Bought this netbook any good?

[admin_exported]

Hey bought this, I know the screen is not the best and might not be the fastest, but got it for 150.00 refurb from dell with a 1 year warranty, and heard there re-furbs are top notch.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dell-Inspiron-Mini-10-1012-Netbook-BLACK-ndc-12263-/380281127358?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item588a8581be

This is the same spec, just not sure if the processor is any good, just want it for general internet use, while my kids are asleep as my computer is upstairs.

 

[Anonymous]

It will be fine for that. I think these Dells are fanless? If so also a very quiet source for audio.

 

[Anonymous]

From looking around seems as the N450 PCU is one of the best for a netbook, which I am glad.

People are saying HD video is touch and go, need to download codecs ect.. I know it only has a 600 res screen, but 720p video would still look better than DVD quality.

Anyone actually watch 720p stuff on their netbook? Also would I need to upgrade the RAM to 2gb instead of 1, or would that not make a difference?

Thanks so much, sorry for so many questions, first time laptop/netbook owner.

 

[grdunn123]

Canada, the spec for this on your link says it has 2GB of ram already.I would consider upgrading the HDD to a 7200RPM unit.

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, the one I bought from dell direct only has 1gb ram, so might need to upgrade this.

Also would that extra spin really help with video and speed times, or would I be better buying ram?

Dont want to sink too much money into it, as its only for the odd HD movie, maybe 720p and some iplayer HD, I know it wont handle 1080p as seen videos, and it just stutters, but thats not a huge issue for me.

 

[Messiah]

grdunn123:Canada, the spec for this on your link says it has 2GB of ram already.I would consider upgrading the HDD to a 7200RPM unit.

Not even sure if this is possible is it? Certainly not easily anyway or are the HDDs on netbooks more accessible nowadays??

 

[Anonymous]

You need to unscrew the back and the memory is right beside the HDD and the memory and HDD just have a clip, it took crucial memory 2 min to take out memory, seems really easy. Just dont lose any screws.

 

[Messiah]

Sorry I should have been clearer with the quote. I know the memory is easy to change but I am not so sure the HDD is as recommended earlier.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes the HDD was right beside the memory and it just looked like two screws to take out, so should be as easy as the memory.

The guy from crucial said you can take it out, but he never did.

Just wondering which upgrade path would see better bang for my buck

Thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAuC_22qsG0

 

[Messiah]

I see. Just watched the video.

I am used to getting to the memory from an access panel on the underside of the laptop. There was not a facility to do this for the HDD.

However, from the video they have had to disassemble the machine to get to these parts although subsequently can now get to the HDD.

It looks as though this might be the only way to upgrade the memory. I would have thought it would have been more easily accessible like on a standard laptop.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeh I would have thought it would have been easy.

Seems easy enough though.

So how would I gain better video performance HDD or memory?

Remember I would like to watch all 720p video with no stutter and maybe upgrade the O/S to windows 7 premium.

If you were buying it, what would you do?

Thanks

 

[Messiah]

For better HD video I think it would come down to more processor power and better graphics capability rather than memory and HDD speed although improving these may help.

I was recently in a similar dilemma and in the end went for THIS rather than a netbook.

I think the netbook will either handle HD or it won't. I am not sure if the mods that can be made will improve its ability to handle it.

However I only have a just better than beginner understanding of PCs etc and those more knowledegable may be able to assist.

I guess you'll know soon enough...

 

[Anonymous]

2 things i would do with that netbook

First - run a more lightweight OS like Ubuntu Netbook Edition (You still have Firefox/Thunderbird etc)

Second - upgrade the ram to 2gb.

http://www.ubuntu.com/netbook

You may not even need the ram upgrade.

 

[grdunn123]

Canada have you already watched some 720P video on this?

 

[Anonymous]

I ended up spending more

Bought the HP Palvilion DM1 1020 which was 280.00 new in box and got 3gb DDR3 with a 4500mhd graphics with dual core celeron.

It stutters a bit on you tube 1080p but 720p is a dream, but put a proper 1080p file on a usb and its fine.

Must be the hardware You tube uses for flash.

Very happy with it, the power of a laptop (almost) but the size of a netbook.

Very well made and came with windows 7 premium. so for the extra 100.00 got a lot more bang for my buck

http://www.portableuniverse.co.uk/All+Laptop+Stock/HP+Pavilion+DM1-1020SA+Notebook.html