First Class
DELL INSPIRON MINI 10: Despite coming in bubble gum
pink and lime green (among other colors), this new 10-inch
netbook packs some seriously great features, such as an
HDMI port that allows users to hook the computer up to an
HDTV. Pair that with the 1.3-megapixel webcam and you get
some larger-than-life video chatting. Optional GPS connectivity makes this a good choice for lost freshmen, but it
drives up the cost. Still, the base model, with a 160 GB hard
drive driven by an Intel Atom processor, is about as cheap
as they come, meaning more money for ramen noodles.
$399; dell.com
Book These! Book Smarts
Storming around campus with a 30-pound backpack is no way to
get to the head of the class. Thankfully, the newest generation of
netbooks—nimble little laptop computers as small and light as hardcover books—are making the leap from the boardroom to the lecture
hall. These three ultraportables score particularly high marks
ACER ASPIRE ONE: A pioneer in the netbook genre,
Acer replaces its popular 8.9-
inch model with this beefier,
10-inch laptop. The bulk brings
brawn in the form of a 1. 6 GHz
Intel Atom processor. Its 1 GB
of RAM is standard (and un-derwhelming), but it does have
nice add-ons, such as a standard six-cell battery, a webcam,
a multi-in-one card reader slot
and optional 3G wireless networking, which can keep you
online, both on and o; campus.
$349; acer.com
