Big Netbook/Little Laptop.

[redddraggon]

I've started commuting into the office by bike now, and I'm finding my 17" Dell Laptop a bit big and heavy.

I think a 11" - 12" sized one would be ideal. All it really needs to do is run Office 2010, Browser, MSN Messenger, Tweetdeck, and play some odd video files.

Required:

-Ethernet port
-Wifi
-HDMI would be nice
-Looks good

My budget is really <£500

I've seen this for around £450:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/p...ype=prd_detail

However it is only Single Core, and a friend has said that a dual core would be better - any thoughts?

Any other recommendations of notebooks in the 11"-12" range?

[DeludedGuy]

I was having a look for something similar a few weeks ago, my friend was looking for something very small, very light but with great battery life and good performance...

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/180037

[MSIC]

I wholeheartedly recommend that you look at the HM Pavillion DM1, which I bought.
See my review in my sig.

I bought the base model (11.6" screen, dual-core celeron processor, 2 Gig RAM, Win7 Home Premium) for £340.

The Asus UL30A model as linked to above is a decent laptop, but not a great price (sorry dude). Until recently Carphone Warehouse had a long-term offer of the base model for £350, although a quick seach shows that it is no longer for sale.

[scaryjim]

Lenovo thinkpad with Turion Neo X2/HD3200 - £420

Samsung X120 with Pentium Dual Core CULV - £429

[DeludedGuy]

Asus UL30A model as linked to above is a decent laptop, but not a great price (sorry dude). Until recently Carphone Warehouse had a long-term offer of the base model for £350, although a quick seach shows that it is no longer for sale.

I have to disagree, I think you need to reconsider.

The ASUS UL30A is a fantastic laptop/notebook, the battery is rated at 12 hours and will actually last you close to 12 hours, not to mention its a great performer with its C2D. Also it packing a 13.3" screen in a body which is smaller than 11" notebooks, take a look at the dimensions of the laptops suggested, you will find that ASUS UL30A smaller with a larger screen size, its well worth the extra money!

Oh, almost forgot to mention, it's also bloody gorgeous.

[MSIC]

Well, I'll settle on a 'maybe' then
Granted I've not played with one other than 30 secs in CPW, where the keys actually had a touch more flex than I was expecting, but I'd agree that it's otherwise a nice laptop.
The OP does however want <£500, and 11 to 12" size.
Edit: Again, i'll grant that packing a 13" screen into a smaller chasis is a good thing.

ASUS UL30A:
Width 322 mm
Depth 233 mm
Height 14.8 – 24.6 mm
Weight 1.5kg

HP DM1:
Width 289 mm
Depth 204 mm
Height 19.8 – 30.6 mm
Weight 1.46kg

So the HP shaves about 30mm off length and width, although a little thicker, so the Asus could still be small enough for the OP.

[redddraggon]

Lenovo thinkpad with Turion Neo X2/HD3200 - £420

Samsung X120 with Pentium Dual Core CULV - £429

I've seen the Samsung x120 from Amazon (themselves, not the marketplace rubbish) for £380

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SSTVC...SIN=B002SSTVCK

So the HP shaves about 30mm off length and width, although a little thicker, so the Asus could still be small enough for the OP.

To be honest, the size would be OK. I could afford a more expensive computer too, but it's just that I don't want to. I want a smallish, reliable laptop powerful for basic office and video functions, that could survive carrying about, but I don't want to spend much.

Do Samsungs have a rep for their construction?

[MSIC]

For that price it looks a very good deal.
I also just confirmed on Intel's website that the SU4100 is dual-core, which is good. Intel's CPU labelling in the mobile space is not clear...

This exact model in fact was reviewed over at Trusted Reviews some time ago, so will be worth a read.
TR

Overall, they seem to make a big deal out of the poor battery, but you can decide that for yourself. If you are needing a laptop to be transportable, but not used whilst on the move, then I guess battery life isnt such a priority.

[redddraggon]

Went for the x120 in the end. A battery life of 2 -3 hours is sufficient for me. I've only ever on the train for around an hour normally, and when I'm going further the trains often seem to have sockets anyway. My current laptop has a similar battery life, and I rarely get anywhere near using the battery life up

[MSIC]

Nice one - looks like a great machine. Please post back with your thoughts once you've played with it for a bit, maybe even a review