Looking for a netbook

[SpAc3man]

I've concluded I need a netbook or maybe some sort of ultraportable. I have also decided to consult you lot on what is a good choice

So far I like the look of the Asus 1215n. I like the idea of Nvidia Optimus to keep the battery life up. Anyone got any recommendations?

I'm looking for decent battery life, dedicated graphics, compact (less than 14"), HDMI out, ability to play 1080p movies with ease. I will need to carry it around at uni so nothing that is too heavy. I do game a lot but I don't need something that can run Crysis. Maybe Portal. I don't need an optical drive.

I'm no fanboy so I'm open to options from all parties. Please share your own experiences

No need to dumb anything down for me, I have more than decent technical knowledge.

 

[SpAc3man]

So apparently no one knows anything about any good netbooks..

 

[shado_temple]

I've concluded I need a netbook or maybe some sort of ultraportable. I have also decided to consult you lot on what is a good choice

So far I like the look of the Asus 1215n. I like the idea of Nvidia Optimus to keep the battery life up. Anyone got any recommendations?

I'm looking for decent battery life, dedicated graphics, compact (less than 14"), HDMI out, ability to play 1080p movies with ease. I will need to carry it around at uni so nothing that is too heavy. I do game a lot but I don't need something that can run Crysis. Maybe Portal. I don't need an optical drive.

I'm no fanboy so I'm open to options from all parties. Please share your own experiences

No need to dumb anything down for me, I have more than decent technical knowledge.

Before I say anything, what price range are you looking in?

 

[theComposer]

I don't know a lot about netbooks that meet the specs you want, except a friend of mine who has an Alienware m11x and loves it. That might be a bit more than you want/need though.

 

[shado_temple]

I don't know a lot about netbooks that meet the specs you want, except a friend of mine who has an Alienware m11x and loves it. That might be a bit more than you want/need though.

The thing's a beast, which is sort of the problem; it's not all too portable.

 

[WrongSprite]

I've got a Dell one, you know the colourful ones?

Anyway, it's pretty decent, and it does its job. There's not a lot of variation in netbooks to be honest, they're all pretty similar because of the limited capabilities.

Portal...you might struggle with, I'm not sure. To be honest, if you're looking for gaming of any kind, you might want a laptop. The only thing I've played on my netbook is Age of Empires 2, if that's a bookmark of sorts.

 

[shado_temple]

I quick went through some PC magazines laying about, and apparently you hit the nail on the head; the 1215n is their favorite, for many of the reasons you mentioned. I can't imagine anything more you could expect from a netbook that isn't already in this one, and I've yet to have an issue with the Asus brand, so go for it!

 

[theComposer]

I don't know a lot about netbooks that meet the specs you want, except a friend of mine who has an Alienware m11x and loves it. That might be a bit more than you want/need though.

The thing's a beast, which is sort of the problem; it's not all too portable.

The m11x? It's an 11" netbook, and while it may be a bit heavier than many netbooks, it's still way lighter than most laptops.

 

[shado_temple]

I don't know a lot about netbooks that meet the specs you want, except a friend of mine who has an Alienware m11x and loves it. That might be a bit more than you want/need though.

The thing's a beast, which is sort of the problem; it's not all too portable.

The m11x? It's an 11" netbook, and while it may be a bit heavier than many netbooks, it's still way lighter than most laptops.

So it is. I had a friend rant about it before, but I guess I shouldn't just assume anything anymore (makes an ass out of you and me, and all that). Regardless, I feel that the Asus is a bit better value, and has a better hybrid graphics system.

 

[SpAc3man]

I have looked at the m11x and its not quite what I have in mind. Its probably the limit of my budget if I push it.

I found some nice looking 13.3" ultraportables at my local PC hardware shop:
(note prices are in New Zealand dollars, so don't be shocked)

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=363/ID=14813/SID=486839048/productdetails.html

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=363/ID=15010/SID=561008865/productdetails.html

I'm debating the merits of 1GB of dedicated graphics vs 512MB in a notebook. Will have to look up some benchmarks..