Best Reviewed
Netbooks
- Best netbook HP Pavilion dm1z *Est. $430
- Budget netbook Toshiba mini NB505 *Est. $270
- Web-based netbook Samsung Chromebook Series 5 *Est. $430
Get info about new reports and updates
- Suitable for video streaming and light gaming
- Impressive speakers
- Good battery
- Not the most stylish netbook
- Annoying touchpad
- Upgrades can get pricey
Due to their small processors and weak graphics, most netbooks are not a good choice for streaming video or playing computer games. The HP Mini 311, on the other hand, is often recommended for media buffs due to its excellent performance in this area (for a netbook). While it can't compete with full-size laptops, the HP Mini 311 streams video without stutters or skips and can even handle light gaming, although playing the most intensive 3-D titles will require compromises that most gamers will find unacceptable. The upgraded graphics performance relative to other netbooks comes courtesy of Nvidia Ion graphics, and the HP Mini 311 also features a large (in netbook terms) 11.6-inch high-resolution display. Some think the netbook looks a little boring, and there are a few complaints about the trackpad, which has stiff buttons and too much finger resistance. Some say they'd be even more impressed if the Mini 311 used the latest Atom N450 processors rather than the older Atom N270. Like most HP netbooks, many of the features can be upgraded, but it pushes up the price -- most reviewers test units costing around $500. If you don't need to stream video or play games, the Asus Eee PC 1001PX-MU27 (Discontinued) has good performance for everyday tasks at a value price.
The HP Mini 311 netbook attracts a host of stellar reviews, including from sources such as Laptop Magazine, AnandTech.com, HotHardware.com, PCMag.com and CNET. These testing-based reviews are incredibly detailed and cover things such as battery life, ease of use and performance. PC World, NotebookReview.com and MaximumPC.com have shorter reviews, and we found some user reviews at Amazon.com.
| Laptop AC Adapter/Power Supply/Charger+US Power Cord for HP Mini 311 311-1000nr | |
(48 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The HP Mini 311 scores an Editors' Choice award from Laptop Magazine. "We're impressed by its ability to deliver high-def video playback, better gameplay, and faster video editing," writes Michael Prospero. However, he complains that the touchpad has too much resistance.
Review: HP Mini 311, Michael A. Prospero, Oct. 6, 2009
Jarred Walton at AnandTech.com writes a very detailed review of the HP Mini 311. While he notes that the netbook can't handle the most demanding 3-D games, he acknowledges that it performs well with older 3-D games or 2-D titles.
Review: HP Mini 311: Netbooks Get ION, Jarred Walton, Nov. 22, 2009
The HP Mini 311 scores a Recommended designation from Shawn Oliver at HotHardware.com. In this detailed review, Oliver says he would prefer that the netbook include the newer Atom processors, but he's impressed with the keyboard and display.
Review: HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook Review, Shawn Oliver, Dec. 14, 2009
Cisco Cheng at PCMag.com thinks the HP Mini 311 offers good performance in gaming and video, though he prefers the longer battery life offered by some competing netbooks. Overall, he gives the HP Mini 311 a good rating.
Review: HP Mini 311, Cisco Cheng, Oct. 7, 2009
5. CNET
Dan Ackerman gives the HP Mini 311 an excellent rating, saying the netbook offers a good amount of features for a reasonable price. Thanks to the Nvidia Ion graphics card, the netbook has enough power to stream HD video and play games.
Review: HP Mini 311, Dan Ackerman, Oct. 8, 2009
PC World gives the HP Mini 311 an overall rating of 3 stars (out of 5), which doesn't seem quite in line with the positive review it receives from Darren Gladstone. Overall, Gladstone thinks that the Mini 311 "delivers on its promise" to offer basic gaming and video in a small package.
Review: HP Mini 311-1000NR, Darren Gladstone, Oct. 7, 2009
Jerry Jackson at NotebookReview.com gives the HP Mini 311 an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. While he says it's "better than a typical netbook," he would recommend buying an ultraportable laptop because of the Mini's weak processor.
Review: HP Mini 311 Review, Jerry Jackson, Dec. 5, 2009
The HP Mini receives an overall rating of 9 (out of 10) from Maximum PC. Like most reviewers, Nathan Edwards can't adequately play the most intensive games, but he is able to achieve playable frame rates for "Quake 3" and "Quake 4."
Review: HP Mini 311, Nathan Edwards, Feb. 5, 2010
9. NewEgg.com
Approximately 50 reviewers give the HP Mini 311 above average ratings at NewEgg.com. Users acknowledge that this isn't a dedicated gaming computer, but most are impressed with the 3-D game performance. However, owners here also complain about the touchpad.
Review: HP Mini 311, Contributors to NewEgg.com
10. HP.comDetails/Subscribe
The HP Mini 311 gets a strong 4.1-star (out of 5) rating here. Around 75 owners have weighed in, and more than 80 percent say that they would recommend the netbook to a friend. Some performance issues are cited by the minority of unhappy owners, but the trackpad also comes in for its fair share of criticism. Still, far more are mostly to completely pleased.
Review: HP Mini 311 Series, Contributors to HP.com
11. Amazon.com
The HP Mini 311 earns a rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5) based on feedback from around 40 customers at Amazon.com. Most say it's a great value for the price, especially since it can stream HD video and play basic games, but some users complain about the trackpad.
Review: HP Mini 311, Contributors to Amazon.com
Netbooks Runners Up:
6 picks including: About.com, Laptop Magazine…
4 picks including: Engadget.com, Laptop Magazine…
