is 1 GB RAM good enough for decent speed for Windows 7 starter mini

[pxr87]

I want to buy a mini laptop to my kid ( age 9) for watching movies and browisng internet , netflix and some not so intensive games. I see a deal on ebay, but not sure of 1 GB Ram is sufficient for decent speed. Unfortunately, I can't increase the RAM either. Wants a expert opinion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290634765509+
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Starter

Processor: Intel Atom Processor N455

Processor Speed: 1.66GHz

Processor Cache: 512KB L2

BUS Speed: 667Mhz FSB

Memory: 1GB DDR3 System Memory (1 DIMM) MAX Supported = 1GB

Accessible Memory Slots: 1

Appreciate any alternatives.

 

[Corazon]

I'd say 1GB is okay for Windows 7 Starter, but for any other edition 2GB would be much preferred.

What I'm more worried about is whether the Atom CPU is powerful enough for movie playback, including Netflix. I would definitely expect problems with HD movies (720p or 1080p resolutions, files encoded with H.264 or VC1).

A "full-size" laptop might be a better option than a netbook. A low-to-mid range model should do just fine here.

 

[Vince53]

You do realize that Starter Edition does not include DVD playback, and that netbooks don't come with a DVD drive.

 

[Britton30]

I agree 1GB RAM is fine for Starter Ed but it is a very limited version and may soon cause disappointment. Here is a list of choices, all are more than $229, but there are some with AMD dual-core CPUs and home Premium with 2GB Ram.
Newegg.com - Netbooks
Some people have good luck with eBay and electronics, but I would recommend a purchase from a real electronics site or retailer.
EDIT: However, the below looks like a fine deal, large screen, Home Premium, 2.1GHz, DVD drive.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Toshiba...00802338?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item231677c122

 

[logicearth]

1 GB is fine for ALL EDITIONS. As long as you do not expect high performance or run too much. I myself run Ultimate on a 1 GB netbook.

 

[noobvious]

My netbook runs Home Premium with 1GB RAM, although to be fair it is a dual-core Atom. I also have a 4GB class 10 SDHC (less than $10) card in the slot for ReadyBoost, and it will play 720p videos just fine. Don't know about games though.

 

[jimbo45]

You do realize that Starter Edition does not include DVD playback, and that netbooks don't come with a DVD drive.

Hi there
DVD playback is always possible via downloading VLC from videolan.

Netbooks can usually be upgraded to 4GB RAM quite cheaply -- Single 4 GB modules are cheaply available.

A netbook can be used with an external DVD drive but this probably isn't suitable for a 9 year old. It's an extra piece of equipment that needs to be handled etc.

Yo'd be better off with a smaller "proper" laptop -- at 9 years onld they become 10 and 11 years old very quickly and are quite capable of using laptops.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[jcgriff2]

I have a 10 yr old that very quickly outgrew 1GB RAM once he and his friends got together with the online gaming. 2 GB RAM minimum (or at least a system that can be upgraded to 2 GB RAM).

Also, were you aware that system is refurbished?

Item specifics
Manufacturer refurbished: An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in the original packaging. See the seller’s listing for full details. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab... Read moreabout the condition

Bottom-left - HP Mini 210-2185DX Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz 10.1" Netbook | XY950UAR#ABA | eBay

I would not buy that system.

 

[badger906]

Netbooks are good in idea but poor in performance. I talked my brother into getting one as his laptop was dying. Upon setting it up I instantly noticed its limitations and sluggish performance. Wasn't much faster than his 6 year old laptop lol

Sent from my BlackBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

 

[pxr87]

thank u for the advice. will look for proper laptop than mini.

 

[seavixen32]

Your son will be very disappointed with Windows 7 Starter Edition, Home Premium will give him and his pals far more enjoyment.

Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/system-requirements

My wife recently bought a Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 HP 64-bit, 4GB RAM, 650GB hard drive, DVD ROM and Web Camera for £399 (640 AUS dollars) and she's very pleased with it.