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It really takes a lot to get hot under the collar about a netbook these days. But that’s exactly what the Viewsonic VNB101 is aiming for, thanks to a Linux–based add-on OS that lets you dive in for easy web access and VoIP chatter. But does this neat extra make it a winner? Read our Viewsonic VNB101 and we’ll let you know.
Easing the Viewsonic VNB101 from its box, you could be forgiven for thinking this was the same thing as every other cheap netbook out there. There’s the 10.1-inch screen, 1.1kg bod’, Windows XP, an Intel Atom and a 160GB HDD, all meaning its nigh–on the same inside and out as most other micro machines.
The difference, however, is the Limpus Lite OS. Sitting alongside the Microsoft OS used for more labour intensive apps, this clever add–on is easy-to–use and set up. Fire up the Viewsonic VNB101 and pick ‘Internet, Messenger, Skype’ and you’ll be taken to just that. A place where you can quickly take a peek at Twitter or Facebook, make a quick call or simply IM till your fingers get numb.
In fact, this is the Viewsonic VNB101’s biggest drawer. It really does what all netbooks should. That is, offer simple basic packages for when you’re on the go. However, it also stands out thanks to its slick edge–to–edge screen, a feature that would normally be found on machines that go way higher than the £288 price tag.
That cheap–as–chips cost, though, is in evidence in other key areas. Boot up time on the Viewsonic VNB101 was slow for us and we found it ate battery when we played video, running down to zero in under two hours. No good if you’re on a lengthy train trip and certainly bad against competition from netbook top dogs Asus and Acer.
Chuck in two rather than three USB ports and a rather noisy fan that’ll wind up fellow commuters no end, and you’re actually looking at a bit of a one trick pony. The Viewsonic VNB101 is decent, but as better netbooks land, it’s well worth shopping around before ponying up.
