HP Mini 210 review

The dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor runs at 1.66GHz. Paired with 1GB of RAM, it’s no powerhouse, but it still managed to complete our multimedia benchmarks with an overall score of 11. Its integrated graphics chip can play 720p video, even if the screen resolution doesn’t support it, but it won’t be able to handle 3D games. On the plus side, battery life is fantastic: the Mini 210 managed an unparalleled eleven hours in our light-use battery test.

A major disadvantage in choosing an Intel Atom netbook over an AMD Fusion machine is that most Atom-powered laptops come with Windows 7 Starter Edition – this severely limits the hardware options available to the manufacturer, and prevents you from simple tasks such as changing the desktop background.

Netbooks aren’t for everyone, and despite a few advances in performance, they’re not much good for demanding tasks. If you want something portable for emails, web browsing and writing the odd document, it’s fine. However, unless you’re on an incredibly tight budget, or want the longest-lasting battery possible, a general-purpose laptop such as the Acer Aspire 5749 would be a more sensible choice.