Computer Shopping

[Paul Leblanc]

I'm tired of lugging my laptop around with me when on the road and am considering a new netbook. Does anyone have any experience with these, specifically whether it is possible to load chess playing programs and databases?

[Jason Nguyen]

Re: Computer Shopping

I used to use a netbook running Windows XP, 2GB RAM, 16GB HD and it ran Junior10 and Chessbase9 just fine. It was powered by an Atom processor and the HD was solid state so the battery life was amazing. In terms of performance, it was perfectly fine for browsing games in databases, and even letting the computer do some quick analysis on positions, or playing some games against the engine. I can't recall the exact Fritz Benchmark score I got but I think it was 1.7 or something like that.

[Paul Leblanc]

Re: Computer Shopping

Here are the specs of one that I was considering:


Operating system installed
Genuine Windows® 7 Starter
Processor
Intel® Atom™ Processor N450
• 1.66GHz, 512KB L2 cache
Standard memory
1 GB
memory layout
(1 x 1024 MB)
Memory type
DDR2 System Memory
Maximum memory
1024MB

Internal drives
Internal hard disk drive
160 GB
Hard disk controller
SATA
Hard disk drive speed
5400 RPM

System features
Memory card device
5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
Network interface
Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Technologies
Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLAN
Wireless capability
Yes
Ports
3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, 1 VGA (15-pin), 1 RJ -45 (LAN), Headphone-out/Microphone in combo jack (compatible with 3.5mm 4-conductor jack with stereo audio and mono mic)
Display size
10.1” Diagonal WSVGA LED HP BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display
Display resolution
1024 x 600
Video RAM
Up to 256MB Total Available Graphics Memory
Webcam
Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone; VGA
Internal audio
HD Audio, stereo speakers, integrated microphone
Keyboard
93% full sized keyboard
Pointing device
HP Clickpad with On/Off button
Battery Type
6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
Warranty
1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Toll Free Support
power supply type
40 W AC Power Adapter

[Steve Douglas]

Re: Computer Shopping

Here are the specs of one that I was considering:

<snippage>

Standard memory
1 GB
memory layout
(1 x 1024 MB)
Memory type
DDR2 System Memory
Maximum memory
1024MB

I don't like that it has a max of 1GB memory. I haven't used W7 much but I can't imagine that it's more efficient than XP (against the nature of the beast to assume that the *new* OS will be less of a resource-hog than the previous OS, particularly if the word Micro$oft is involved). I think you would find 1GB kind-of cramped and I really don't like that it's the max.

Just my opinion and YMMV. I'm not a netbook expert.

Steve

[Christopher Mallon]

Re: Computer Shopping

Win7 didn't start running smoothly for me until I got to 4 GB of RAM. I had to run with 2 for a bit and it sucked.

These netbooks will get a lot nicer in a year or two when the solid state drives get cheaper. If you want one just get a really cheap one so if it dies or you lose it it's not a huge investment, then get a better one in a couple of years. Or look into a lightweight 13.3" or 14.1" real laptop - my wife has one of the 14's (Acer) and it's really nice.