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Netbooks: Ratings of Sources
Total of 23 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. PCMag.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com's netbook coverage makes it easy to find reviews and compare models. Tests are expertly done, ratings are assigned and the best netbooks are selected as Editors' Choice winners. The HP Pavilion dm1z earns this designation, though that's based on an older configuration. The Acer Aspire One 722 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X120e also earn above average ratings.
2. Laptop Magazine
As of Nov. 2011
Netbook Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLaptop Magazine is one of the best sources for up-to-date netbook reviews and advice. Experts test dozens of the latest netbooks from major and minor brands and put the results into context. Each netbook gets a rating on a 5-point scale, and the very best receive an Editors' Choice award. The HP Pavilion dm1z and the Asus Eee PC 1215n earn that award. The Toshiba mini NB505 and also achieves high overall ratings in recent tests. The Samsung Series 5 Chromebook does not fare well.
3. CNET
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET tests netbooks on a regular basis, including head-to-head speed and battery tests. Benchmark results are posted, and there is some comparison to other netbooks within each review. Netbooks are rated, although most recent netbooks earn an average 2.5- to 3.5-star score. One exception is the latest refresh of the HP Pavilion dm1z, which earns a 4-star rating. Reflective of the blurring of the line between netbooks and small laptops, finding all of the netbooks reviewed by CNET is a little challenging as some are not labeled as such on the site. All of the models in the publication's Best Netbooks list have been discontinued.
4. Computer Shopper
As of Nov. 2011
Netbook Reviews
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentComputerShopper.com continues to review new netbooks as they come out, grading each one on a 10-point scale. Reviews are among the best, with detailed analysis and published benchmark results. While the publication keeps a list of its top 10 favorite models, most models in the roundup are discontinued.
5. NotebookReview.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Ratings and Reviews
by Editors of NotebookReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookReview.com is a good source for reviews of mini-laptops, netbooks and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), although editors devote more of their attention to full-size notebooks, meaning that finding netbook reviews in the pile can be challenging. Reports are well balanced and packed with results of practical testing. Pros and cons are listed, and occasional Editor's Choice selections are made. Netbooks are also rated on a 5-point scale.
6. Engadget.com
As of August 2011
Product Reviews
by Editors of Engadget.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEngadget.com doesn't conduct the same sort of regimented testing as other technology sites, but its hands-on reviews are worth a read. While the site doesn't offer a rating system, its no-nonsense reviews leave little question as to whether or not a netbook is recommended. On the downside, netbook and laptop reviews are grouped together. Among netbooks, the Lenovo ThinkPad X120e, HP Pavilion dm1z and Samsung Chromebook Series 5 get the highest ratings, scoring 8 out of 10.
7. PC World
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of PC World
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World conducts a good number of netbook reviews that are testing-based and reasonably detailed, although not quite on the same level as reviews at Laptop Magazine or PCMag.com. A Top 10 Netbooks list is also provided, although it is updated infrequently and contains some discontinued models. The Lenovo ThinkPad X120e and the Lenovo IdeaPad S205 are the only recently reviewed netbooks to earn 4 stars out of 5.
8. HotHardware.com
As of Nov. 2011
Mobile
by Editors of HotHardware.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHotHardware.com doesn't review very many netbooks, but its reviews are thorough and detailed. Editors run through various performance tests and occasionally compare similar netbooks. The Lenovo ThinkPad x120e earns a Hot Hardware Editor's Choice award and the HP Pavilion dm1z a Hot Hardware Recommended award (in its early 2011 configuration), with positive reviews. The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 earns a Hot Hardware Approved award, despite warnings and caveats about its limited abilities.
9. MaximumPC.com
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks
by Editors of MaximumPC.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMaximumPC.com's reviews aren't as lengthy or detailed as those sources we rate higher, but the site has excellent coverage of recent netbooks. Each netbook is tested and rated on a 10-point scale, and the best netbooks earn the site's Kick Ass! award. The HP Pavilion dm1zt netbook earns that accolade, scoring 9 out of 10. The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 is also covered, though it doesn't receive the same level of praise as the HP model.
10. Wired
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks
by Editors of Wired
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired's netbook reports are relatively brief and irreverent, but they are backed by testing. Each netbook is rated on a 10-point scale, and the best products earn an Editors' Pick award. No recent netbook earns that designation, although the HP Pavilion dm1z scores a solid 9. The latest retail configuration of that HP netbook isn't as well liked despite some modest upgrades, but it still receives an 8 rating.
11. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Netbooks
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org looks at a good assortment of netbooks. Each is rated on its speakers, display, ergonomics, portability, versatility and performance, and then ranked from best to worst. However, the write-ups on each model are thin and the review is a bit dated.
12. About.com
Sept. 5, 2011
Best Netbooks
by Mark Kyrnin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAbout.com's computer guide, Mark Kyrnin, says that because most netbooks share the same basic configuration, what sets them apart are features that make one or another more suitable for certain tasks. No benchmark performance testing seems to have been done, but features and usability are tackled in reasonable depth, and comments seem in line with what other experts say. Kyrnin calls the HP Mini 5103 "Best for Business Travelers." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
13. Anandtech.com
As of Nov. 2011
Mobile
by Editors of AnandTech.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAnandTech.com doesn't review as many netbooks as the sources we rate higher, but the site's detailed and thorough reviews are not to be missed. The multipage analysis covers nearly every pertinent aspect of each netbook, and the very best netbooks earn an Editors Choice award. The early 2011 retail configuration of the HP Pavilion dm1z earns a Silver Editors Choice, missing out on gold because of "its lackluster LCD."
14. Liliputing.com
As of Nov. 2011
Reviews
by Brad Linder
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLiliputing.com doesn't rate the netbooks it evaluates, but the site hosts a good selection of reviews. Brad Linder runs through the features, usability, performance and battery life for each netbook, and the analysis is nicely balanced. He calls the HP Pavilion dm1z "one of the best thin and light laptops you can find under $450." He also says Linux lovers may appreciate the new Asus Eee PC X101.
15. Notebook Check.net
As of Nov. 2011
Top 10 Netbooks
by Editors of NotebookCheck.net
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviews at this German site are among the most detailed available, though the information presented might be overkill for some. Testing is comprehensive and well documented. While titled Top Ten Notebooks, only five are presented, and only two entries -- the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 and the Acer Aspire One 722 -- are available on U.S. shelves (although the specific Acer configuration tested is not).
16. TechReviewSource.com
As of Nov. 2011
Notebook Computers
by Editors of TechReviewSource.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTechReviewSource.com covers a handful of netbooks in brief but balanced reports. No benchmarking is done, but clearly these netbooks are being put through their paces and impressions are reported. A rating is given, and pros and cons are listed. An unambiguous ethics policy gives the reports here more weight than we might otherwise assign.
17. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com contains no shortage of owner-written reviews for mostly older models of various netbooks. Navigation is easy because netbooks get their own category, and each netbook's rating and the number of reviews is listed right on the main page. Newer models often score well, but have comparatively few reviews. Some computers classified as netbooks by other sites (including the HP Pavilion dm1z) are classified as notebooks by Amazon.
18. NewEgg.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Contributors to NewEgg.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNewegg.com is an Internet seller of technology products, including netbooks. User reviews can vary in quality, but most of the reviewers have a higher than normal level of technical expertise, making their viewpoints particularly valuable for this type of product. Most netbooks receive only a handful of ratings, however.
19. TrustedReviews.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEngland's TrustedReviews.com has reviewed a few netbooks recently, but they all get average ratings. Confusingly, they are sometimes not filed under Netbooks if you browse reviews, so you may have to search with a particular model in mind. Most of the reviewed netbooks -- but not all -- are available in the U.S. The reviews available are reasonably -- though not extensively -- detailed and backed by solid testing. The very best get either an Editor's Choice or Recommended award.
20. Stuff.tv
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Editors of Stuff.tv
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentStuff, a British magazine, posts a new netbook review once every few months on its website, Stuff.tv. The reviews themselves are brief and not as thorough as those sources we rate higher; testing details are scarce. Even so, each netbook is rated on a 5-point scale, and the best netbooks earn a Hot Buy award. Most recently, the publication looks at the Samsung Chromebook; they say its challenges when not connected to the Internet make it "a tough sell."
21. BestBuy.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBestBuy.com doesn't have quite as many user reviews as Amazon.com, but a few netbooks have managed to attract a following. In addition, the site is easy to browse and use.
22. DigitalTrends.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbook Reviews
by Editors of DigitalTrends.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDigitalTrends.com only reviews a few netbooks. However, the reviews are reasonably detailed and critical. Each netbook is rated on a 10-point scale, but there just aren't enough recent reports here to make it a very valuable source for netbook reviews. Its review of the Samsung Chromebook is the only one done in 2011, with the editors rating it 6 out of 10.
23. Walmart.com
As of Nov. 2011
Netbooks
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile Walmart.com might not be the first destination many think of for computers, the store's website lists a fairly good selection of netbooks, though most don't get many reviews. No newer netbooks get enough reviews to be significant, though some older but still current choice do get lots of feedback. Walmart.com is a little harder to navigate than other user review sites and review quality is more variable.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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