I'm replying to this post about 3 months too late, but maybe it might help some others who are looking for help.
You don't mention what you are wanting to do with this net/notebook. You also haven't mentioned what your budget is... are you a student or professional? Is this your first computer purchase? Most the of the "more affordable" netbook models don't come with an OS installed. Are you comfortable with installing Windows or Linux and hunting down updated drivers? I'll talk a bit about the MSI Wind & the Lenovo S10 as I've had experience with both of them.
Personally I have a MSI Wind u100 that I've installed OSX (dual booting with Windows XP) on and am pretty happy with it. The keyboard is decent enough with some minor annoying quirks (the "/" key just to the left of the right side "shift" key is too small, along with the "," & "." keys). The trackpad is... *terrible*. I bought a wireless keyboard/mouse combo and I basically use it as a desktop machine. My model came without an OS and I initially installed Windows XP and installed the extra drivers (to enable webcam, wireless, etc) without any major issues. But... I'm quite comfortable with installing & configuring machines as I used to do it for work before I retired.
I helped a friend shopping for a new netbook and he picked up a Lenovo S10. Which turned out to be a beautiful little machine, and came with a legit copy of Windows XP Home installed. The keyboard was quite nice (almost as responsive as a Thinkpad's keyboard), and the touchpad was very very nice as well. The keyboard layout wasn't very comfortable for me though, I find that I can type faster (and with less errors) on the Wind's keyboard, but the Lenovo's keys "feel" better. The Lenovo seems to be of a higher build quality overall compared to the MSI. He actually uses it with a wireless keyboard/mouse plugged in.
You really have to do a "hands on" test of the machines that you are interested in, especially if you plan on using it as a portable versus using it as a desktop replacement. Everybody's hands fit keyboards differently and the only way to find the one best for you is to physically try it out.
Also, most of these netbooks come with either a 3cell or 6cell battery.... in real world conditions you'll only get a couple hours at the most from a 3cell battery, and about double that with a 6cell. So if you plan on being a mobile netbook user you should look at ensuring that you get a 6cell battery.
-The Wind has 3 usb ports, the S10 has 2 usb ports (Winner Wind)
-The 10" (1024x600) screens are basically the same (Tie)
-Both come with 802.11 wireless built in. (Tie)
-The S10 has an expresscard slot, the Wind does not. (Winner S10)
-Touchpad (Winner S10)
-Keyboard (up to you, Tie)
-Alternate OS compatibility (i.e. ease of installing Linux or OSX instead of Windows XP. Winner Wind)
-Battery (I've seen both models with 3cell/6cells, Tie)
--MSI will be releasing (if it isn't already available) a version of the Wind that includes a built-in 3g modem)
So if you just want a rocksteady netbook to work on (spreadsheets, email, etc) that comes with some great built in WinXP utilities I'd say go with the Lenovo. If you like to tweak out & experiment with your machine then I'd say go with the MSI. BUT, try them out first because you might get so infuriated/frustrated with the keyboards that you'd be better off getting a full-size notebook instead of a netbook.
I picked the Wind for myself because of the extra USB port, the compatibility with OSX, and the price (I'm retired so I don't need a full featured notebook anymore). But if I was still working, I would have spent an extra 15k pesos and picked up a real Lenovo/Thinkpad laptop.
Good luck, and go check out your local shops. Don't let the sales people try and sell you something you don't need. Don't get too caught up in the hype of online reviews, the Philippine released models usually differ slightly from what you'll see reviewed online.
Cheers,
B.
Can you guys help me decide what notebook/netbook to buy? I'm considering three now (but you can suggest other brands/models): MSIWind U100x, Lenovo Ideapad S10 & Samsung NC10 Netbook.
Currently, I have Samsung on top of my list followed by Lenovo then MSI. Think I got it right? Btw, I would appreciate if you put the specs here of these three including the "upgrade" options. I'm having a hard time finding the specs coz reviews I've read indicating the technical specs were inconsistent with one another.
I'm so looking forward to your reply. XD
