Solved! Need a netbook replacement...

[jeffreybar]

Several months back, I finally replaced my all-rounder laptop with a desktop for games and media storage, and a netbook for coffeeshop work (I'm a writer and university instructor). The netbook (an Asus 1015PE) is amazing for battery life (a huge plus for me) and portability, but I've grown to hate the tiny screen and the undersized keyboard with its stiff keys. And if I try to use it for anything other than light web browsing or Word, it chokes. Even moderate-sized PDFs can be tough to scroll through.

So, I'm looking for a replacement (either netbook or thin and light notebook) that: a) still has great battery life, b) is still fairly small (<15") and light (<5 lbs), c) has a full-sized keyboard, d) has a bit bigger and higher res screen (at least 12" & 1024x768), e) has at least a bit more power than the Asus (I have a desktop for gaming, but something that won't choke on netflix or PDFs at least), and f) is relatively cheap (<$700, preferably <$600). I've been scouring the internets for such a beast but have not found one. Any ideas?

 

[WR2]

Hello jeffreybar;

A nicely sized sub-notebook. About halfway between a 'Netbook and a standard laptop in performance.
HP Pavilion dm1 11.6-inch Laptop ~$410
AMD E-450 1.66Ghz Fusion dual core APU, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, 11.6" 1366x768 LCD w/ Radeon HD 6320 graphics. Wifi/Bluetooth.
3.5 pounds, under 1" think and a 92% full sized keyboard.

 

[WR2]

HP Pavilion dm1-4010us (Late 2011) Review

How much coffee shop work do you do? You might be interested an an anti-glare LCD screen you can find on some of the 'business class' laptops.

 

[jeffreybar]

That's a pretty decent-looking alternative. It's definitely better than anything I've come up with in my searches (and an excellent price). A matte screen is preferable, but not mandatory. An optical drive would also be nice (forgot to mention that one), but again, not mandatory. But that dm1 will definitely be on my shortlist, thanks.

 

[WR2]

How about a 13" 4.50lb model?
I think that's about as small as you can go and get an optical drive.

Besides the matte/anti-glare screen you'd be getting a huge boost in performance over your 'Netbook.
Dell Vostro 3350 13.3-inch 2nd Gen Intel Sandy Bridge Aluminum Laptop $550
Core i3-2330M 2.20 GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, 250GB 7200rpm HDD, 13.3" 1366x768 anti-glare LCD w/ HD 3000 graphics. WiFi / Bluetooth & DVD/CD optical drive.

Dell Vostro 3350 Subnotebook review

 

[Supermuncher85]

I just bought an HP 4430s. It has a matte screen, 500gb harddrive, 2330m cpu and about 3.30-4hour battery. http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1365819&CatId=4938 if battery life is really important than this will not be your #1 choice but you could always buy a second battery for about $60, which would then give you about 6-7 hours of use.

Also happend to be on anandtechs holiday 2011 shopping guide http/www.anandtech.com/show/5177/holiday-2011-laptop-buyers-guide/3

 

[WR2]

Lenovo ThinkPad X120e 11.6-in AMD Fusion Laptop $449 very similar to the HP DM1 but with an anti-glare screen and E-350 APU, 2GB RAM.

Lenovo ThinkPad X120e (AMD Fusion) Review

 

[jeffreybar]

How about a 13" 4.50lb model?
I think that's about as small as you can go and get an optical drive.

Dell Vostro 3350 13.3-inch 2nd Gen Intel Sandy Bridge Aluminum Laptop $550
Core i3-2330M 2.20 GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, 250GB 7200rpm HDD, 13.3" 1366x768 anti-glare LCD w/ HD 3000 graphics. WiFi / Bluetooth & DVD/CD optical drive.

I'm fine with 13" and 4.5 lbs. I used to have an xps m1330 and thought that was a pretty nice footprint (although it was a bit lighter than the vostro). It looks like you need to get a double-sized battery on the vostro to achieve long battery life, though. I had one of those oversized batteries on an old toshiba notebook and really disliked it, out of all proportion to its actual added bulk.

Supermuncher: battery life is, unfortunately, a priority. I routinely work for around 6 hours on the go and would like to be able to do so without carrying a power brick...so I guess that's about the minimum I'd be looking for.

 

[WR2]

If you get the standard 6cell battery you're looking at just over 5hrs battery life.
I don't know anyone that like those oversized batteries.