Win an HP Mini 311 netbook

Enter to Win an HP Mini 311 — Courtesy of LAPTOP Magazine. Are you willing to fill out a short survey so that you can enter to win a free HP netbook?
Click here for details.

XP yields longer battery life than Windows 7

You may not be surprised to discover that Windows XP results in longer battery life compared to Windows 7 if you're using a netbook. There are many variables when it comes to battery life comparison studies, but if you're going to browse the Internet via Wi-Fi, then you're likely to get longer battery life on a netbook running Windows XP compared to Windows 7. According to this blog post on Laptop Magazine, you will see substantial reductions in battery life if you're running Windows 7 on a netbook.

So, what if you're running a standard notebook? Tablet PC? Ultra-mobile PC? Do the results on a netbook translate to other mobile devices?

Netbooks generally use very low voltage processors (single core) and small screens. Plus, several come with SSD options (although more are now coming with standard 1.8" spinning hard drives). So you have to really examine where your power is being drained.

Other industry studies seem to suggest that Windows 7 may result in longer battery life on standard laptops and other mobile computers. I suppose the bottom line is that you should run the test yourself. Create a dual-boot partition on your hard drive and test different operating systems to see which one gives you the best battery life. I'm sticking with Windows 7 on my tablet since I'm willing to sacrifice battery life for the tablet features.

HP Mini 5101 netbook

Are all netbooks equal? Not when you have some that are tiny and others that really look like a small laptop. If you're thinking about spending a few hundred dollars for a netbook, consider the HP Mini 510.

The HP Mini 510 netbook received an "Editor's Choice" by Laptop Magazine and 4 out of 5 stars. They say, "This business-friendly netbook offers excellent performance in a durable and attractive design."

Pros:
* Stylish, durable design
* Comfortable keyboard (this is very important if you're buying a small computer)
* Excellent performance
* Good audio

Cons:
* Touchpad has too much friction (maybe a tiny bit of grease can fix that problem)

PC Magazine also rates this netbook as "Very Good" (4 out of 5 stars). Here's their Bottom Line: The HP Mini 5101 is much improved version over HP's previous netbooks, but you'll have to pay extra for many of its fringe benefits—if they become available.

Pros:
Very attractive metallic chassis. 95-percent keyboard is right up there with those on the top netbooks. Mouse buttons are quiet. Bevy of options, including an "HD" resolution, 3G, SSDs and 7,200 rpm HDDs. Good performance scores. 802.11n wireless capability.

Cons:
Options can bring up the cost significantly and aren't available for purchase yet.

If you're interested in reading the reviews: click here for the PC Magazine review. Want to read some more? Then, click here for Laptop Magazine.

I don't plan to buy a netbook anytime soon. My Thinkpad is small and light enough that I use it most of the time. Also, I have a Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC (and I still have my OQO model 02), so why needs another small computer, right?