Intel ATOM notebook experiences

bobson (Bob) · #1 07-02-2010, 05:06 PM

Hi,

I saw this notebook for $369.00:

Samsung N130-JA03AU 10" Netbook Black, INTEL ATOM N270 1.6GHz/1GB RAM/160GB/10.1" LED, WebCam/10/100/802.11bg/n compliant/ 6 Cell /WIN 7 STARTER / 1YR WARRANTY

I want it for Cartes du Ciel mainly. And then just for Internet browsing. The problem is I dont really know much about this ATOM processors. Are they any good?

Thanks

bob

leinad (Dan) · #2 07-02-2010, 05:44 PM

The Samsung has had good reviews. On par just as good as the Asus Eeepc N270 and N280 models.
3 USB ports, VGA adaptor, wireless, LAN port, anti-glare screen, good design and keyboard layout.

For using in the field or at home, it will run all programs well. Don't expect miracles with processing power such as stacking processes or graphics apps. They will run slower, but will run.

Make sure you check Warranty and replacement conditions if not buying from a reputable PC shop.

Where did you see this one in Perth by the way? Austin Computers?

bobson (Bob) · #3 07-02-2010, 06:01 PM

Yes mate, Austin computers.
I just read some reviews and it says that processor power is lower than Celerons 1.3 or something like that but multi threaded processor.

pmrid (Peter) · #4 07-02-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobson

Hi,

I saw this notebook for $369.00:

Samsung N130-JA03AU 10" Netbook Black, INTEL ATOM N270 1.6GHz/1GB RAM/160GB/10.1" LED, WebCam/10/100/802.11bg/n compliant/ 6 Cell /WIN 7 STARTER / 1YR WARRANTY

I want it for Cartes du Ciel mainly. And then just for Internet browsing. The problem is I dont really know much about this ATOM processors. Are they any good?

Thanks

bob

Cartes de Ciel is a good program because it is not graphics-intensive like The Sky is, or Stellarium. And An ATOM N270 would run it easily. Try to be sure to get a 1.6 GHz version though. Also, depending on how you plan to use this, have a look at the fitPC2 which is extremely low-power and well-specc'd. I have both an ASUS EeePC 701 4GB plus a fitPC2 1.6 GHz with the same CPU and love em both but for work in the observatory, would take the fitPC2 any day - more USB ports, better HD, graphics etc. And it's so small, it attached directly to the mount/pier and makes connectivity issues a lot less.
Peter
Peter

Barrykgerdes · #5 07-02-2010, 06:21 PM

I have an Acer-Atom N270 series that I bought just for fun. I re-partitioned it to make it better for my purpose, got rid of Norton and Office 2007. Put AVG9, Office 2000 (because I have it), photoshop CS2, Stellarium 0.10.3 (my version ). Qt 4.6.1 SDK so that I can compile stellarium. PHD, DSS and most of the other programs I run on the main computer.

It runs great. No problems with speed. Runs Stellarium twice as fast as the main compter with the 1024 x 600 screen which is not noticed as being small. It drives the telescope from stellarium.

I can spend time with the family because It is small enough to cart around and sit on my lap unobtrusively while watching TV. Best $389 I have spent in quite a while.

Barry

PeterM · #6 07-02-2010, 06:37 PM

I have the ASUS netbook (1.6 atom) and for $45 changed the 1gig ram to a 2 gig stick of ram from computer superstore. It runs the Sky6 Professional without any issues (as well as CCD Soft at the same time). So I can't see why you would have any worries with the Samsung.

PeterM.

acropolite (Phil) · #7 07-02-2010, 07:50 PM

Myer has the Asus 1005P for $439, apparently it has the N450 Atom processor and is quite a bit quicker than the old N2xx processors.

bobson (Bob) · #8 07-02-2010, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys,

I just found Asus from Office Works

http://www.officeworks.com.au
$369

ASUS EEEPC 1001HA Notebook
Features
CPU: Intel Atom N270
PROCESSOR: 1.6 GHz
RAM: 1GB DDR2 RAM
HARD DRIVE: 160GB
SCREEN: 10.1"
WEBCAM: Yes
CONNECTIVITY: 802.11(b/g/n)
OPERATING SYSTEM: XP Home
WARRANTY: 12 Month Manufacturers Warranty
6 cell Battery

All the same specs except it runs XP home which I think would be better than win 7 speed wise and software compatibility. I wouldn't worry too much about going to the next one up N450 unless its so much better. Would rather spend that extra money for extra 1 gig RAM.

cheers

supernova1965 (Warren) · #9 07-02-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobson

Hi,

I saw this notebook for $369.00:

Samsung N130-JA03AU 10" Netbook Black, INTEL ATOM N270 1.6GHz/1GB RAM/160GB/10.1" LED, WebCam/10/100/802.11bg/n compliant/ 6 Cell /WIN 7 STARTER / 1YR WARRANTY

I want it for Cartes du Ciel mainly. And then just for Internet browsing. The problem is I dont really know much about this ATOM processors. Are they any good?

Thanks

bob

I just thought that everyone would like to know that Win7 Starter will not run multiple apps at the same time it has been hobbled so no more than I think it is 2 apps can run at once.

bobson (Bob) · #10 07-02-2010, 10:58 PM

Well, in that case the clear winner is Win XP and Asus

Starkler (Geoff) · #11 08-02-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supernova1965

I just thought that everyone would like to know that Win7 Starter will not run multiple apps at the same time it has been hobbled so no more than I think it is 2 apps can run at once.

Yup. MS allows very cheap licensing of xp and win7 starter only on limited spec machines 1gig ram or less, and 160gb hd or less.

I got a benq u121 with higher specs for 399. but it came without an OS, which was a $120 option.

pmrid (Peter) · #12 08-02-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acropolite

Myer has the Asus 1005P for $439, apparently it has the N450 Atom processor and is quite a bit quicker than the old N2xx processors.

Have you seen the ASUS EeeBox with the N330 dual-core. Sure looks good.
Peter

cfranks (Charles) · #13 10-02-2010, 09:03 PM

I've had my Acer Aspire 1 Netbook since Oct 2008. Just about the same configuration as those above: Atom, 1.5 GB, 160GB, Win XP Home (Until last Xmas) then Win XP Pro. I drive my whole rig with it. Losmandy G11 with Gemini, CCDAutoPilot with CCDSoft for Imaging with QSI 540wsg, PHD for guiding with Lodestar and it handles all the traffic with ease. MaximDL + Maxpoint + Pinpoint to get it setup when portable. Couldn't do without it.
Charles

JohnH · #14 12-02-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acropolite

Myer has the Asus 1005P for $439, apparently it has the N450 Atom processor and is quite a bit quicker than the old N2xx processors.

As I understand it the N450 is not any quicker than the N280's, in fact it is marginally slower as a CPU, however the support chipset has been consolidated onto the CPU meaning that now runs faster. The main improvement of the new chips over the old is reduced power consumption - N450 models can last 8-11 hrs against 5-6 for the 270-280s (on average).

If you want a power neetbook look for the N330 based machines - these have dual cores and, as a result, are able to multi-task and run HD (1080p) videos (and have screens large enough and hdmi ports which might make that a reasonable thing to do) without dropping frames - even a little 3d gaming is possible.

Have a look in Myers for the ASUS 1201N - 699 inc a DVD drive if you want that sort of machine.