Budget Laptops

If you’re looking for a brand new laptop that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, here’s a couple that might interest your fancy.

Introduced early March this year, the Asus Eee laptop has several variants to choose from. Ranging from the very basic that starts at P13,900.00 to the top end for about P32,500.00 list price, roughly around $340 - $775.

The other new kid on the block is the Neo eXplore X1 series. It costs around P16,998.00 ($380-$404) but if you try to shop around, you can get it for around P1,000 less. The Neo basically has almost the same specs as the Asus Eee, only difference is, that it has a 30GB PATA HD storage compared to the 2-8 gig solid state device of the Asus.

From what I’ve dug thus far, upon close scrutiny, comments on the laptop compared Neo to a toy laptop for kids that has tiny keys making it difficult to use, or some sort of China made knockoff, although it has more storage than Asus, the lack of vga-output is a deal breaker for some, especially if their work requires a lot of presentation.

Although Asus has a better look and feel in its design compared to the Neo, the use of preloaded Linux for its OS doesn’t seem to sit well with tech savy users, unlike Neo which has Windows XP starter preinstalled. That will most likely change in the coming months since other users are already modding their Asus with Windows Os making it function similar to high end laptops.

Update: Asus is coming out with a 9” wvga screen on their Eee series.

Here are their specs:

Asus Eee specs:

• Value EEE 2G - White - no camera
• Value EEE 701 4G - White ; Black / Pink / Green / Pink
• Value EEE 701 8G - white

• Intel® Celeron® M CPU
• 512Mb DDR2 667MHz
• 2, 4, 8.0Gb Solid State Device
• NO int. Optical Disk Drive
• Input/Output - 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x vga, 1 x RJ-45
• Audio speakers - line in/out
• Integrated 10/100 Network card, Wireless LAN
• 7in. WVGA / Wi-Fi G
• with camera
• SD SLOT - SD card, Multimedia Card, SDHC card/ Pouch / high Cell Batt.
• Dimensions - 8.86in(W) x 0.79in(H) x 6.3(D)
• Weight - approx. 2lbs.
• Linux XANDROS / Open Office

Neo eXplore X1 specs:

• Technology Intel Celeron Mobile
• CPU Celeron M 353
• Cpu Details 900Hz. 400Mhz FSB
• Core Logic Intel GMS910 + ICH6-M
• Wireless 802.11 b/g
• Operating System XP Starter
• Office Productivity NONE
• Memory 512 MB
• Screen 7″ 800 x 480
• Resolution 800 x 480
• Graphics GMA 900
• Storage 30GB PATA
• Optical Drive NONE
• LAN 10/100 Mbps
• Modem NONE
• USB 2 x USB Ports
• Firewire NONE
• Bluetooth NONE
• S-Video TV out NONE
• Card Reader SD/MMC
• Webcam NONE
• Fingerprint / TPM TPM
• Battery 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions 245 (W) x 196 (D) x 44
• Weight (Approx) < 1.45kg
• Carry Bag NONE

In the end, after all the dust has settled, you’ll most likely choose one that will suit your purpose, budget, needs and taste.

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Budget Laptops