NetbookTech

BusinessWeek publishes a review of the third generation IdeaPad S10 series netbook – the S10-3 here on their website. The S10-3 features an Intel Atom N450 processor, Windows 7 Starter OS, a 10.1 inch LED backlit display, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional 3G, Dolby Headphone, built-in speakers, and a weight of 2.75 lbs. Here’s what the publication thought of the system:

“Though it’s pricier, slightly less well-configured, and slower out of the box than much of its competition, the S10-3 is more than the sum of its parts. Type and point with one before you grab something else just to save 50 bucks.”

Meanwhile, the folks at PC World have published two new netbook reviews – one for the Samsung N210 and one for the Toshiba mini NB305-N310.

The N210, a netbook exclusive to Best Buy, features your now typical Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM, 250GB HDD, Windows 7 Starter OS, 10.1 inch matte display, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in webcam/microphone. Here’s what PC World thought of the system:

“The Samsung N210’s matte screen is easy to see in various lighting conditions, but the colors are a little washed out.”

The Toshiba mini NB305 is essentially a Pinetrail upgrade of the popular Toshiba mini NB205 netbook. You’ll get the Atom N450 processor, Intel 3150 graphics, 160GB HDD (a bit small these days), 1GB of RAM, built-in webcam, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and optional Bluetooth. Here’s what PC World thought of the system:

“The Toshiba Mini NB305-N310 is a professional-looking netbook with a comfortable keyboard and a huge touchpad, but it’s not great for watching Web videos on.”

Two more reviews of the Samsung N210 are hitting the web this week – one comes courtesy of the folks over at PC Magazine who had this to say:

“Nothing in particular makes the Samsung N210 stand out in a netbook line-up, but it’s a fundamentally sound netbook at a low price.”

Another review comes courtesy of CNET and here’s what they have to say:

“Though it has some useful software tools, there’s nothing special about the Samsung N210’s components or performance. At S$849, it’s much more expensive than comparable Netbooks.”

Sounds like a middle of the road netbook to us.

The folks at LaptopMag have published two new netbook reviews on their site – one for the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t and one for the Samsung N210.

The Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t is a convertible netbook with the following specs:

• Intel Atom N470 processor clocked at 1.83GHz
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• 2GB of RAM
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• Ethernet
• Headphone/Microphone
• VGA port
• 2 USB ports
• 6 in 1 media card reader

A convertible netbook seems like a wonderful idea – except when you consider the Atom-processor really isn’t up to snuff with touch-operations. Here’s the verdict from LaptopMag:

”The S10-3t does some things right. It’s fairly light for a convertible, offers accurate touch input, and it has a comfortable keyboard. And, provided you get the 8-cell battery, you’ll see 7 hours of unplugged computing time. However, this machines’ sluggish performance and weak wireless range hold it back. If you want a netbook with touch capability, the S10-3t is worth considering, but this netvertible didn’t quite live up to our expectations.”

Read more of the review here.

Meanwhile, the Samsung N210 is the latest addition to Samsung’s fine lineup of netbook systems. The N210 is a Pinetrail enabled netbook featuring a unique scratch-resistant finish and instant-on capability with a widget-based user interface. Specs to the N210 include:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 1 – 2 GB of RAM
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Windows 7 Starter
• Ethernet
• Headphone and microphone port
• VGA port
• 3 USB ports
• 3 in 1 media card reader

What’s the verdict?

“The Samsung N210 offers solid overall performance, close to 7 hours of battery life, and an attractive design. We also like the matte screen and loud speakers. However, this machine faces stiff competition from the ASUS Eee PC 1001P, which costs $80 less and lasts nearly 90 minutes longer on a charge. And the $399 Toshiba mini NB305 offers a better touchpad/mouse button combo and longer endurance for not much more money. The N210 is good, but it’s not the best.”

$379 is a tough sell when you consider the competition is either cheaper or offering better battery life. Come on Samsung – get back into the ballgame here. Read more of the review here.