seems to be machined from a solid piece of billet aluminum. The finish is quite good, and appears to have been anodized to prevent the pitting that afflicted the first generation aluminum PowerBook. Apple has made a notebook that is creak free when carrying it around - this is very rigid and feels like it will still be going strong long after it is obsolete. For reference, I am typing this review on a Dell Latitude E6400, itself made from Magnesium alloy, and the MacBook feels much more robust. The best way to describe is that when you hold it, the MacBook feels as though it is one single solid piece of metal with no seams.

The gray body and black keyboard recalls the Titanium PowerBook. But handling it, the MacBook possesses a solid construction that the TiBook never did - very confidence inspiring. Rather than a LCD latch mechanism the MacBook uses a magnetic latch. Hinge tension is perfect and the assembly appears to be very robust.

LED back lighting makes it possible to produce a very thin cover. MacBook's 13" display is one of the brightest I have seen on a small notebook. At the second lowest brightness setting the screen was quite usable in a dark setting, but most people will probably settle on 50%. It uses a very glossy glass screen which is compensated for by the bright LED back light. Glass may sound fragile, but Apple uses a tempered variety here and on the iPhone that seems quite durable in my experience. There is a subtle rubber gasket lining the screen's perimeter that prevents accidental screen slams and broken glass.

For a screen this size, the MacBook's 1280x800 is a good resolution. Text size and the amount of usable screen real estate are decent. If you plan on doing any video or photo work an external monitor will be a good idea. Viewing angles are good horizontally and poor vertically – this is what I have come to expect from consumer notebooks.

You also get support for more touch gestures when using the pad. You can rotate pictures, increase/decrease zoom and even change the screen magnification with the touch pad. Apple's control panel offers video demonstration of the actions making it very easy to learn how to fully exploit the new features. This is the sort of well thought out enhancement Apple is known for. The number one item I miss when using a Windows PC is the Apple touch pad.

In terms of size, the MacBook is tough to beat if a small notebook is what you need. Dimensions are: height 2.41 cm (0.95 inch), width 32.5 cm (12.78 inches), depth 22.7 cm (8.94 inches) and weight of 2.04 kg (4.5 pounds). Its 60 Watt power adapter is tiny and adds about half a pound to the travel weight. MacBook uses Apple's Mag Safe connector. This innovation eliminates a few risks from notebooks; for example a sudden yank of the cord releases the magnetic connector before the notebook is pulled off the table.

by Perry Longi

HP Mini 2140

The low-cost ultraportable notebook or "netbook" market might have exploded in 2008, but HP plans to take the top spot in 2009 with the all new Mini 2140. This business-grade netbook features a 10.1-inch screen, a remarkably large keyboard, a high capacity hard drive, and plenty of impressive specs. Did HP learn from the mistakes of the past? Is the Mini 2140 this year's ultimate road warrior machine? Keep reading to discover the answers.

HP Mini 2140 features the following specifications:

• Operating System: Genuine Windows XP (Vista or SUSE Linux also available)
• Processor: Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.60GHz (512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
• Memory: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 800MHz, one SODIMM memory slot, supports up to 2GB
• Internal Storage: 160GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD with HP 3D DriveGuard (also available with 160GB 7200 rpm SATA with HP 3D DriveGuard or 80GB Solid State Drive)
• Display: 10.1-inch diagonal (1024 x 576)
• Graphics: Intel GMA 950
• Wireless: Broadcom 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0, HP Wireless Assistant
• Expansion slots: (1) ExpressCard/54 slot, Secure Digital (SD) slot
• Ports and connectors: (2) USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet (Gigabit), stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, VGA webcam
• Input device: 92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.05 (at front) x 10.3 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 2.4 lb with 3-cell battery and hard drive, 2.93 lb with 6-cell battery and hard drive (not including weight of AC adapter).
• Power: 6-cell (55 WHr) or 3-cell (28 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery, 65W HP Smart AC Adapter with HP Fast Charge
• Warranty: One-year standard parts and labor warranty, pick-up or carry-in, and toll-free 7 x 24 hardware technical phone support.
• Pricing for the HP Mini 2140 starts from as little as $499 for the base configuration

The HP Mini 2140, like last year's Mini-note 2133, has a great design.The brushed aluminum and plastic casing is durable and hides fingerprints well. It also keeps the Mini 2140 lightweight; only weighing in around 2.4 lbs as configured. The sleek business appeal feels at home in the corporate world, but the Mini 2140 is targeted toward students as well. One look at this machine and you can see why. Who wouldn't want an inexpensive mini notebook to toss in a backpack between classes, especially one that pretty much has a full-size keyboard?

HP was smart to keep the design of the 2140 mostly unchanged from the 2133. Nothing about the Mini 2140 feels cheap. The chassis is solid thanks to a combination of aluminum, plastic, and a magnesium alloy support structure inside. The larger 10.1" display is beautiful and easy to read indoors despite putting off some significant glare outdoors because of the protective coating. The Mini 2140 also comes with enough ports and storage capacity (thanks to the 160GB hard drive) that you might even consider using this business-grade netbook as your primary computer.

The keyboard on the Mini 2140 is simply fantastic. Last year we said the keyboard on the Mini-note 2133 "is the best keyboard we've seen on a notebook this small." That statement holds true for the new Mini 2140 as well. Sure, you can find better keyboards on larger notebooks, but HP currently has the best keyboard we've tested on 10-inch and smaller netbooks. The keys have the silver "HP DuraKeys" finish that makes them resist dirt and makes the letters printed on the keys last longer over time. The surface of the keys are also smooth to the touch.

by Jerry Jackson

Sony VAIO P

Despite the use of an Intel Atom processor, the design of the Sony VAIO P is quite unlike any netbook we've seen. The exterior is covered in glossy plastics with smooth lines, rounded edges, and a style that looks like it's trying to strike a balance between luxury and utility. The best way to describe the design is that the VAIO P looks like it's equal parts computer and fashion accessory. The look is pretty neat; something like a cross between a glossy smart phone and a netbook. Glossy plastic is found on the top of the screen cover as well as around the bottom of the laptop. Matte silver plastic is used around the keyboard and the internal frame uses magnesium alloy for extra support. Overall, the look is quite nice, but the glossy LCD lid is a magnet for fingerprints and makes the new netbook look a little tarnished after just a few minutes of use.

The build quality of the VAIO P is amazingly solid for a subnotebook of this size and weight. The construction is mostly plastic but all of the plastics feel strong enough to handle being tossed around inside a backpack or purse. Even the glossy plastic surfaces resist minor scratches. While we certainly don't recommend it over a padded laptop bag, the VAIO P is small enough to slide into your back pocket ... something you certainly can't do with any $500 netbook currently on the market.

In terms of upgradeability, the VAIO P is pretty limited. The chassis isn't designed to be opened and serviced by the owner. A qualified technician can open the VAIO P and repair it, but it won't be easy for you to open the chassis yourself. Honestly, there isn't much need to. The 2GB of system RAM is soldered to the motherboard so you cannot replace or upgrade it. Many of the netbooks we've seen to date require complex disassembly in order for you to get to the storage drive, system RAM, or wireless cards ... so this isn't anything new.

Our pre-production unit came equipped with Windows Vista Basic (32-bit), but its safe to assume Sony plans to offer the VAIO P with Windows 7 later this year. The reason Sony decided to use Windows Vista rather than Windows XP is because Microsoft now has very specific hardware requirements for laptops using Windows XP ... and the VAIO has too much RAM and a screen with too much resolution to qualify for a Windows XP license.

Although the VAIO P runs Windows Vista, Sony recognized that many business users and travelers would want to be able to access things like email, the Firefox web browser, a photo gallery, or instant messaging applications as quickly as possible. So, if you need to use your VAIO P as quickly as possible you can press a small button located next to the power button and you'll be ready to get online in roughly 20 seconds or less. Unlike most "instant on" operating systems we've seen over the last year, the Linux-based Sony XRoss interface feels genuinely snappy and might be a viable alternative to Windows Vista when you need to get online, share photos, or listen to some music quickly while on the road.

Our pre-production Sony VAIO P features the following specifications:

• 1.33GHz Z520 Intel Atom Processor
• 2GB DDR2 800MHz (1 DIMM)
• Windows Vista Basic SP1 (32-bit)
• 8-inch 1600 x 768 glossy LED backlit display
• 64GB Solid State Drive
• Intel GMA 500 Integrated Graphics
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 3G WWAN Verizon card
• SD/SDHC Media card reader
• Memeory Stick card reader
• Sony "Motion Eye" webcam
• 4-Cell Li-ion battery (6-cell extended life battery also available)
• Size: 9.65" x 4.72" x 0.78"
• Weight: 1lb 4.8oz (with 4-cell battery), 1lb 12oz (with 4-cell battery and AC adapter), 1lb 8.8oz (with 6-cell battery)
• Starting price: $899.99
• Price as configured: $1,199.99

by Jerry Jackson

Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

If one huge, high-resolution display on a notebook is good, two must be better, right? That’s exactly what Lenovo’s design team is banking on with the new Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds.

The W700ds isn’t a replacement or a refresh of the original, but rather, an optional upgrade to the same basic platform that makes good on Lenovo’s long-rumored promise to launch a notebook with dual displays. As NBR editor Jerry Jackson noted when he took a look at pre-production W700ds last month, one crucial area where desktop replacements have proved to be no replacement for a good desktop workstation is in the ability to pack up multiple displays and take them with you.

With a sliding 10.6 inch display that pops out from the space behind the original W700’s 17 inch panel, the W700ds still doesn’t have the screen real estate of two full-size desktop displays. But it also gives the W700 platform yet another leg up on its rivals, and, especially, another enticement for graphics pros on the go.

In our original review of the original W700, I jokingly called the single-screen variant "the laptop designed to make normal people feel small." But as Jerry noted in checking out the W700ds for the first time, clearly big wasn’t big enough for the folks at Lenovo. While the basic chassis appears unchanged (with a basic footprint of 16 by 12 inches), the addition of that second slide-out screen behind the primary panel is felt in a line that’s thicker than some slender notebooks all by itself.

All closed up, the entire notebook measures some over two inches thick, with the computer’s rubber feet adding another quarter of an inch or so to this measurement when the machine is sitting on a desk.

The W700ds's included pen, which stows away into a silo in the right-hand side of the notebook isn't particularly enjoyable in use. It's small, and the buttons feel cheap, but compatibility with most Wacom-ready pens means the range of control options for the this tablet are nearly unlimited. In fact, if you don't own another compatible pen, go ahead and order one with your ThinkPad purchase: the included stylus really is an option of last resort even more so than the small tablet itself.

Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme Q9300 (2.53 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 12 MB L2 cache)
• Memory: 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
• Screen: 17” 1920x1200 WUXGA TFT LCD and 10.6” 1280x760 TFT LCD
• Storage: 259 GB HDD (7200 RPM) x 2, RAID 0 configuration
• Optical Drive: DVD recordable
• Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0
• Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M with 1 GB
• Battery: 9-cell lithium-ion (84 Wh)
• Dimensions: 16.1” x 12.3” x 2.1”
• Weight: 10 lbs, 15 oz (with battery
• Price As Tested: $5,309.00
• Starting Price: $3,663.00

HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition

The HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition (Mini 1110NR) is a cool-looking, low-cost netbook focused on easy Web access and entertainment. It uses the same design as the Mini 1000, but runs the Mobile internet (Mi) software rather than Windows. Mobile internet is an easy-to-use interface built on Linux, but is it enough for most people to enjoy their e-mail, Internet, digital photos, music, and video?

Last year's HP Mini-note 2133 looked great, but it was let down by a pokey slow VIA C-7 CPU and 4200rpm HDD. I can imagine many people who got to handle a 2133 trying to rationalize how they probably didn't need too much CPU power because of how well-built and attractive the 2133 was. I know I did, but thankfully I came to my senses before plunking down $500 on what was sure to be a disappointing investment.

We'll never know why the VIA/Centaur C-7 was picked for the 2133 (everyone loves to cheer for the underdog, and I am sure that the VIA Nano will rock when its released in 2012), but its descendants like the HP Mini 1110NR we are reviewing here come equipped with the much better Intel Atom processor. Here are the 1110NR Specs:

• Processor: Intel Atom N270
• Graphics: Intel 900 IGP
• Operating System: HP Mobile Internet UI (Ubuntu Linux)
• 1GB DDR2 667 RAM
• 8GB SSD (1.8” Form Factor)
• 8.9” LED LCD (1024 x 600)
• 802.11g, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
• MSRP: $379 USD, $449 CDN

Even before we get our hand on the 1110NR configuration of the Mini 1000 Mi edition we can see that HP has really pushed their game up a level. Much like their recent Touchsmart and HDX line, the Mini comes in an attractive black box. In terms of packaging, HP is not quite at Apple levels yet. For example the Mini box is much larger than it needs to be, but HP are giving us a better first impression than Toshiba or Acer.

Netbook specs are so similar that manufacturers have to find other ways to differentiate them. Right now appearance seems to be one of the big differentiators, and the HP Mini looks great. Its black body is clean and svelte. You will immediately notice how thin it is. Actual dimensions are: 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (W) x 0.99 in (H). It weighs 2.25 lbs so you will hardly notice the extra heft of this netbook in your bag.

Dell Studio XPS 16

The Dell Studio XPS 16 is designed for those who want power, cutting-edge features, and style. If you're someone who likes to make a statement with your notebook, the metal and leather looks of the Studio XPS 16 will help you in that area too. Sleek design combined with a 1080p display and powerful components come together to make for an awesome notebook. But is the Studio XPS 16 compelling enough to make shoppers spend some extra cash during tough economic times? Let's take a closer look and find out.

Dell has successfully managed to turn around its corporate image over the last year or two. During the first half of this decade most consumers criticized Dell for making heavy, thick, and boxy laptops that offered great value but where short on style. While Dell sales floundered several companies like HP, Apple, and Sony made significant market gains by developing sleek notebooks that offered a more "personalized" appearance.

The first time you look at the Studio XPS 16 it's clear that this is something entirely new for Dell. They've taken the sleek lines and brushed aluminum accents from the XPS line and combined it with the multimedia features and a few chassis design elements from the Studio line to create a solid desktop replacement. I use the term "desktop replacement" because most people in the market for a 16-inch notebook aren't planning to haul their notebook everywhere and use it during regular airline travel.

Our review unit of the Dell Studio XPS 16 features the following configuration:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz)
• Memory: 4GB - 2DIMM DDR3
• HDD: 320GB 7200rpm
• Graphics: ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 (512MB)
• Display: 16.0" 1080p Full HD RGBLED LCD with 2.0 MP Webcam
• Optical Drive: 4X Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive (DVD/CD +/- RW +BD Read)
• OS: Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64 bit)
• Software: 15-month Trend Micro security subscription, Microsoft Works 9
• Wireless: Intel Wireless 5100
• Mediabay: 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
• Battery: 6-cell and 9-cell batteries
• Other: Facial Recognition Security; Dell Dock; Dell Video Chat; 2GB Data Safe Online
• Dimensions: 0.95"-1.34" x 15.15" x 10.02" with 6-cell battery (H x W x D)
• Weight: 6.53 lbs with 6-cell battery
• Price as configured: $1,804 (Starting price: $1,199)

The Acer Aspire One is a 8.9" Notebook

The Acer Aspire One is a 8.9" notebook with a starting price that is aimed to undercut nearly all the current market competitors. The base Aspire One, which includes an 8GB SSD and Linux starts at $329, which is far under anything else that has the Intel Atom processor. The big question running through everyone's minds is if this model is built like a budget computer, or if it has what it takes to go up against some models that sell for nearly double the retail price. In this review we cover all aspects of the Acer Aspire One, and let you know if this is a notebook you should consider purchasing.

The design of the Acer Aspire One is very sleek with softly rounded edges and a smooth glossy surface that is comfortable to hold when closed. The look is fairly basic, but it does have a few chrome accents here and there which add a bit of spice into the look of the netbook. Glossy plastic is found on the top of the screen cover, as well as around the entire LCD. At times the reflective boarder does get on your nerves if you are in a brightly lit room with many sources of glare.

This Intel Atom based netbook won't be breaking any speed records, but it performed more than adequately for normal activities. Internet browsing, word processing, and even photo editing tasks were handed in a very snappy environment. The most surprising thing from a reviewing standpoint was this subnotebook giving benchmark results in every program we could throw at it. This is not par for the course though, as many other netbooks have limited resolutions or other odd quirks that prevent most of the standard benchmarking programs to give valid results.

The Acer Aspire One specifications:

• 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
• 1GB DDR2 533MHz
• Windows XP Home SP3
• 8.9" 1024 x 600 WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 120GB 2.5" 5400RPM Hitachi Hard Drive (with SDHC storage expansion slot)
• 802.11b/g Atheros Wireless
• 3-Cell 23Wh battery
• Size: 9.75" x 6.625" x 1.28"
• Weight: 2lb 5.0oz