Cheap netbooks – best new netbooks for under $300

While the best netbooks in the 10 inch class built on the PineTrail platform (the latest technology used on these mini laptops) cost around $370 – $400 , you can still get some very good devices for as high as $300.

Mainly they offer the same features as the above, but in most cases come without Bluetooth, without chiclet keyboards, with smaller storage spaces and poorer battery life. So, if you want the best 10″ netbook out there, these versions are not for you. But if you’re a budget oriented buyer looking for a standard everyday mini laptop, the versions below might be just the ones.

Asus EEEPC 1001P – $299 now only $289 (for some versions)

The cheapest of the new Seashells, the 1001P still offers up to 11 hours of battery life and brings proper hardware (N450 CPU, 1 GB of memory, 160 GB hard-drive). Of course there’s no Bluetooth and Wi-fi N (there’s only the 802.11 b/g), but we can live with them.

All in one a very good choice if you can’t afford the more buffed on EEE PC 1005PE (with lots of extra goodies and 14 hours battery life). For more details read my review of the Asus 1001P EEE PC line.

The 1001P sells for $299 and is available in different colors. Some color options come with 10-20 bucks discounts. See more details about them by clicking this link (you’ll also find review from other owners and have the option to buy them).

Asus 1001P EEE PC

Acer AO 532h- $299

There are many different options for the Acer AO532h netbook on the market right now, starting from $299. For this kind of money, you get a decent netbook with the standard specs (N450, 1 GB of RAM, 160 GB HDD), Windows 7 Starter and a 8 hours battery life.

Thus, a device very much comparable to the Asus above, but one that comes with more color options. And one at least as good, as the marks and reviews from owners prove it (click the link above to see them). So it’s actually up to you which you want to pick.
Update: The Blue version of this Acer actually sells for $279 right now, a very hot limited time offer I would advice you to get if you want a good new mini laptop for peanuts.

Acer Aspire One 532h

HP Mini 210 – $299 now only $259 (deal expired)

HP also offers different versions for their 10 inch Mini 210 netbook, the base one offering very similar specs as the above, but a smaller 3 Cell battery (only up to 4.5 hours of life). However, in terms of looks and build quality this HP is impressive, offering a matte case with various designs, unlike the glossy ones above.

Update: the deal above expired in the meantime, but if you can spare some extra money, there’s also a version with a 6Cell battery available (up to 9 hours of life), for $279 (/w Shipping included).

HP Mini 210

And there are also these ones:

• Gateway LT2106u – $295 – with a 8 Cell battery and Windows 7, available in black/red/white but only boosting Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity and 160 GB storage space. Casing is matte and that’s a good part also. Overall, the device is very good, as proven by the good marks and reviews received from buyers (see them by clicking the link)
• ASUS EeePC 1005PE-MU27  $299 – one of the best netbooks on the market, now comes with a nice 15% discount and Free Shipping. You get all the goodies, including the Seashell form factor, chiclet keyboard and big battery life (up to 11 hours). You also get Kindle for PC preinstalled for free so you can easily have access to tons of books and content. In fact, the only thing missing from thid device is Bluetooth, si if you don’t really crave for that one, you’d better profit from this nice netbook deal.
• Dell Inspiron Mini iM1012 – $299 – limited 25% price cut on this Obsidian Black Dell, equipped with good hardware and the 9 hours battery. Plus, being a Dell, you get reliability and that vast service network and support in the US and that’s definitely something you should consider when buying a mobile computer.

Now, i’m pretty sure more devices will get in this price range in the near future, so stay tuned for updates of this post. And also check out deals section for periodical goodies. Plus, if you happen to spot any good offers online, don’t hesitate and leave a comment, I’m always on the hunt for good deals to help those looking for such mini laptops and accessories.

Tags: 10" netbook, best deals, cheap netbook, cheap netbooks