10 Laptop and Netbook Alternatives to the Apple iPad

by Don Reisinger

The HP Mini 110 is designed for those that want a small, lightweight netbook to bring with them on trips. The device boasts an Intel Atom processor, a 10.1-inch LED display, and a 160GB hard drive. It also features 1GB of RAM, which is upgradeable to 2GB for those that want some extra speed. According to HP, the Mini 110 provides 9.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, and like most of the other company’s devices, runs Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Starter edition. It even comes with Wireless-N connectivity. Not bad for $279.99 before configuration.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is one of the most capable netbooks on the market. The device boasts Windows 7 Starter edition, 1GB of RAM, and a 10.1-inch display. It also comes with a 160GB hard drive. Those that don’t want to use Windows can run Ubuntu Linux on the device by having it preinstalled before it arrives. The Mini 10 comes in a wide array of colors for those that want to personalize their machine. Even better, customers have the option of adding GPS functionality to the computer. Pricing starts at $279.99.

The Acer Ferrari One 200 is easily one of the best-looking computers on the market. The device, which offers the best components of any lightweight Acer computer, delivers an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor, Windows 7 Home Premium, 4GB of RAM, and a 250GB hard drive. It features an 11.6-inch display and integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics capability. Perhaps most important for those who want to be productive on-the-go, the device also includes a full-size keyboard. It’s a little expensive at $600, but it’s certainly capable.

The Velocity Micro NoteMagix V10 might not top the list of those devices that would replace an iPad. But thanks to its champagne finish, the device is certainly well-designed. It includes a 10.2-inch display, a full keyboard and 1GB of RAM. It runs the Intel Atom processor and a 160GB hard drive. Ironically, the device won’t ship with Windows 7. Velocity Micro decided to include just Windows XP Home SP3 with the device. Those that want Microsoft’s latest operating system will need to go elsewhere. Regardless, the device is well-appointed and designed quite nicely. Plus, it retails for just $299 before configuration.

Asus is one of the most prominent netbook makers in the industry, and its devices have proven to be fine alternatives to the iPad. The Asus Eee PC 1005PR is no different. The device includes a 10.1-inch display, 750GB of storage, thanks to a 250GB hard drive and 500GB of Web-storage capacity on Asus’ WebStorage service, and more. It comes with Windows 7 Starter edition. The netbook’s pricing starts at $399.99.

The Alienware M11x is one of the most powerful devices in this slide show. The computer features a trendy black body with red LED-lit keys on its full-size keyboard. It offers an 11-inch display, a 1GB Nvidia GeFore GT 335M GPU, and a high-definition display for those that want to play games on the device. The standard configuration of the M11x comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but customers can opt for Intel’s new i5 or i7 CPUs. At 4.5 pounds, the device is quite lightweight for those that want to go mobile. The Alienware M11x starts at $799 for base configuration.

The Sony W Series is what most customers might expect from a netbook. The device has a 10.1-inch display, a 1.83GHz processor and runs Windows 7. But where it shines is in its weight – the computer is just under 3 pounds. And with a 250GB hard drive, it’s much easier to store content on the W Series than on the iPad. It boasts eight hours of battery life, according to Sony, which isn’t the best in the market, but compares well to the iPad. The Vaio starts at $449.99.

The Toshiba Satellite T115 is one of the more interesting inclusions in the iPad-alternative space. It features what some might think is a boring design, but includes some nice features. The device, which starts at $449.99, includes an 11.6-inch display, a full-size keyboard, and 2GB of RAM. It runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and comes with ATI integrated graphics. Those looking for loads of storage will find 250GB on the Satellite T115. It even comes with a Webcam for those who want to communicate with friends.

The Lenovo IdeaPad is nicely affordable at $399. What it offers for that price is even more impressive. The PC boasts Windows 7 Home Premium, an Intel Atom processor, a 12.1-inch display with an Nvidia HD graphics card. At just 2.87 pounds, it should be easy to tote around town. Unfortunately, the device only comes with Wireless-G connectivity. Equipped wth a 160GB hard drive, it’s one of the less storage-conscious devices on the market. It comes in both black and white versions.

The HP TouchSmart TM2T is one of the most capable devices in this roundup. But beware that with a starting price tag of $829.99, it’s also one of the most expensive products in this slideshow. Regardless, the device is worth considering as an iPad alternative. It boasts a moving display that lets users write or draw on it with a digital pen. It also works with a user’s finger. Since it comes with a keyboard, most folks won’t have trouble being productive on it. The TouchSmart TM2T boasts a 12.1-inch display and a 500GB hard drive. It ships with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edition and 3GB of RAM. It’s a fine alternative to the iPad.