Spec me a netbook

[jrwagh333]

Looking for a Netbook that will be able to play back 720p flash videos from YouTube and maybe even 1080p MKV files.
Minimum screen size is 10" but I think for at least a 720p resolution I'm going to have to be looking at 12"?

I have had a look at the Asus 1215N as I believe this is the top performing ION netbook? It does look

I am currently using my Dad's netbook which is an Acer A0531h-0Dk which I love. But trying to play back 720p YouTube videos is a no go

So from my understanding I am going to have to go with an ION netbook? This is going to add a bit to the price and I want to spend as little as possible. Also I believe an AMD Fusion netbook would be able to handle the 720p & 1080p. But I am not sure if any have hit the market yet

Any help?

 

[jrwagh333]

Anyone?

 

[olivier renault]

The 1215N is the top performing Ion netbook (dual core + Ion 2).

Another option is the HP 311c with N270 and Ion. Also has a 1366 x 768 resolution, and is 12'' iirc. All the video decoding is done via the NVidia graphics chipset (about 20% load on the Atom).

AMD released the Zacate / Brazos Fusion platform. There are c-50 netbooks available (Acer Aspire One 522, Toshiba NB550) that do what netbooks do well, plus what netbooks should be doing (1080p videos, multimedia...). 1 GB is really no use, think of upgrading to 2GB or better, however the Acer doesn't make it easy. The Toshiba N550D is a lot easier, and can take up to 4GB DDR3 ram.

If you want better performance, a 13-12'' dual core CULV laptop maybe more your bag. They can be had for under £400 and are much more competent than Atom netbooks at pretty much everything (I have a UL30A, for £350).

Note that I-Player HD is does not support hardware accelerationwith the intel GMA graphics (at least for me), which makes watching IPlayer HD impossible. but from my tests, plays regular 1080p videos and trailers no problem.

So, for a 'cheap' alternative, a NB550D with a 4GB DDR3 notebook ram (one stick) upgrade. Dunno when it will be available in the UK but with RAM, should be around £340. Note that 13'' CULVs run around that price point as well.

Look up the NB550D and see if it's your bag.

Upcoming are the Asus Eee PC 1015B and 1215B.