AMD VP says netbooks only good "around the house"

AMD's Ultra Value Client line might be set to go head to head with Intel's Atom in the netbook market, but it sounds like the company isn't particularly confident that users will accept the design compromises involved in building cheap, small laptops. According to Pat Moorhead, AMD's VP of advanced marketing, the choice between a $499 netbook and a $499 full-sized laptop with 15.4-inch screen and a dual-core processor is clear to him -- a netbook might be fine for "around the house," but the shorter battery life and lack of features means that "it's a big tradeoff." Those are some fair points, even if they have a hint of sour grapes to them, but it certainly seems like consumers don't care -- Intel can't make enough Atom chips, and machines like HP's Mini-Note are selling like crazy. So, we put it to you: if this was your $499, would you rather get a netbook (say, the Eee 901) or a full-featured 15.4-inch laptop like this AMD-powered Acer Extensa? Video after the break.

[Via Eee PC News]

Netbook or 15.4-inch laptop for $499?

Netbook15.4-incherVote

[MadMike @ Sep 15th 2008 2:08PM]

I use a 15.4" Lenovo T61P and a 17" MBP. For a power user, I don't need a netbook. Make a real performance machine lighter and thinner.

[Homeboy @ Sep 15th 2008 2:33PM]

I agree with you. My primary computer is a 17 inch DV9074ea and I've had some play time with an Acer Aspire. As much as I adored it's affordability and size it simply isn't anything I can live with. I known that it's main purpose is to act like an extra computer or a companion for road warriors but it simply doesn't cut it for a power user. I've you're sitting in front of a powerful computer and then hop on to something offering only a fraction of the capabilities you're used to, it will turn out with you wanting to throw the computer out the window.

I am a blogger and have thought about buying a netbook but in the end the performance trade off is too much for me to handle.

[Hold McGroin @ Sep 15th 2008 2:50PM]

Hey Bloggy Blogenstein (Homeboy), first of all, how much power could you possibly need in a laptop? Wordpress and blogger too much for your computer to handle?

You guys don't get it, at all. First, a real power user doesn't need lots of mobile power, only wannabe power users (graphic designers) who lug MBP's around trying to look cool at Starbucks think they need a fast laptop.

You see, SSH barely takes up any resources, SSH connects you to real computing power you can leave at home. Any more questions? Faux power users think a GUI makes them look smart or something, I guess.

[Homeboy @ Sep 15th 2008 3:10PM]

Hold McGroin:
Uhmm you think that a Blogger page is all I have running while I'm sitting in front of the computer? Geez. And who said that power users don't need a lot of mobility power?? When I'm on the road or away from home I want to have access to the comparable power I've go at home now obviously you'll blow this up by saying that I want to play Crysis while am at Starbucks.

The point is that the computing power of a netbook is highly limited and is in most cases only sufficient for word processing, movie playback and simple tasks. Sure netbooks are small but what else do they have going for them?? I do appreciate their entry to the market but given their current price points they aren't really the "damn good deal" as some people perceive them to be. Many of they don't even have impressive battery life to to mention the tiny keyboards.

Netbooks are good but they aren't the second coming of Christ and it seem like everyone here become very defensive whenever there's some performance related criticism directed at netbooks.

[sockatume @ Sep 15th 2008 5:11PM]

Movie playback is surely the most resource-intensive thing you're going to be running on a Netbook. Do you have any actual examples of things you do on the road which a Netbook couldn't handle?

[MadMike @ Sep 15th 2008 5:56PM]

I'm a firefighter and I just want the big screen to watch movies on. I prefer the MBP, but having a backup is good. Especially when I have one crunching something and I need a computer.

[ScareyJ @ Sep 15th 2008 6:37PM]

@McGroin, agreed. I'm in the market for a netbook because I do want power ... I use desktops at home and the office because of performance and the netbook fills the gap moving between locations without having to lug a full laptop around. Though I'm looking more at the ones like the Acer Aspire One because of the 120GB drive instead of an SSD (BestBuy had them with 1GB ram for $350, which I think is a great deal).

[Markarian @ Sep 15th 2008 6:58PM]

My Cloudbook (with XP) plays movies, MP3s, runs Firefox with multiple tabs, and will run any game that's as recent as four years old (as well as a slew of console emulators). All at the same time. It's also smaller than a hardcover book. Everyone who sees mine wants one, and it's more than a conversation starter. When they hear it's $299 their jaw drops through the floor. I think the Netbook platform is here to stay. For a meager $299, it has plenty of power. And I consider myself a power user. I think a lot of people with Netbooks also have other laptops. For when I need a full-size laptop, I bring my HP.

Netbooks are a dream come true. Subnotes, once only the realm of Sony, Fujitsu, and Koujinsha, have gone from $1,700 specialty items to $400 mass market PCs.

[MadMike @ Sep 15th 2008 7:06PM]

True, but I'm a Mac user and the Air was a disappointment. That and I have an LED backlit WUXGA screen on my MBP and It's a thing of beauty. And I don't have a problem with the size of my MBP. I travel a decent amount.

If there was a decent 720p widescreen laptop that could play blu-ray rips would be great. Like 14"

[jaywontdart @ Oct 21st 2008 5:33AM]

12 inch PowerBook up in this bitch! woo yeah. I love my baby, 12 inch screen, dvd writer, made out of strong aluminium (al-ew-min-e-yum), why would I get a netbook? I can easily hold it with one hand, I have a PowerMac G5 sitting next to me right now, and my PowerBook easily fits UNDERNEATH the PMG5, I guess some netbooks might even fit through the handle/feet loops though :)

[Giroro @ Sep 15th 2008 2:09PM]

I thought the appeal of netbooks was their portability, so it's easier to carry them out of your house.

[Golferal @ Sep 15th 2008 2:24PM]

My thought too. I think he has it backwards. I have a 14.1 inch Dell with a 160GB, 7200rpm hdd, high res screen, and full size keyboard that I use around the house and for "true" computing on the road, but it's kinda bulky and heavy with the 9 cell battery. The performance is great, but is much more than I need for browsing, email and most basic functions.

I'm considering buying a netbook to keep in the car and to also use as a portable video player for my son.

[Anthony @ Sep 15th 2008 2:33PM]

I travel a lot. 4.5lbs starts to weigh on you & typically I only use email, browse the web & occasionally watch a little slingbox. Battery life's not an issue except @ airports & you can always find a plug (or buy another battery).

I think netbooks are perfectly fine for most business travelers too.

[Wolfticket @ Sep 15th 2008 2:37PM]

Exactly.
I would say a 15" laptop is ideal for around the house, when you don't have to carry it very far, and a netbook is ideal for out and about you have to carry it around all day.
Also, I thought the battery life was pretty poor on your average 15.4" cheapo laptop, and pretty epic on at least some netbooks (the ones with 6+ cell batteries)

[bondsbw @ Sep 15th 2008 4:57PM]

I'm just not sure that you gain much portability using a netbook. They are that problem middle-ground between the PDA/phone and the laptop: too big for your pocket and not very powerful.

If you get a netbook, you'll still want to carry it in a case. My laptop case is almost as heavy as the laptop itself; the same is probably true about netbook cases. And heavy or not, they can be awkward.

It may be great for a purse, but if you aren't already planning to carry something on your shoulder, a phone or PDA or other pocket-size device just seems so much better, even if it isn't quite as powerful.

[Neoprimal @ Sep 15th 2008 7:28PM]

If you compare most cheapy acer 14.1/15.4 laptops they're about 1 to 2lb more than your typical 'netbook' and cost the same.
The tradeoffs are as discussed...your netbook is underpowered in most every way and you're looking at spending more if you get a battery than runs a typical laptop for 2 hrs. But the netbook is a few lbs lighter and very small.

The appeal of the netbook has been totally lost to me. Essentially what they've successfully done is 'repackaged' slow, underperforming hardware (in comparison to what's out or now) into a brand new gadget. It's like taking a P3/Athlon and slapping it into a computer that has some gimmick about it.

Unless I can find one for $299 or less with the specs I want (1gb Ram and 80gb HD minimum), then I personally can't find a reason to buy one. So, I think he has a point....although I suppose the 1 or 2lb difference is a huge deciding factor for most netbook fans. In the end I think it's more personal preference than anything else, so there's no 'wrong answer'. You'll either want a netbook because they're small and light (who cares about price?) or a 15.4 because you want value for your money (who cares if it's a lb or 2 more?).

[Wolfticket @ Sep 15th 2008 8:21PM]

cheapy Acer 15.4" (Extensa 5220): 2.9kg/6.4lb
typical netbook (Eee PC 900): 990g/2.19lbs

[paralipsis @ Sep 15th 2008 2:15PM]

The problem in my household is that my girlfriend prefers to take my netbook (MSI Wind) rather than her laptop if she has to get about with a computer. We both prefer the portability and convenience.

[YesHone @ Sep 15th 2008 4:52PM]

She's really only taking your computer out so she can check to see what porn you've been viewing...

[Conrad @ Sep 15th 2008 2:17PM]

This is exactly why I never understood the whole netbook frenzy. Sure they're small and cuddly, but for the same price you can get a laptop that can actually do things.

Kinda like Smart cars, or a moped instead of a motorcycle...

[jawa_edan @ Sep 15th 2008 3:00PM]

From a different standpoint, the $499 15" laptop is kind of like a cheap gas-guzzling 4WDs. Can't go miles without filling in, bad handling, yet not good enough for real mud. The moped otoh, is a perfect city slicker, goes on and on, swim through traffic jam, and on it's bumper there's a sticker that says "my other car is a quadcore" :)

[pizzicato @ Sep 15th 2008 3:16PM]

I never understood this whole notebook frenzy. For the same money you can get a very decent desktop pc.

[Cody @ Sep 15th 2008 2:17PM]

I'd really like to buy Netbook, but the manufacturers have to realize this price discrepancy with the low-cost, full-featured laptops. If they would offer the Netbooks at a cheaper and more competitive price, people would overlook the compromises. If Asus was actually able to sell a $199 Netbook, people would pay attention.

[Rifter @ Sep 15th 2008 2:24PM]

I have to agree. The netbook is a cool idea. To me, it is just an around-the-house convience. It has a bigger screen than my smartphone, basically. But, to me, a notebook is more expensive, and better featured. I suppose the tiny size of a netbook is nice, but as the AMD guy pointed out... the tiny battery kind of hamstrings it.

[telepheedian @ Sep 17th 2008 10:36AM]

I don't know about that, most people who have seen my Eee 1000h were surprised at the price, after they saw what it could do, and its one of the more expensive netbooks out there. I think it's just the geeks that have a problem with the price/performance ratio, whereas this thing can do everything I need except games, it can even handle Visual Studio.

[Ian @ Sep 15th 2008 2:17PM]

Saying Netbooks are ONLY useful around the house misses the whole point, as does saying they have limited battery life.
Take the Asus 901. Lasts around 7 hours and weighs about 2.6 lbs with an 8.9 inch screen.
First Quarter this year I used an Asus 701 during extensive travels as I wanted a useful communications device with an ability to do email, browser AND basic PC tasks. It worked extremly well. Now I have an order in for it's replacement the 901 because it does everything even better. GONE are the days of my lumping around a 5-6 lbs 14 incher.
In short I use a netbook for ALL my travel needs and it's ALSO useful around the home, where it does NOT replace my desktop.

Yes I have a phone capable of doing emails and yes I also own a Nokia N800 deviice (useful but w a very small screen). meantime I gave mt 14 inch laptop to my daughter.

No wonder AMD is struggling when they don't understand the uses for good chipsets.

[Peter @ Sep 16th 2008 7:15PM]

I agree with your thoughts. I have an eeePC 901 (Linux version) and I take it on business trips where I need access to information, the ability to quickly access e-mail and web resources. What I don't need is a heavy laptop to carry around with me. If I am in one location for an extended period of time, I simply hook up a monitor and keyboard (I carry a wireless mouse) and I'm good to go for basic computing.

[Chris @ Sep 15th 2008 10:01PM]

I purchased the Aspire One mainly to use around campus. I also have powerful desktop and even a 15.4" laptop. I bought the Acer cause I didn't want to lug around my 6.5lb laptop. Instead I toss the acer into by bookbag and go.

[sockatume @ Sep 15th 2008 2:18PM]

I have the opposite opinion. A 15.4" laptop is nigh unusable except in the office or at home, while a Netbook can be used pretty much anywhere. I've tried to use a 15.4" laptop on a train, it just can't be done unless you take half a table to yourself. It'll take over a cafe table too. Not to mention the weight and bulk when pulling it around. As larger-capacity batteries become the norm, battery life will be much less of an issue too. My notebook can do about 2.5-3 hours on a charge, and most netbooks can match that, even on small batteries. And features? Aside from 3D gaming there's little that a full-size laptop can do "on the go" that a netbook couldn't.

[zonamanoz @ Sep 15th 2008 2:18PM]

I think a bit of context is needed, personally I don't like laptops bigger then 13.3 inches but if I had no laptop at all I would easily go for the 15.4 since it has all features. A Netbook would purely be a second laptop for me, for "around the house" etc.

[Aaronage @ Sep 15th 2008 2:19PM]

I agree with the guy, netbooks are a passing fad like most things :)

[kiwi @ Sep 15th 2008 2:21PM]

"a netbook might be fine for "around the house," but the shorter battery life and lack of features means that "it's a big tradeoff.""

I'd say it's the reverse. A netbook is fine for bringing places, but not to use as your main computer.

[Chris @ Sep 15th 2008 2:22PM]

I just made this very choice not three weeks ago. Asus eee w/16GB HDD and 1 GB RAM vs Compaq 15.4" AMD 64 Bit dual core w/3GB RAM, 200GB HDD, DVD RW DL, GeForce 8200M and more. Price was about $100 in difference. I went with the 15.4" because it's still MUCH more useful.

[Mark925 @ Sep 15th 2008 5:10PM]

It's not supposed to be a one or the other choice. Netbooks complement your usual home or office computers. They don't replace them. I have a docked big old laptop at work, a tower at home hooked up to the TV, and I just ordered a netbook to throw in my bag for when I'm on the go. If you only have one computer, then yes, get one that will do everything you need to do.

[Sandeep @ Sep 15th 2008 2:23PM]

There are places in this world for both types of laptops, value and netbook. The value laptop is great for a non-power user or as an extra (usually semi-stationary) machine. For example, I got a $500 laptop for my grandmother. She keeps it on a desk or in a closet unless she's using it. Not much of a point in getting her a netbook, and this way she has a real laptop with an OS that people can help her with when I can't be there in person.

The netbook is great as a second or third machine (in addition to a desktop or power laptop) to carry around for work or classes. Much like buying an ultraportable notebook, the convenience of having something small that can do most basic tasks appeals to many power users. Why buy another value laptop when I have a 15" mbp? The netbook offers something I don't have - that is, a small footprint and light weight - that is great to take to class or walk around with.

Having said that, I'm perfectly content waiting this out, and hoping netbook prices fall, before I purchase one. Nothing can quite beat a solid desktop/laptop combo in the current market, in my opinion.

[Juice Daddy @ Sep 15th 2008 2:23PM]

They have great potential to be a complimentary machine for our digital lifestyles...

but not for $500

[nak @ Sep 15th 2008 2:24PM]

I said 15.4". But if the price of the netbook were $299 (and there was some $299 notebook) then I'd have to go with the netbook. I'm just not prepared to spend $500 on such a limited machine, $300 yes.

[iofthestorm @ Sep 15th 2008 4:38PM]

I agree, although I'd really like them to be even cheaper, closer to the original $200 pricepoint Asus used as marketing fodder. But I really feel like around $200-300 they're competing with smartphones, and I'd rather have the smartphone in that case. Also, Pandora (http://openpandora.org ) seems like a better alternative to a netbook, if it can deliver on its promises. QWERTY keyboard, 4.3" touchscreen, gaming controls, wifi, 800x480 resolution which is equal to the original 7" EeePC. More portable, and about the same horsepower as a netbook, and better for gaming/emulation.

[engadget.com @ Sep 15th 2008 2:24PM]

I got a MSI Wind to replace my aging 15inch laptop not because I needed more power but because I didn't like taking the larger laptop with my anywhere and the battery life was abysmal. My Wind has the 6 cell battery and gets 4-5 hours with the screen ~50% brightness and Wifi on. That's about 3.5-4.5 hours longer than my larger laptop and it's just as powerful, has a camera, integrated Wifi and Bluetooth to boot.

You really don't need much to couch surf and you don't want much to tote out and about with you. I think netbooks fulfill that need quite nicely.

[nak @ Sep 15th 2008 2:26PM]

interesting name you have there

[Twoje @ Sep 15th 2008 2:25PM]

It really depends on the circumstances.

For me, it's a netbook, because netbooks are easier to carry around to my classes. Also, I don't need the power of a regular notebook because I have a desktop in my dorm room. The netbook is mainly for taking to class for notes, doing homework outside if it's nice out, or walking to other rooms to hang out with my friends but still have the ability to be online.

[maxz @ Sep 15th 2008 2:25PM]

There's really no general rule. It depends on what you want to do with your laptop. If you want a highly mobile laptop which you use for communicating, browsing the web and entertainment, you would buy a netbook. If you need to do work on a mobile platform, you would be better off with a 15,4" laptop with big screen and normal sized keyboard.

[ptrader @ Sep 15th 2008 2:30PM]

I agree - he's got it backwards. My HP 2133 Mini Note is strictly for out-of-the-house portability. Anyone who's lugged 9+ pounds of laptop, power adapters, and assorted hubs and cables through the airport and around the country or world should enjoy these smaller laptops.

[Alex @ Sep 15th 2008 2:31PM]

Hang on, you're calling that POS Acer a full-featured laptop? Please explain. If you're going to have mediocre specs, then I am going to at least prioritize portability.

[Prokanda @ Sep 15th 2008 2:31PM]

I was the 666th voter for 15.4". /runs and hides

[Ken @ Sep 15th 2008 2:32PM]

Heh, I bought my Vostro 1400 last November for $450. 15.4 is just too big to tote around 14 is pushing it, but it's mobile enough. Too bad no one has deals like Dell did last year and too bad they don't sell the 1400 anymore.

[kadajawi @ Sep 15th 2008 3:37PM]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. Also got a 1400, and it's a fine machine. A bit on the heavy side and battery life could be longer, but otherwise it works very well and replaced my desktop, also for gaming. Getting a 15,4" cheapo notebook? Never. 15,4" is too big to carry around, it doesn't fit on many tables/takes too much space. Ideal would be something between 11 and 13". If I could, I'd be getting a netbook for when not at home... I mean when I'm not at home the CPU usually idles at 600 MHz... Also, a cheap 15,4" Acer is prone to break in a year or so, I need something more reliable, and with better build quality.

[Evan @ Sep 15th 2008 2:33PM]

$499 15.4" are useless - too big and heavy to be portable, and yet too small to replace a desktop workstation; too underpowered to play games well, and yet too powerful for long battery life. I've never understood why those machines are so popular.

[dagamer34 @ Sep 15th 2008 2:59PM]

They're cheap as shit so people eat 'em up!

[chansthename @ Sep 16th 2008 3:48AM]

you have all thouse non-computer literate people who think "OMG its a really cheap laptop thats much better than buying a $2000 laptop and it cheaper; I want it"

I know many people like this and simply you can't stop them.