Entry Level - Reviews

Acer Extensa 5620Z-3A1G12Mi

Review Date: 14-APR-2008

RRP: $899.00

Although the unit lacks the speed seen in other dual-core systems, it is one of the best notebooks available for under $1000. If you are on a tight budget, this unit should be high on the must-see list.

Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T

Accessories, Entry Level

Review Date: 20-JUL-2009

RRP: $1699.00

This ultraportable Acer notebook should offer more than enough power, as long as you aren't planning to play recent games or edit videos, and it has an excellent collection of features (including 802.11n Wi-Fi). For students or business users who don't want to shell out for a more powerful ultraportable laptop but want something that's more feature-packed than a netbook, we think it's perfect.

Review Date: 29-NOV-2006

Acer Aspire 5634WLMi

RRP: $1999.00

The Aspire 5634WLMi has proved to be a good overall performer and a nice introduction to Acer's Core 2 Duo notebook range. For the price, you're getting an excellent deal.

Acer Aspire One ZG5 (Linux)

Review Date: 01-AUG-2008

RRP: $599.00

This Linux version of the Aspire One is easy to use and has a solid-state drive, but the Windows XP version has better memory and storage capacity for only $100 more. Furthermore, Acer will also release versions with built-in 3G modules. It's really a case of waiting for the new versions to arrive, unless the portability and ease of use of this unit catch your fancy.

ASUS Eee PC 701 4G (Lush green)

Review Date: 24-JUN-2008

RRP: $479.00

It has been out for a while now, but the original Eee PC is still great value and one of the best super-portable laptops on the market.

ASUS Eee PC 900 (Windows XP version)

Review Date: 12-MAY-2008

RRP: $599.00

Physically, it's the same as the Linux version, and it has less storage space, but it does feel a little faster and it's much better suited to playing videos.

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA (SBLK01)

Review Date: 11-JUN-2009

RRP: $699.00

If you're a traveller, the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA (SBLK01) is perfect for you: its battery lasts a long time (up to five hours in out tests), it's fast, and it has a 160GB hard drive for you to store your photos. But really, anyone who wants class-leading performance should consider it.

ASUS Eee PC 900 (Linux version)

Review Date: 12-MAY-2008

RRP: $649.00

Even if you've never used Linux before, the Linux version of the Eee PC 900 is worth considering. It's more expensive than the Windows XP version, but it does have a larger internal storage capacity, and we feel that it's easier to use.

Review Date: 01-JUL-2009

BenQ Joybook Lite U101

RRP: $699.00

BenQ's Joybook Lite U101 is easy to upgrade and is worthy of consideration if you're in the market for a netbook.

BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco

Review Date: 21-SEP-2009

RRP: $899.00

The Joybook Lite U121 Eco is a good option for anyone who wants a big netbook with long battery life. It has an 11.6in screen and a mostly full-sized keyboard, and a 6-cell battery. However, its build quality could be better and we'd like BenQ to include options for a 3G module and a solid state drive.

Review Date: 09-JUL-2008

BenQ Joybook A53-BV09

RRP: $1199.00

The BenQ Joybook A53-PV09 is an underperforming entry-level notebook. This laptop suffers from usability issues and a scarcity of expansion ports.

BenQ Joybook R43-PV03 (9H.0ESAP.V03)

Review Date: 31-MAR-2008

RRP: $1249.00

This notebook is suitable for anyone who wants an inexpensive dual-core machine for home, school or office use.

Review Date: 06-JUN-2008

BenQ Joybook R45 (PV-04)

RRP: $1199.00

The BenQ Joybook R45 balances attractive design and lots of features against weak speakers and palm rests with heat issues. What tips the scales in favour of this notebook is its low price.

Review Date: 17-JUL-2009

Dell Inspiron Mini 10

RRP: TBA

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is a great netbook, especially if you want a high resolution, a large amount of storage space and the convenience of an HDMI output. It's let down by the poor digital TV software, slow performance and the awkward touchpad. We also liked the super cool lid artwork!