Samsung Chromebook vs MS Surface RT

[disolitude]

Euphoria14 said:

Could that thing run any games at all? I am mainly just interested in some single player Minecraft and Indie RPGs.

It sure can.

I have a C50 based Acer W500 which has the exact same AMD GPU and CPU but uses slightly more battery. I managed to run the following games on it at a 30+ frames per second.

Resident Evil 4 - 720p max settings

Halo 1 - 720p max

Halo 2 (Windows 7 hacked version) - 1024x768, low settings, 800x600 high settings

Portal - 720p mid settings

Portal 2 - 1024x768 low settings

COD4 - 1024x768 low

Trine, Shank 2, Orcs must die...not a problem

Halflife 2, left 4 dead series should run as well with lowered settings.

That's incredible then!

I've been on the fence about getting a new laptop ever since mine died well over a year ago because I didn't want to spend too much money. I only wanted one for Indie RPGs and some Minecraft because MC just doesn't do well on a tablet/phone.

I was thinking of holding out for the Surface Pro due to this as well but I fear that thing is going to cost way too much. For what I need I might be better off grabbing a decent Netbook for $300.

 

If you don't mind I would like to get your opinions of a good Netbook to grab (I live in the US) when I am ready to get one.

You seem to be a guy who knows his stuff.

A quick look on best buy USA gives me the following laptop as best value - 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+Aspire+One+11.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+2GB+Memory+-+250GB+Hard+Drive+-+Espresso+Black/3584613.p?id=1218416482562&skuId=3584613

Advantages: 

11.6 inch screen (portable and light)

Solid GPU, screen resolution, battery life

$259

Windows 7 (if you do't want Windows 8)

 

Disadvantages

CPU is a little weak for things like Excel macros, 10+ browser tabs open at same time...etc

Windows 7 (if you want Windows 8...14.99 for upgrade to Windows 8 though)

 

It really depends what someone is looking for. Some people want CPU power and I've seen Intel i3/ and AMD A6 laptops for 299 here in Canada. Those are obviously more powerful than this. However they all come with 15.6 inch screen. I would never want to carry that with me anywhere.

So yeah, for basic browsing, Office, and light gaming, this device is perfect IMO. I'd put Windows 8 on to it as boot time is much better as is battery.