Mini-Laptop: Samsung NB30

Specs. CPU: 1.66-GHz Intel Atom N450; RAM: 1GB (upgradable to 2GB); OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition; HDD: 160GB 5,400rpm; Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 pixel; Graphics Card: Intel GMA 3150; Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n; Ports: Ethernet, headphone, Kensington Lock; microphone; VGA; 3 USB ports; 3-1 card reader; Size: 10.4x7.4x1.1 inches; Weight: 2.8 pounds.

Design. The 2.8-pound NB30 has textured surface. Aside from being easy to grip, the NB30 is also scratch-resistant. Its spill-resistant keyboard will keep liquid-induced disasters at bay. Samsung says the NB30 can withstand up to 50 ccs (about 1.7 ounces) of liquid if it is removed within 10 seconds. The 10.4 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches NB30 has island-style keyboard. It delivers a good typing experience with springy tactile feedback. The 2.5x1.6-inch touchpad is fairly large.

Performance. Samsung NB30 delivered a score of 1,313 on PCMark05, more than 100 points below the 1.440 category average. Its Geekbench score is 922 - above the netbook average (868). It took 1 minute and 14 seconds to boot into Windows 7 Starter. For graphics performance, its 3DMark06 score is 143. Compared to other Pine Trail netbooks, the graphics performance of the NB30 is only slightly below average.

Battery . The battery life of the NB30 is 6 hours and 22 minutes - only slightly above the six-cell category average. It took 2 hours and 10 minutes to fully charge the six-cell battery.

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Mini-Laptop: Asus Eee PC 1005PR

Design. The newest member of Asus’ Seashell line has the same rounded edges and slim chassis as its predecessor, 1005HA. The 1005PR is available in four colors - black, white, pink and dark blue. The 10.3x7x1.4 inches netbook adds a touch of style, making it fashionable. Compare to the average netbooks, the 1005PR is lighter, weighing just 2.4 pounds.  The 1005PR’s keyboard has island-style layout as on earlier Seashell models. Most of the keys are well-sized. The 2.5x1.5-inch pad touchpad is covered with small braille-like dots. The touchpad also supports multitouch gestures.

Display. The 10.1-inch, LED-backlit display has a resolution of 1366x768.

Performance. Powered with 1.66-GHz Atom N450 processor, the Windows 7 Starter Edition system scored 1,319 on PCMark05, more than 100 points below the category average (1.439). On Geekbench, the 1005PR scored 891 - a little higher than the netbook average (867). On 3DMark06, the score is 150. When compared to other Pine Trail systems, the 1005PR is not much difference from other systems such as Samsung N210 (153), Win U160 (163), and Del Inspiron Mini 10 (153).

Battery life. The battery is lasting for 8 hours and 45 minutes. It is better than Wind U160 (8:37), Dell Mini 10 (7:51), and six-cell category average (6:20)

Specs. CPU: Intel Atom N450 1.66-Ghz; RAM: 1GB (upgradable to 2GB); HDD: 250GB 5,400rpm; Display: 10.1-inch 1366x768 pixel; Size: 10.3x7.0x1.4 inches, 2.6 pounds; Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.1; MS Windows 7 Starter Edition.

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