Group test: The Top 5 netbooks of March 2010

Reviews of the best netbook PCs you can buy

By Pc Advisor Staff, PC Advisor UK
March 09, 2010 10:51 AM ET

We review the best 5 netbooks you can buy in the UK right now.

Number 5: Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell

The Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell takes its design cues from Apple's MacBook Air (tinyurl.com/l4nrbl) but is both chunkier and cheaper. The six-cell battery promises long life, and the 559 mins recorded in our tests is an excellent achievement. Its WorldBench score is marginally higher than that of most other models, while the keyboard is comfortable and well-designed. The 10.1in glossy screen is crisp and sharp, although reflections are a problem. This netbook is perfect for all-day operation.

Full review of the Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell

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Number 4: Hannspree HannsNote SN10E1

Hannspree is the latest company to rebadge MSI's Wind U100 (tinyurl.com/ra8pnq) with the Hannspree HannsNote SN10E1. So, you can expect the same 10.1in (matt) screen, trio of USB ports and Intel GMA 950 graphics. However, a subtle facelift sees the touchpad running smoothly into the bodywork; a six-cell battery has also been added. Wireless facilities are good and the HannsNote provides capable performance. It has a tendency to teeter backwards, but it's a polished netbook with an enticing price tag.

Full review of the Hannspree HannsNote SN10E1

Number 3: Samsung N110

The Samsung N110 is an improved version of the PC Advisor award-winning NC10 netbook (tinyurl.com/ya897jc), with rounder corners and no chrome-effect trim. The screen is glossy, yet not as reflective as some. About 70g in weight has been lost, but the spec hasn't slimmed down to match. Battery life has been lengthened. The keyboard is firm and the touchpad precise, and we like the translucent graphical screen overlay and the sound quality. An excellent model.

Full review of the Samsung N110

Number 2: Toshiba NB200-123

The Toshiba NB200-123 netbook ticks all of the usual boxes for a 10in-screen laptop, but the total package is a little greater than the sum of its parts. Its robust construction, 3G option and remarkable battery life are still far from a given for most netbooks. The Toshiba's looks are clean and sober, while its keyboard is relatively large and comfortable to type on. The Toshiba's WorldBench 6 real-world speed score is solid. This score fell, though, when tested with Windows 7.

Full review of the Toshiba NB200-123

Number 1: Samsung N510

The Samsung N510 compact laptop will divide opinion on its categorisation - is it an oversized netbook or an underweight laptop? As a netbook, it has to be the most capable yet. The extra width and weight allows for an 11.6in matte screen, which is crisp, bright and clear of reflections, while the keyboard is comfortable. The Samsung combines nVidia's Ion LE with the Atom CPU to generate the best speeds seen yet on a netbook. Battery life falls slightly, although it's still impressive.

Full review of the Samsung N510