
Compaq Mini Netbook

My first foray into the world of Netbooks comes with the purchase of this Compaq Mini 702EA. I've never quite been tempted to take the leap until now as most newer variants seem to be forgetting that the initial concept was to create small, CHEAP devices for browsing and basic tasks.
Enter the Mini 702EA. After finding this for half the price of most newer netbooks, with the only real difference being a 60GB Hard Drive rather than the more common 160GB, I decide it was time to jump...and I haven't been disappointed.
As I have no experience with other netbooks on the market it's impossible for me to compare, but the Compaq Mini seems solidly constructed with no creaks or groans in the chassis, keyboard or hinge. The keyboard itself is more than adequate and is actually a pleasant surprise as it's very easy to type on. Also finding the Cntrl and Functions keys in the correct orientation, with the Cntrl key to the far left, is an added bonus.
As far as ports go, there are two USB2 connections, the power socket, a headphone/microphone jack, an ethernet jack and what appears to be a proprietary docking station connection.
As is usually the case these days in regards to finish, the lid is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, so if you like to keep things clean and shiny it'll need regular wipes to stop the smudges building up.
Performance wise, it's typical netbook fair with a 1.6ghz Intel Atom 270 processor paired with 1GB DDR2 Memory and the antiquated Intel GMA950 integrated Graphics. The processor itself is more than enough for everything and anything people should realistically be throwing at these machines, and the 1GB Memory holds up well too with Windows XP running, but if you want to upgrade to 2GB it's simply a case of popping off a cover on the bottom and sliding a new stick in, so it scores extra points for having easily upgradable memory. The only real downside for some people would be the integrated graphics which will struggle with anything too demanding, such as most games or high resolution video, but again, that only becomes an issue if you plan on using your netbook for more than it was designed for. Newer variants are beginning to use far more advanced graphics solutions (NVIDIA Ion) which make them far more capable, but of course this adds to cost and effectively just makes them small laptops with no optical drive.
The only real downside for me is the relatively poor battery life. While newer (more expensive) netbooks are achieving 7 hours battery life, the Compaq Mini struggles to reach 2 and a half with its 3 Cell battery. A 6 Cell is available to buy though which would double battery life.
As a good, basic, relatively cheap machine for internet browsing via either wifi or RJ45 wired connection, and some some office tasks and music listening, it's a great little companion and I highly recommend it.
Review ID: 10000000012771300

Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our
guidelines, it will be posted within 24 hours.
You cannot vote on the helpfulness of a review you wrote.
Your request cannot be processed at this time. Please try again later.