C O M P U T E R S ,

N E T B O O K S

27

Qujck Guide

COMPUTERS, NETBOOKS

If you're in the market for a netbook, models with ciualcore Atom processors are setting the performance standard for that category. But those processors also use more energy than single-core Atoms, resulting in lower battery life. What to look for What to skip

1GB of memory, which should be adequate for most users intel's beefed-up, dual-core Atom processor if you plan to watch videos An external optical drive, if you want to install software from a disc or play CDs or DVDs.
I'or more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/computers

if you don't like small displays, keyboards, and touchpads, and slow performance, a netbook is not for you.
What you'll pay

Shopping tip
Shop in January, July, and October, viihen older inventory is cleared out to make room for new models.

You should be able to find a netbook with very long battery life and light weightits two most important specs for $200 to $250.

Scan this or see how, page 11

Brand S model

Price

Overall score

Test results

Rank

formance Versatility Display

Portability

att Viife(hr.)

eight (tb.)

ai

i
LU

cor

100 p i F 1G Iv&l E

Processor
ai

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

AsusEeePC 1O15PX-MU17-WT Acer Aspire One AOD255E-13877 Toshiba Mini NB5O5-N5OOBL Asus Eee PC 1015PEB-RD601 HPMini21O-2145dx Asus Eee 1008P-KR-PU27 Toshiba Mini NB255N25O

6.5

2.7 AtomN570

O O O

10 2.5 AtomN455

1 1

O O 8.25 2.7 AtomN455

O O O 9.25 2.7 AtoniN45O 1 O O O 7.75 2.9 AtomN455 1

O O O O 4.75 2.6 AtomN55O 2

O O 6.75 2.8 AtomN455 1

C O N S U M E R

R E P , O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 2

Brand S modei

Price

Overall score

Test results

t|
100 ' I F I G IVGl E Asus Eee PC 1018BP-BBK804 9 Asus Eee PC 1015PEB-RD603 10 Deil Mini 10 (1012) U Deil Inspiron Mini 10 8

O O O o O o O o O o O O o O O

o O O O O O O O O

7,75 2.5 AtomN455 9 2,7 Atom N450 9 3 AtomN45O

(1018)
12 Acer Aspire One AOO255E-13412 13 Acer Aspire One A0D255E-13438 14 Deli Inspiron Duo 15 Asus Eee PC 1OO1PXD-BBK3O4 16 Asus Eee 1OO1PX-EU27 17 Lenovo IdeaPad Netbook Tahletg65l7HU

8,5 2,9 Atom N455 5.25 2,3 AtomN455 4,25 2.3 3.75 3 Atom N455 AtoniN55O

oo

O O o O O o O O

3,5 2,4 Atom N455 3.75 2,4 Atom N450 4 2.9 AtomN455

Ratings Key Excellent Verygood OGood Fair VPoor D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended, 0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise score, out of a total of 100, Portability reflects battery life and weight. Ergonomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibility of features. Performance is assessed while running productivity applications. Versatility includes hardware such as memory-card slots and A/V connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers display size, clarity, color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Battery life is estimated in hours while running productivity applications. Welqht, in pounds, includes the battery but not the power adapter. Price is approximate retail.

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