Netbook test: Dell, Acer, Medion, HP, Asus…

No fewer than 5 netbooks here for our burgeoning netbook product survey. Watch out for more models from Asus, Toshiba and Samsung over the next few days. Among today’s are three 4 star models, one 3 star and one 2 star. We now know their qualities and their faults.

A lot of changes at Dell with the Mini 10 replacing the Mini 9 and Mini 12. HD screen, 6 cell battery and excellent finish. This little Dell is a nice complement to the company's notebook line: good quality manufacturing and many customization options.

The Acer Aspire One 751 is a big netbook, with an 11.6 inch HD screen. Although in terms of performance it doesn’t shine, it does have great battery life for such a large screen and is generally of satisfactory quality.

Originality from Medion, with an Akoya Mini E1311 that caters to the same market as the Acer Aspire One 751. It has an identical HD screen (1366 x 768), but sheds its Intel Atom for an AMD. Higher performance, it nevertheless has the same quality definition and the battery life is therefore cut due to the choice of components.

HP is out to seduce with a netbook decorated by the celbrated designer, Vivienne Tam. This mainly red design is more than enough to get noticed. Although the casing has received a lot of attention, the inner workings leave something to be desired.

The only netbook in this selection equipped with a matte panel, the Asus Eee PC 1005HA-M is very similar to the 1005HA-H that we have also tested. In spite of a few minor changes, they are basically the same machine and those who are allergic to glossy screens (like us!) will be pleased to see the appearance of this model.

 Product survey: Netbooks