Intel atom

[dullbird]

I was thinking about buying a laptop before the end of the financial year...


As I really need one for the college work that I do (currently doing a cert 3 online and a cert4 through work)....I'm also hoping that I can claim something back on tax for it.

Anyway the reason I'm posting is a want something that is little..
Not to expensive I can do my college work on but also take it with me to plug the camera into.

now at the prices I'm looking at it appears that Intel Atom crops up a lot as in the chip

I have seen a couple with core duo, but they are starting to go out of my price range.

Is Intel Atom OK? I heard rumours once that they were not great due to overheating is that really the case?

or would this Atom be fine for what I want to do....it would mostly be used for surfing the net doing assignments and to perhaps do some post processing of my digital camera photo's when I'm away on holidays.

Thoughts?

the other features tend to come with 2g Ram and between 250 and 350HD's

[JDNSW]

I have been looking at these for some time. I have not heard of the Atom overheating - its primary advantage is low power consumption, which does not gel with overheating.

There are several of things to look out for.

1. There are several versions of the Atom. N2xx, N300 and N4xx with Dxxx announced but not released yet.
From what I have read, you probably want a system using the N300 or N450 rather than N2xx. The N450 only went on sale in January, and probably has only recently appeared in Australia. I have on my desk an Australia Post flyer advertising the Acer AO532 using the N450 for $469. Note that there are two versions of this Acer model, and this is the more upmarket one, with more HD and a larger battery.

2. Apparently Microsoft has placed restrictions on selling Windows at "Netbook" prices, so that if you want to install OEM Windows and only pay a low price, you can only have 1Gb RAM so you can only run a cut down "starter" Windows 7. Although not documented, it seems that in many cases at least you can add more RAM. The downside is that ones with more RAM have prices into regular laptop territory.

This would not bother me, you can run various Linux versions quite happily on 1Gb RAM.

3. Although the Atom is very low power, the associated chipsets have taken a lot more power, until the new chipset released with the N450.

In light of the above, you will probably find quite a few very cheap netbooks with the N2xx processor. These may be adequate for what you want, but will struggle to run even XP, let alone Windows 7. But they will run quite well with special Linux versions, such as Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Somewhat better, but probably still would want to be a bargain would be the ones with the N300 dual processor. I am keeping my eyes open for bargains!

John

[Mick_Marsh]

I have a little laptop wih an Intel Atom. It is running a version of Debian Linux. It is brilliant. I lent it to a friend who went on an overseas trip and he found it so useful for keeping in touch with friends via free wifi. He was so impressed, he bought one for himself.
Web browsing, email & Skype it is very good. I wouldn't think it would be good for number crunching apps such as photo manipulation and anything Microsoft.
You're better off getting the biggest bang for your buck. There are many other non-atom laptops out there that are reasonably priced. Get the biggest, fastest processor you can afford.
I hope this is helpful
regards
Mick

[dullbird]

Very helpful JD

Perhaps I'm mistaking the chipset overheating for something else.

I thought it was something that the earlier Eee-pc's suffered from when they first came out.

can you run all windows associated software on linux? I know nothing about linux but if you can't then this is certainly not an option for me as I have to much windows related software.

[JDNSW]

Very helpful JD

Perhaps I'm mistaking the chipset overheating for something else.

I thought it was something that the earlier Eee-pc's suffered from when they first came out.

Perhaps the battery? It could have been the chipset not including the Atom processor.

can you run all windows associated software on linux? I know nothing about linux but if you can't then this is certainly not an option for me as I have to much windows related software.

You can't run Windows software on Linux in general, but in most cases there is equivalent software available for download (and almost all Linux software is free). In some cases it will be the same software, for example, Open Office, Firefox. The software I use most is Firefox, Open Office, The Gimp (similar to photoshop), Kmail (similar to Outlook Express), Audacity Sound Editor, Kmymoney (similar to Quicken), K3B (CD & DVD burner).

What you need to realise though is that you are not going to be able to run any very compute intensive software on an Atom processor - web browsing, instant messages, email, writing, this sort of thing, even downloading photos from your camera, but any intensive graphics work is out - would be anyway because of the screen size.

John

[dullbird]

you see I do want to be able to use my lightroom on it....so it has to be at least able to handle that.

and that is why I wont go linux as I have programs like Lightroom and smart draw which I do use for college work

[JDNSW]

I am not familiar with those programs, but I gather they are graphics software, in which case it is very unlikely that they will run satisfactorily on any Atom processor.

John

[dullbird]

*sigh* dual core it is then...and a couple of hundred bux on top:(

[abaddonxi]

Keyboard size can be a bit of problem on a netbook. I seriously doubt any netbook is going to be up to Lightroom.

[gatesy]

I am in the process of rolling out 410 acer aspire one netbooks at work. They run well with windows 7, and general software (office etc). I tried photoshop, but they couldnt handle it! They really only designed for simle computing, word processing, internet email. If you only use them for what the designed to do they are great. If you want to do more, I would look at getting a laptop. I would hate to do video editing, or graphical design on such a small screen! But if you didnt mind the small screen, running with linux the performance should be much better.

[dullbird]

I dont mind the small screen as I wouldn't be using it for that purpose all the time...but a laptop is just to bloody heavy to carry around IMHO...

Perhaps I need to re-evaluate

[dullbird]

Keyboard size can be a bit of problem on a netbook. I seriously doubt any netbook is going to be up to Lightroom.

really? there are some out there with dual core in them and 2g of ram...thats only what my desktop is running

there are also a few around with full size keys

[gatesy]

really? there are some out there with dual core in them and 2g of ram...thats only what my desktop is running

there are also a few around with full size keys


If I get a chance during the week, I can try one with lightroom to see how it goes. During testing photoshop was ok, but it came up with an issue just cant remember what.

[Hardchina]

I'm in the market for a netbook as well... but i need one with an express slot and it must be able to run windows (xp or 7), any ideas on what makes, models? not too concerned with cpu peformance but battery life is a big plus.

Cheers

[dullbird]

I'm not to fussed abut putting Photoshop on, but if it runs it that good because I'm sure Lightroom doesn't take anywhere near the processing power of photoshop. well at least that's the impression I get.

[gatesy]

I'm in the market for a netbook as well... but i need one with an express slot and it must be able to run windows (xp or 7), any ideas on what makes, models? not too concerned with cpu peformance but battery life is a big plus.

Cheers

I dont like the EEpcs, nothing wrong with them as such though, I just didnt seem to like them for some reason. The Acer aspire one is a great netbook, I have been getting 8 to 10 hours out of the battery, and havent had any issues with performance.

The toshiba netbooks are awesome but cost more. The MSI Wind netbooks are pretty much a re badged acer they around the cam price.

I have tested a few different ones, but decided to go with the acers. You can get the acer aspire one 11.6, bigger screen and keyboard but around $90 more.

Lenovo / IBM netbooks are meant to be ok, I have only played around with one for a couple of hours so cant really say what the are like for sure.

[gatesy]

I'm not to fussed abut putting Photoshop on, but if it runs it that good because I'm sure Lightroom doesn't take anywhere near the processing power of photoshop. well at least that's the impression I get.


I havent played around with Lightroom at all. If it uses less processing and graphics than photoshop then it might be ok. I wouldnt mind testing it though. I dont like to say unless I know for sure.

[d@rk51d3]

Really tempted to pick up a tablet netbook.

Just waiting for the dual cores, and slightly better GPU specs.

[p38arover]

Lou, if I get to the BBQ this arvo, I'll bring my HP netbook (Intel Atom) for you to play with. I bought it a few weeks back whilst in Singapore as I was annoyed with using my PDA or Elisabeth's iPhone.

[999]

I have lightroom installed on my hp mini 5102, and it does struggle.

Screen resolution is not great for editing photos. The majority of net books are 1024x600, a few are 1366x768.

But they excellent for travel.

[JDNSW]

really? there are some out there with dual core in them and 2g of ram...thats only what my desktop is running

there are also a few around with full size keys

The dual core Atom is not to be compared with other dual core processors! But not all "netbooks" use the Atom. Some use mainstream processors either AMD or Intel, but whether these should really be called netbooks is questionable. (A few use the ARM processors which cannot run Windows)

The line between notebook and netbook computers has become blurred - when netbooks were introduced they were about a quarter the price of small laptops (the small laptops were the most expensive ones then), but since then the performance and size range of netbooks has extended up (as has the price) and the performance and price of small notebooks has extended down (as has the price), so now ther is no real gap.

John

[dullbird]

no John I'm talking Intel...not atom now

when I said I was looking for something small I mean around a 13/14inch screen preferably, most seem to come with 15.6" and I just dont know if this is small enough to carry around a lot

of course the biggest thing for me is using it for picture manipulation (and not talking extreme just touch ups etc) as I'm not always going to be at college so buying it just for this purpose is silly if I cant utilise it after.

[JDNSW]

no John I'm talking Intel...not atom now
............

Ummm.... Atom processors are made by Intel, so that statement is not exactly clear, although I think I know what you mean!

John

[dullbird]

what I mean is intel dual core not atom dual core or are you suggesting they are the same thing?

I have a dual core duo in my desktop but I have seen smaller laptops with this in this is all I meant:)

[Chucaro]

IMO cheap laptops do not have a good screen to do PP of images.
They are ok for download images from the camera and organize them on folders.
Then when you are at home base you transer the images to the desk PC with a calibrated monitor.
In your case you have a Nikon camera so one good option will be to have Nikon Capture NX2 installed in the laptop.
With it you can review your nef images and also if you like concert some of them to jpg to send them to friends or post them on the web when you are away.
If you like to have capable laptop and be able to PP your images perhaps Apple will be the way to go but it will cost some $$$$$$ :)

[dullbird]

don't like apple:)

I also disagree with the screen comment the screens on laptops have come on in leaps and bounds and even the cheap laptops have a better screen then a reasonable laptop I had 4 years ago.

they are very clear and I would even suggest that some of them are clearer then the screen I use now. which is probably about 2 years old

[Chucaro]

don't like apple:)

I also disagree with the screen comment the screens on laptops have come on in leaps and bounds and even the cheap laptops have a better screen then a reasonable laptop I had 4 years ago.

they are very clear and I would even suggest that some of them are clearer then the screen I use now. which is probably about 2 years old

Well, I guess that it is all related in how you like to have the final job done regarding image PP and printing.

The size of the images of a D80 or D200 generally a tiff format uncroped is of about 55mb, but because all the layers have to be left opened to do a possible correction in the proof to suit the profile of the printer and also the profile of the paper to be used the image it is going to be larger.
To get to this stage the screen have to be calibrated to suit the profiles mentioned.
To calibrate the screen the PC or laptop have to be in a room which have the light not affected by windows, etc and also the monitor have to be at a constant angle and position to not change the shades of the image.
To avoid having the tiff image with all the layers opened you will need proper monitor like the Eizo (http://www.imagescience.com.au/products/Eizo-ColorEdge-CG223W.html) will cost from $ 2200 and the Apple itis not far behind.
Having this calibrated monitors allows you to send the work to a lab once you have their profiles in a jpg format.
I have a very good Samsung monitor calibrated to suit the printer where I send my jobs, but I have to leave all the layers opened for the final adjustments.
If you can achieve all the above factors in a laptop under $2000, you will be the world first photographer to do it so.
Cheers

[dullbird]

what the hell are you talking about Arthur????

why are you carrying on about all this, when I have no intention of doing this with my laptop.

I don't even have my monitor at home now calibrated or my printer...I think your getting a bit way a head of your self here.

I said touch ups! not full blown PP....

and I stand by what I said there are laptops out there under 1000 bux which I would say are on comparison with the monitor I use now asus 22'' screen if not better. that is just my opinion.

[HangOver]

minimum specs for lightrom is a P4 cpu and 1GB or ram an atom might just cut it.

I have used the dell latitude 2100 10" screen at work with 2GB ram they are pretty good on XP, about $800 touchscreen and webcam too.

but anyway ..........
I guess you need to decide
1. light weight, cheap, low power
2. more weight, more power, more cost.

saying that there are plenty of sub $1000 notebooks that do an decent job.
Dell do a 13" screen inspiron pentium SU4100, 4GB ram 7200rpm hdd 1366x768 res $850
or if you want 10" screen look at the mini 10 range from about $450

if your willing to consider a 15" laptop for $1050 you can get an i5 with 4gb ram it'll beat the pants off an any single or dcore in that price range

i have bought probably 60 dells in the last few years and had trouble with about 3, only 1 or which died, dell have excellent support.

[Hardchina]

Well i just found the perfect netbook / notebook?

Rugged PC Review.com: General Dynamics Itronix GD8000 (http://ruggedpcreview.com/3_notebooks_itronix_gd8000.html)

4:3 touch screen, :cool: I hate stupid widescreen

it's only $4500 us and weighs 4kg :eek:........ oh well :(

[Chucaro]

Sorry, perhaps I misunderstood your post when you disagree with my comments
"IMO cheap laptops do not have a good screen to do PP of images.
They are ok for download images from the camera and organize them on folders."
That it is all :)
Cheers

[Hardchina]

Sorry, perhaps I misunderstood your post when you disagree with my comments

"IMO cheap laptops do not have a good screen to do PP of images.
They are ok for download images from the camera and organize them on folders."
That it is all :)
Cheers

what do you know about using a pc for doing pp?

i thought this was your pp method of choice :p

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/21.jpg

[miky]

I hate stupid widescreen


x2

.

[miky]

So what did you decide dullbird?

I am also after a (preferably) 13 inch for same as you.
Have an EeePC specifically for mapping, but want something to sort photos etc. at the end of the day while travelling.
Would like a white keyboard which I find easier to see. Touch typist I am not, I have to look at the keys.

Mike

[HangOver]

google this :

HP Mini 5102 Notebook

Options available for:
Touchscreen
3G
GPS
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Netpad Nirvana :D

I should have said only a 10" screen

[dullbird]

Currently I have decided against getting anything as much as I want something can't justify spending over a 1000bux at the moment and its looking like I would have to spend at least 1200 to get something to do what I want.

[miky]

Back to the Atom chip :confused:

The four options - couldn't care less and they most probably chew up memory and slow the whole thing down. Would need to disable them.

The one review I had a read of was not too complimentary.

[miky]

Currently I have decided against getting anything as much as I want something can't justify spending over a 1000bux at the moment and its looking like I would have to spend at least 1200 to get something to do what I want.

Thanks dullbird, about the same conclusion I came to.
Do I want to spend that much? Will have to soldier on and have a serious think.

[dullbird]

so does anyone know about the brand "gateway" what are these like

I was looking at this

http://www.laptopfactoryoutlet.com.au/specs/gateway/GatewayEc38.pdf

this would run my applications as I'm sure this is actually more powerfull then my dessk top

[Dmmos]

I bought a Samsung N130 from Mr Norman a few months ago for $340 - it's perfect!

[scanfor]

Hey Dullbird

Have a look at msy.com.au
I buy all my IT stuff there, and they have some great spc laptops at reasonable prices.

Regards
Scott

[dullbird]

Anyone got any thoughts on the

MSI Wind12 U200. ???

I saw this netbook today at office works (of all places) and I really really liked it...

its got a Intel celleron 1.2Ghz I still don't know if this is fast enough though...seems to have good reviews on the web and also seems to be capable of a little bit more then document writing and web surfing

[HangOver]

These netbook things are great at what they do but dont expect too much.
They will run most apps but mostly only one or two at a time.

Listen to mustc browse the web open a doc or two, more than that you would be pushing its boundries

[dullbird]

Ok so I have made a decision....

this is going to be my next laptop...I just have to save up for it. If this doesn't do what I want then I'm buggered if I know as this is wayyyy faster then my desktop and I reckon I would even like to get an extra bit of ram in this:D

Mwave Australia: Buy Cheap Toshiba Satellite Pro U500 - Core i3 330M / 2.13 GHz - RAM 2 GB - HDD 320 GB - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - HD Graphics - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR - fingerprint reader - Windows 7 Pro (http://www.mwave.com.au/productdetail.asp?SKU=31120719&utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc)

[HangOver]

before you buy it check this out:

LINK (http://www1.ap.dell.com/au/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-15r/pd.aspx'refid=inspiron-15r&s=dhs&cs=audhs1&%7Eoid=au%7Een%7E39102%7Einspn_15r_t510502au%7E%7E )

faster processor
4GB ram
bigger & faster Hard Drive
$160 cheaper

what ever you buy if you get 4GB of ram or more, (inclusive of video ram) go for the 64bit option for the operating system if you get a choice.

[HangOver]

hang on forget that, you can get the i5 processor for $40 more :D:cool::

link2 (http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/ltd/en/ap/au/dhs/inspiron-15r-T510505AU?c=au&cs=audhs1&l=en&s=dhs)

[dullbird]

not interested in a 15 inch screen though ;)

[Roadrunner]

If you want to go Dell there is a Vostro 3300 which is 13.3" and with an I5 and 3GB RAM it comes to $1,138.60 there are sometimes Coupons which bring the Dell down even further.
2SPMDCPPZW61VL this should be 8% off Vostro otherwise Google is your friend.

Matt

[dullbird]

have you had an experience with this laptop?

I have to say I'm very weary of Dell as my friend had a Dell laptop and he had nothing but dramas with it:(

[Roadrunner]

Personally I'm not a Dell fan but that's just me. I had to order some Dell laptops for some of my clients as they only want to buy Dell and so far no dramas. I sold a 13" Vostro about a year ago and some of the E5400 as they fit a docking station as well.
And now the darkest story of them all. I even bought myself one as I needed something with a good docking station. I got a E4300 off ebay which was brand new and around $1000. Have 2x24" monitor connected at home and work and just plug it into the dock and have everything connected.
I just don't make much money selling Dell stuff so I rather sell Asus which I've done for years and like them very much.
It's like with everything. You can always get a lemon no matter what brand you buy. They also have the anti glare screen which I prefer to the glossy ones.

Matt

[HangOver]

for my 2c worth I've bought corporate dell laptops for quite a while, mostly latidudes, but a few XPS, inspiron, most recently E6510s and a few 2100's

I always buy Dell because thier support service is IMO second to none thats if you buy the gold 24x7 support, I havent tried the others. I have only had to call them on maybe 3 or 4 occasions but taking into account i dunno around 100+ laptops thats not bad going.
I have two at home too.

[dullbird]

Ok I bought an acer timelineX 4820T:)

I ended up spending just a simdge over a 1000bux but it was a case of I need something to fill in for my desktop now as it had started crashing time after time after time......

So I now have a very sleek looking laptop with 14" screen (a touch bigger then I wanted but hey

4G ram
1g graphics
500 HDD
i5 :)
so all in all pretty happy also bought on credit card which apparetly gives me 1 year extended warranty on the 12month factory.

I think I did OK considering I was going to by the 13.3" Toshiba Satellite which was only an i3 had one years extended warranty for $1088 + $25 postage
The reason I didn't buy the toshiba was because when I saw it in the flesh I hated the screen (touchscreen) and it was awful to typ on the keyboard felt..well wobbly!! odd I know, but the keys didn't feel stable. Oh and it was much bulkier

So there you have it..I know have a laptop that has more grunt then my desktop:D