Re: Netbook or 12" notebook
The packard bell is really easy to ignore, just watch me..
:D
I wouldn't touch one personally. I would have bought the samsung if battery life was a concern but the MSI wind u100 was £250 and is essentially the same size/spec but with a 3 cell battery.
It's a very nippy little thing, can't say its frustrated me once yet even installing xp and patching to sp3 it was reasonable :)
There is always the dell 12" netbook if you want the extra size.
I used to run photoshop on a laptop with a 1.6 centrino with 512mb of RAM and it was fine so I expect the same of this. As long as you don't expect it to be like lightning then it is very good.
Re: Netbook or 12" notebook
I would personally try not to spend over £200 for a Netbook unless it was ruggedized!
I use a 12" notebook and it is a good mix between portability and screen size. The one I use is made by MSI.
The Packard Bell is not a bad notebook in terms of build although I cannot comment on how reliable they are!
Here are some reviews:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/i...?reviewid=2377
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/23901...-bg45u300.html
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/com...-438486/review
http://www.computershopper.co.uk/lab...-bg45u300.html
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/comp...-bell-easynote
http://www.computerbuyer.co.uk/labs/...-bg45u300.html
Re: Netbook or 12" notebook
Well, this is interesting, I was recently in the same situation, deciding between the samsung NC10 (since its the best netbook out there) and the same packard bell. Anyway I chose the packard bell, for me its more than compact and light enough, not to mention I will never need 8hours of battery life, and the extra power is well worth it. Admittedly you will need to get an extra gig of RAM for it as 1 isnt enough, but its hardly a lot of expense. Its a tough little thing due to its aluminium case and the keyboard and mouse are all good. So I will put up another vote for the packard bell (im typing this on it right now infront of the TV :)).
Hawker
Re: Netbook or 12" notebook
Thanks for the reply.
I decided on the Packard Bell myself. I reserved one in Mansfield (I live in Nottingham) which is 20 miles away. Got there, paid for it, but they couldn't locate the bloody laptop. So I had to get a refund. They don't have it in my region either...
...so I went for the NC10 instead. Got a £25 discount online via Currys. Hopefully should arrive in the next few days. I'm still happy with my purchase.
One of the most important criteria for a good laptop is battery life, and the Samsung obviosuly wins hands down. A laptop should do what a laptop does, be portable and away from the mains for as long as possible. The Packard Bell fits the bill, but the NC10 does it better. I don't intend to do (too much) gaming on it, but if I can play GTA St Andreas on it, then I think I'm sorted...