Quickly after the 10 inch netbooks became popular, people realized that they are still too small for every day use. Something with just a little bit bigger screen, increased resolution and better keyboard/touchpad and hardware was needed. And if battery life could have been kept as good as on those small notebooks, that would have been even better. The answer for their problem were the 11.6 inch netbooks.
During the last years, I’ve seen hundreds of small computers and although I own a 10 incher and a 13.3 incher as well, I get to use the most my 11.6 inch Acer Aspire 1825PT. I’ve chose it because it packs good power (enough for my daily activities), top connectivity and decent keyboard/display, but is still compact and light enough to get along when traveling.
In the lines below I’m going to tell you a couple of words about the 11.6″ netbooks I consider the best picks right now, based on my encounters with these devices, features, price levels and reviews from regular buyers like you and me, available online. Like all similar posts here on the site, this is not a top, it is a list, as all the devices mentioned in here are great, but they are each meant to satisfy different needs and cope with different budgets. So it’s really up to you to pick the one that better suits you.
Update: This article is now up to date (as of February 2011), but changes will occur as new products will enter the market in the next months. Still, I’m keeping it updated as often as possible.
Budget 11.6 inch netbooks
If on a budget and don’t feel like getting one of those cheap 10 inchers, there are some options for you in this class. Not that many though, as the leap from the under 300 bucks 10 inchers to what we can consider cheap in this class (under @400) is quite big.
Dell Inspiron i11z – $379
This is right now one of your best options for an affordable 11.6 incher. What we have here is a Dell, and that kind of speaks for itself: sturdy and reliable. And unlike other Dells, this one is also well priced. This version is only available in Black, with a glossy finish. Packs decent keyboard (a standard flat one – only 92% Full-Size) but that trackpad with integrated click button will take some time to get used to.
Inside there’s the single core Intel Celeron 743 processor and Intel 4500HD graphics, plus 2 GB of memory, 250 GB HDD and Windows 7 Home Premium. Plus an 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 px display, also glossy. This config ain’t the most powerful, but will allows decent performances and overall snappier experience than what you can get on smaller 10 inch netbooks.
Price is what makes this Dell a worthy pick, as it now goes for $379, with a small discount and Free Shipping included. See this link for more details, pics or the option to buy it for that discounted price.
Update: Looks like this one is no longer available for the time being.
Cheap Dell Inspiron i11z
Acer Aspire AO721 – $429
Another good option for a budget 11.6 inch notebook is this Acer Ao721. Although 50 bucks more expensive than the Dell above, this one is just better on most aspects.
On the outside comes with a plastic casing, which does its job but ain’t the best looking or the best built. Opening the lid, you’ll find a nice Full-Size keyboard with Acer’s flat layout and a decent trackpad, although quite cramped.
The real goodies are inside, as this Acer bring the new AMD low-power platform, with a single-core 1.7 GHz AMD Neo K125 processor and ATI HD 4225 graphics . Too bad there’s only 1 GB of memory by default and just Windows 7 Starter, cause overall the device is snappy and can even handle HD content and some older games. Having AMD inside eats battery life and you can only expect up to 5 hours from this one, although it packs a 6 Cell battery.
In terms of connectivity you get Wi-FI N and Bluetooth 3.0, which most similarly priced products lack.
All in all, this Acer Aspire AO721 is a great deal for the money. Goes for $429 with Shipping included, but expect discounts in the next months, so be sure to check this link for always up to date prices, more details, reviews from buyers, pics and the options to buy one.
Acer Aspire AO721 with AMD hardware and good pricing
Also check the post on cheap netbooks and mini laptops for more options on such budget computers.
Mainstream 11.6 inch notebooks
Mainstream devices are the ones most of you would want. They provide the best balance between performances, looks and price and should be enough for the majority of users. You’ll notice that AMD powered machines rule this category right now, since those with Intel on board, although faster and with better battery life, are quite expensive. Plus, there are new machines expected to enter this class, from Dell and HP, so look for updates in the near future.
Toshiba Satellite T215D – $499 from $447
This is a new 11.6 incher from Toshiba and expect it to become quite popular.
In terms of design, there’s a new sleek look with a textured casing and interior. The screen is glossy though. There’s the chiclet keyboard seen on other Toshibas, with almost no flex and great sensitive feel, plus that great trackpad with separated click buttons, one of the best in its class.
Inside, you actually get two different configurations, both on AMD’s latest mobile platform. There’s one with the single core Neo K125 processor and one with a dual core K325 CPU . Besides those you get 2 GB of memory preinstalled, 250/320 GB hard-drives and ATI HD 4225 graphics, plus Windows 7 Home Premium on both configs and a 6 Cell 48 Wh battery capable of around 5 hours of life in everyday use.
Now, the cheaper version of this machine, with the smaller hard-drive and single-core CPU goes for $419 , with a slight discount from its $449 list price. The more powerful one goes for $499.More details about his last config option via this link.
Now, if on a budget you could get the cheaper version. However, I do advice getting that one with the dual-core AMD CPU, you’ll really see improvements in everyday tasks and performance, as that one can multitask and will be better at playing multimedia HD content and even games. Plus, $50 ain’t that much when shopping for a new laptop to really worth buying that single-core equipped version.
Toshiba satellite T215D - new design, new hardware
Lenovo ThinkPad x100e – from $449
Withing this price range, this is for sure the best 11.6 incher you will get, at least in my eyes. It brings the Thinkpad looks and build quality. Plus the classic Thinkpad keyboard/trackpad and trackpoint (yep, you get that amazing trackpoint on this Lenovo). Casing is matte and classy looking, the interior is matte also and the 11.6 inch screen is a non-glare one, excellent for using outside or in stronger light conditions.
Inside the ThinkPad x100e packs AMD hardware as well. It’s not the latest Nile platform as on the Toshibas above, but the previous generation. You get single-core/dual-core CPU options, 2 GB of memory. 350/320 GB HDD, ATI HD 3200 graphics and Windows 7 Home Premium. For sure I would recommend the dual core and you can read more about that particular device in my post about the dual-core powered Lenovo Thinkpad x100e .
Now, the cheaper version goes for $399 (with 100 bucks discount) right now and managed to score good marks with its buyers. It’s pretty capable and gets battery life of around 5 hours. However, reviews shows it getting quite hot and noisy.
The dual core version was launched a couple of moths after that one and is $100 bucks more expensive as it goes for around $520 . But those extra bucks are well worth spending, as Lenovo managed to solve the problems with temperatures and noise and got a bigger 6 cell 63 Wh battery on, capable of providing up to 6 hours of real-life tested battery life. And you get of course the way better dual-core CPU.
You might also notice that this Lenovo is around 5-10% more expensive than similarly equipped devices in this class and you might wonder why. Well, because it’s a ThinkPad and this means it’s very solid built, is reliable and is ergonomic. And reviews stand as proof.
Lenovo ThinkPad x100e - my favorite in this price range
Acer Aspire AS1551 – $499 $479
This netbook is Acer’s answer to those devices above. It packs the same design we’ve seen on other small Acer machines and build quality is once again decent, but not impressive. I do like the new textured matte lid cover though. Also, there’s the same flat Full-Size keyboard, but a new trackpad with individual click buttons.
Inside you get the latest dual-core AMD Neo K325 1.3 GHz processor, ATI HD 4225 graphics, 250 GB hard-drive and 3 GB of DDR3 memory as standard. So this machine is quite capable and will provide a snappy everyday experience, but also will be able to run HD content if needed. The entire package is completed with a 6 Cell 5 hours battery.
So nothing out of ordinary with this machine. However, as an Acer, it has to be cheaper than the competition, and it is: you can get it for $479 .
However, that’s only 20 bucks cheaper than that Toshiba T215D which does look better and has superior keyboard/trackpad. So right now, although this Acer AS1551 is a good alternative, I still won’t pick it over the others in the mainstream segment. Perhaps if price will drop to around 450, i might consider it…
Acer Aspire As1551 - dual core AMD and slightly cheaper than competition
Top of the line 11.6 inch mini laptops
If money aren’t a problem, these are the devices to get. They bring the best in terms of hardware, build quality and looks, but all these come with a price.
Apple MacBook Air – from $979
A true Apple netbook was long awaited and we finally got it during Fall 2010 . As expected, the new Air is an amazing piece of machinery, but it does come with some lacks and a hefty price tag.
I’m pretty sure you saw pictures with this ultra-portable, the thinnest (0.7 inch) and lightest (2.3 pounds) in this class. It’s just amazing what the engineers at Apple managed to achieve with such a sleek looking laptop. And what’s even better is the fact that the device is actually solid built and does not feel flimpsy.
Inside you get last generation ULV Intel processors, and those were chosen in order to get some decent graphics on board: Nvidia 320M . This hardware will allow the Air to run pretty much all the apps you would need, including multimedia ones and games. You also get 2 GB of memory and SSD storage, which help making this Apple product even faster.
Of course, being so slim comes with cons: you only get around 5 hours of battery life in everyday use, there are only 2 USB ports and there’s no card-reader. But you do get a nice HD display and those great MacBook keyboard and huge multitouch trackpad. So there are cons and pros, but I do feel pros are winning here.
Still, like every Apple product, the Air is pricey. It starts from $979 , that’s for the version with 64 GB storage space, while the top version with 128 GB storage goes for $1169 . Both these prices are slightly discounted than on Apple’s site and you do get Free Shipping for them within US boarders.
All in all, I was completely impressed with the Air the moment it was launched. Not yet impressed enough to actually buy one, but I can say I’m constantly considering this and I won’t be surprised if i finally decide to get one till Christmas. And yes, I’m very aware of its limitations and the fact that it boosts old generation hardware, but gosh, have you seen the looks of this machine? I just have to have one, just do 
MacBook Air - astonishing looking, but expensive
Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T – from $599
Unlike most devices above built on an AMD platforms, this one brings the latest Intel Arrandale ULV hardware. That easily translates in power, power, power and good battery life as well. However, this new Intel platform doesn’t come cheap, so this TimelineX As1830T starts from around 600 bucks, with prices going up for the best versions. In fact, the Arrandale platform wasn’t intended for so small devices, as it also powers bigger 12 and 13.3 inches machines. So stuffing it inside such a compact body ain’t easy, hence the increased price. But if you want a truly compact and fast mini notebook, you’ll have to get one with this Intel hardware right now.
On the outside, this TimelineX looks like every other Acer and is in fact indentic to the Aspire As1551 above.
Inside though… You get a couple of different options for processors, like Core i3-350UM or Core i5-520UM (both with 3 MB L3 cache and TurboBoost technology) . There’s also 4 GB of DDR3 memory, 500 GB HDD and Intel HD graphics. In real life tests, these configs will be at least 10-30% faster in terms of graphics and 50-70% better in terms of CPU performance than those AMD powered ones, with differences getting even bigger when dealing with CPU hungry applications (like Photoshop, Excell with huge files, FireFox with 20+ tabs opened, etc). Not to mention that these platform comes with HyperThreading and TurboBoost technology to enhance speed and multitasking capabilities even further if needed.
Having an Intel platform inside your machine also means increased battery life: there’s a 6 cell 5800 mAh inside this TimelineX, enough for around 8 hours on a single charge.
We could write a couple more pages on the advantages of this Intel platform, we’ll leave that for another post. All in all, these Acers are what you want if looking for speed. However, you should know that some of these machines might get hot on their bottoms, but not actually disturbingly hot.
And there’s the price matter. Like I’ve said, the “cheaper” TimelineX AS1830T goes for $599and comes with Core i3-350UM processor, 3 GB of memory and 320 GB hard-drive. More details about it in here.
The top version packs the faster Core i5-520UM, 500 GB HDD and 4 GB of memory as standard for $699, while all the other features are identical. Details via this link.
It’s up to you to choose which one you want; one thing is for sure though, they are all better than the AMD powered versions, as long as money are not a concern.
Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T with new ULV Intel hardware - goodies rest inside
Acer Ferrari One FO200 – $599
The Ferrari is Acer’s line of exclusive laptops, with accent on design and performances. The smallest of their machines is this 11.6 inch Acer Ferarri One FO200.
In terms of looks and build quality it is towards the top, unlike most other Acers. There’s also that cool, looking design, with the Ferrari’s logo on the lid.
In terms of hardware, this packs an AMD platform with dual core L310 processor, 4 GB of memory, 250 GB hard-drive and ATI 3200 graphics. So enough for everyday tasks, multimedia content and some games, but nothing out of ordinary.
Price on the other hand is high, like with all Ferrari machines. This one goes for $599 , slightly pricier than similar equipped devices found above. More details, pics and reviews are available via this link. But for the exclusive design, looks and quality, that’s not really that expensive.
But while this is a nice mini laptop, it bothers me that it’s a Ferrari only on the outside, performance-wise feeling more like a… Volkswagen.
Acer Ferrari One FO200 - fierce looking, but quite docile performance-wise
Alienware M11x – around $849
I don’t know if you guys are familiar with the brand Alienware, but they are renowned for their gaming machines. What we have here is in fact such a device, the first and only true gaming netbook on the market: Alienware M11x.
Alienware M11x - the gaming netbook
This one packs a couple of capable hardware features: the dual-core SU7300 processor from Intel, 4 GB of DDR3 memory (dual-channel), a fast 7200 rpm 320 GB hard-drive and of course, a powerful dedicated graphic chip: Nvidia GT335. This in fact makes it capable of running every title, even the new ones, with decent details. It’s way way faster in terms of graphics than an average netbook and it is even 2-3 times better than those machines with Nvidia ION.
Alienware also announced a new version for the M11x, with Arrandale Intel CPUs, so expect those to be even faster, especially since there’s going to be an option for the Core i7-640UM processor (the best on the new ULB Intel line).
Of course, packing all that power in a 11.6 inch machine wasn’t easy. The result product is a lot thicker and heavier than the other laptops in this post. Also, battery life ain’t that great (around 4 hours), despite having an 8 Cell battery.
I’ve left the looks last, but they are not at all bad. There’s a true gaming design on this Alienware, the known backlit keyboard found on bigger machines, plus the Alienware logo on the hood.
In terms of prices, this machine has a list price of 900 bucks. You can get it online with a small discount from Amazon, with the specs listed above (and it’s cheaper then on Dell’s site).
Options with Core i5 and Core i7 processors, already available on Dell’s site, actually go for a lot more, passing the $1200 margin. I’ll update with details on those configs soon.
Acer Aspire 1825PT- not available in US (700 EUR in Europe)
I also have to mention this machine, as this is the 11.6 inch mini laptop I own and picked after a long debate. Unlike all others in here, this is actually a tablet netbook, as it comes with a convertible capacitive multi-touch display. That’s in fact its main attraction. But all the other features aren’t bad either: dual core Intel SU7300 processor, 4 GB of memory, 320 GB hard-drive, Wi-fi N and Bluetooth, 6 Cell battery (around 5-6 hours of life), Windows 7 Home Premium.
It’s not available in the States and I don’t know when or if it will ever be. In Europe goes for around 700 euros, which ain’t cheap, but I consider it a fair price, as that touch-display is just great and I can’t see myself using a mini netbook without such a feature anymore. In fact, ever since I got it, my old Toshiba NB205 and Asus UL30A now sit quiet in their boxes and I only power them from time to time, for tests or comparisons.
Of course, the machine ain’t perfect. First, it’s very glossy and that lid cover is already filled with scratches. Also, like most Acers, build quality ain’t that great. Especially that hinge that holds the screen in place is pretty wobbly. And there’s the speakers matter, which are fine in terms of quality, but poor in terms of volume (not to mention that they are placed downwards). More details in my mini video Acer 1825PT reviewin here.
Anyway, this Acer Aspire 1825PT is a device i do recommend, as no computer is perfect. And if you don’t feel like spending 700 euros on it, there’s also a cheaper version, but that ones comes with a slower CPU and less memory and I doubt it will be able to offer the same touch experience as this one.
Acer 1825PT - tablet netbooks with convertible touch display
Conclusions
As you can see, there are actually quite a couple of good options for 11.6 inch netbooks and mini laptops, from the cheaper machines with single-ore processors and integrated graphics, to those powerful ones with dual-core processors and good gaming performances. It’s up to you to choose what you need.
Like I’ve already said, for the average user, those machines listed as mainstreams are the best, with good features and performances/price rapport. I haven’t chose one of them because I wanted the touchscreen on the 1825PT.
Of course , changes will occur and there are already a couple of new devices announced and not yet available, so look for updates of this post in the next weeks.
I’m trying to keep everything up to date, but you should know that prices might vary, so if you want to always get up to date info, check those links posted for each product.
That’s about it for now. As always, replies and comments are always appreciated, so don’t hesitate to post if you have anything to say or ask.
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