In this post we’re going to talk about some of the best 10 inch Windows tablets and mini-laptops available in stores these days.
Several years ago, everyone was crazy about netbooks: small and affordable 10 inch laptops that could handle everyday tasks and movies, while running for many hours on a charge.
Things have changed now, as netbooks were more or less replaced by tablets, which are more compact, lighter and easier to use, while still being able to do pretty much the same things netbooks could. Of course, there are many things we could say about the fall of netbooks and the rise of tablets, but in this post we’re only going to talk about the 10 inch mini laptops still available in stores these days and the 10 inch slates worthy of your attention.
As all similar posts on TLBHD.com, this article is not a top, it’s merely a list of products you might find good enough, based on what you need from such a device and your budget. I constantly update the post, but if you have any questions about certain products that are not included in here, drop me a line in the comments section below.
Anyway, without any further ado, here’s what you’ll find in this article:
Best netbooks and 10 inch mini laptops
Nobody makes netbooks anymore these days, but there are still some decent 10 inch laptops available in stores and we’re going to talk about them in this section.
The Asus 1015E is the last surviving member of the EEE PC family. It’s available in several configurations, selling for between 200 and 300 bucks, and looks exactly like the older EEE PCs, with a soft rubbery case, a chiclet keyboard and a 10.1 inch 1366 x 768 px screen. The entire thing is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, with 2 GB of RAM and a 320 GB HDD, runs Windows 8 and goes on a charge for more than 6 hours. You can use the 1015E for browsing, text editing, some movies and even very light games, and that, the small form factor and the low price makes it a perfect laptop for kids.
Anyway, you should see this link for more details on the Asus 1015E models, including specs, pictures and some users reviews from those who already bought one of these.
The Acer Aspire One AOD270 is the only Acer netbook still available in stores, but unlike the Asus above, it’s exactly how it was when first launched: packs an Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, 320 GB of storage and Windows 7 Starter. In non-geeky words, it will be able to deal with light everyday tasks and some movies, but will choke with heavy multitasking, complex software or games. That’s why the D270 isn’t exactly worth the $280 asked for it these days (details in here), but if you can get it cheaper, it could be a good option.
The Acer Aspire One D270 and Asus 1015E are some of the last netbooks you can find in stores these days
How about the 10 inch netbooks you might find used? Well, I’d keep an eye on things like the Toshiba NB505, the Asus EEE PC 1025C or the HP Mini 10. Or if you’re after something a little bit fancier, the HP Mini 5103 or the Asus 1018P can be some great little machines, with metallic casings, sleek and light bodies and some extra features, like touchscreens or fingerprint readers.
But don’t forget that buying used computers can be risky, so only go for these if you’ll find them really cheap and you know what you’re doing.
Business 10 inchers: HP Mini 5103 and Asus EEE PC 1018P
Best 10 inch Windows tablets
As I was telling you in the beginning, tablets killed netbooks in only a couple of years, as they are more compact, lighter and can handle everything a netbook could back in the days, from software like Office and Photoshop, to videos and even games. On top of that, tablets come with a touchscreen, so at least in theory, are more comfortable to use. They lack a physical keyboard, but you can buy matching ones if you plan on doing a lot of typing on them.
We are talking about Windows based tablets here, which are not as popular as Android slates or the iPads, but are more versatile and can run the software you’re already familiar with from your PC, if that’s something you’re interested in.
Anyway, here are the most interesting 10 inch Windows tablets of the moment.
Asus Transformer Pad T100 – starts at $399 – to be updated – see this link for more details in the meantime.
Dell Venue Pro 11 – starts at $499 – to be updated – see this link for more details in the meantime.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 – starts at $899 – to be updated – see this link for more details in the meantime.
Asus Vivotab Smart – see this link for more details – it weighs 1.4 pounds, it’s only 0.5 of an inch thick and sells for $400. It’s motorized by an Intel Atom Z2760 processor, with 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage and it runs Windows 8, which means that it’s compatible with all the pieces of software you’re already using on your PC, from Photoshop to Microsoft’s Office suite. Asus also offers a Bluetooth keyboard and a smartcover for this one, but those will cost extra.
The Asus VivoTab Smart offers plenty for the money
Acer Iconia W510 – see this link for more details – the Acer W510 is in many ways similar to the Asus slate above. It packs the same hardware, features and a similar screen, in a solid body and a slightly slimmer case than the one of the VivoTab. Acer also offers a latchable keyboard dock, with an extra battery and more ports, that pretty much transform the W510 into a small compact laptop. However, the tablet and the docking sell together for a little bit under $600, and that’s a bit expensive.
The Acer Iconia W550 is sleek and comes with a docking station
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 – see this link for more details – this is Lenovo’s take at a Window 8 10 inch business tablet. Much like the ElitePad above, this one packs a a digitizer and you’ve got plenty of accessories to choose from for it, although not as many as with the HP. On the other hand, you can get a 4G version of the Tablet 2. That aside, this Thinkpad tablet is more compact and lighter than the ElitePad, without sacrificing the build quality and the sturdiness. It’s also slightly cheaper than the 900, as you can get the tablet for about $470, and the tablet with the pen for about 100 extra.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad Tablet 2
Other 10 inch tablets worth mentioning
We’re not going to get in depth, I’ll tell you more about tablets in some future articles. For now, we should mention some of the other 10 incish tablets worthy of your attention.
For starters, there are all the good Android tablets. If you want something really fancy, the waterproof and extra thin Sony Xperia Tablet Z could be it, but it’s pricey, starting at 500 bucks.
At $400, there’s the Nexus 10, with powerful hardware and a high resolution screen, plus Vanilla Android, unspoiled by any third party preinstalled apps and tweaks. If you’re into Samsung, then you can have a look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, built on an Intel platform, thus capable of running for a long time on each charge.
The Asus Memo Pad FHD 10 is an awesome budget pick, stating at only $300. For that, you’re getting a FHD screen, good performances, decent battery life and great speakers, as you’ll find out from my review here on the site.
Last but not least, there’s the iPad, the oh-so popular iPad. I’m not going to argue if it’s better than the Android tablets, but I do have to say that it has a couple of aces in its sleeve: the vibrant retina display, the sleek body, the ultra-snappy performances and the entire iOS ecosystem backing it up, with high quality apps and many great games especially designed for the high density screen on this device. For me, the iPad is still the best 10 incish tablet you can get these days, but it is pretty expensive, starting at $500, so it might not fit everyone’s bill. What do you think?
The other 10 inchers: Android tablets and the iPad
Wrap-up
As you saw, there aren’t many options for 10 inch mini laptops these days, but you can still find several ones that sell for as much as $300.
There are however a bunch of 10 inch tablets running Windows that you can get, and these are a bit more expensive, but also more compact and lighter, thus easier to carry around.
Last but not least, if you don’t really need a tablet for work, the iPad or perhaps on of the top Android slates available in stores are definitely worth a look. But we’ll talk more about that in some future posts, like I already said.
Anyway, if you found this post useful, make sure to share it around, there are some buttons on the left side of the content. And if you have any questions, just leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help. Besides that, if you’re looking for more powerful mini laptops, you could also take a look at my lists the recommended 11.6 inch and 12 inch devices.
Aright, that’s about it. Thanks for your time and hopefully this post will help at least some of you pick the best 10 inch laptop or the best 10 inch tablet that can fit your taste, requirements and budget.
Andrew
March 10, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Great article. Very informative.
Thanks
I think I am going to but the Toshiba. Why didn’t you review any samsung models though?
Andrei Girbea
March 11, 2010 at 2:12 am
Andrew, i haven’t got in touch with any of them till now. Also, i do consider them a little bit too expensive for what they can offer, that’s why none of them made it into this top
terry
April 8, 2010 at 3:52 pm
great review! i’m choosing a netbook for my birthday and was having a hard time finding a clear cut comparison between the top netbooks. i think i’m going to choose between the toshiba and the asus 1005PE-P~~
terry
April 8, 2010 at 3:59 pm
ps. does the asus 1005PE-P only come in black and blue? that’s what it looks like on amazon…
Andrei Girbea
April 9, 2010 at 3:20 am
Yes, only in Black and Blue for that version. The 1001P is available in White or Pink also.
Andrew
April 9, 2010 at 8:35 am
I just got the Asus1005PE-P and I’m mostly satisfied with it. I wish the keyboard was a bit bigger though.
terry
April 9, 2010 at 1:57 pm
it’s like you read my mind with the white and pink lol
if you don’t mind me asking, would you recommend the asus 1001p or the 1005pe-m or the toshiba (putting aside the price differences)?
and what’s the 1005ha?
thanks for your help!
Andrei Girbea
April 9, 2010 at 5:38 pm
If money are not a matter, I would go for the Toshiba like i said in the text. I have the older generation one and am very satisfied with it. This new one is even better.
The 1005HA is the older generation 10 inch netbook from Asus.
Brian
April 11, 2010 at 6:44 pm
What are the main differences and things to consider between the Asus 1005PE-PU27 and Toshiba NB305-N410? I can’t decide between these two. Thanks.
Andrei Girbea
April 12, 2010 at 3:49 am
Brian, please read the reviews for each of them for more details, there are links next to each of the names. Shortly, i like the Toshiba because of the better keyboard/trackpad and entire matte chassis. The 1005PE-PU27 comes only with a matte lid cover (the palm rest area and trackpad and area around the display are still glossy), but provides around 2 hours better battery life in practice… Choosing between each of the two is just up to your taste and needs…
Gwen
April 20, 2010 at 4:31 am
Thank you very much… find it very informative. I’ve been reading reviews with regards to netbooks and trying to compare them. am choosing between Toshiba’s NB305 (brown) and the Asus 1005PE-PU27…. but now added another one on my list… HP5102… guess i should wait for awhile… thanks again…
Andrei Girbea
April 21, 2010 at 10:57 am
The HP 5102 is a little bit from another league than the others. Comes with a more solid case and some extra features but is a lot more expensive (can get to 600-700 easily, and even more). So you should really put budget in the equation before deciding 😛
nina
April 23, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Looking for a netbook mainly for international travel. Must have long battery life – very long plane rides. Looking at the Asus 1005PE-P and the Toshiba NB305. As an ex-IBMer how does Lenovo play in this field? Price: could go up around $500. Anything new on the horizon worth waiting for???
Cesia
May 8, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Hi! I found a deal: Samsung N150 Netbook Intel Atom N450 for $280. What can u say about it? Is it better than Acer?
Andrei Girbea
May 9, 2010 at 5:55 am
Haven’t got the chance to play with it but i wrote a couple of words about the device in here: https://tlbhd.com/colorful-samsung-n150-corby-available-in-us-with-matching-accessories-3190/. I’ve also seen it became quite popular on Amazon and other stores, so I believe it’s a decent pick.
BTW, could you share where you spotted it for $280?
Picture Regain
June 11, 2010 at 8:55 am
Your blog give me whole information about netbooks, which is very helpful to me to choose best 1o inch netbooks. But I think it is expensive for what you can offer.
sam
June 27, 2010 at 5:49 pm
What a useless review i just wanted to know the top 10 ranked in order
Andrei Girbea
June 27, 2010 at 9:23 pm
You cannot rank computers in a straight top 10. Like i’ve said in the post, each user needs and expects different things from a laptop. I for one value a lot performance, while other might value a lot design. That’s why this post is a list of good options, and not a top per se.
Annan
July 5, 2010 at 2:20 pm
“What a useless review i just wanted to know the top 10 ranked in order”
That wouldn’t be a “review”!!!!
I think it’s an excellent review of the leading netbooks at the moment.
Gardash
July 6, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi,
In September I’m starting with Lawschool, and I feel a netbook would come in handy so that I can make notes during lessons. I’m not organized enough for paper-notebooks;).
Since I will only be using it for taking notes during lectures (and check my email, etc.) I have to important specs:
1. Comfortable for typing
2. Light-weight
What netbook would be my best pick for September 2010? (doesn’t necessarily be included in the list @review)
Thanks!
Gardash
Andrei Girbea
July 7, 2010 at 4:23 am
The best for typing is the Toshiba NB205, because it has the most comfortable keyboard. Very little flex, keys just the right size, etc . As for the other part, if you’re OK with a device that weighs 2.8 pounds, go for it. If you think you’d want something even lighter, i woudl advice for the Asus 1008P-KR, which 0.3-0.4 pounds less, also great keyboard, but 150 bucks more 🙂
Gardash
July 7, 2010 at 11:07 am
Thanks! However, according to a review I found, the Asus 1008 only lasts for 3-4 hours with a single battery.. that’s a bit on the edge for me. Anyother recommendations?
(I still have to check the Toshiba out btw)
Andrei Girbea
July 8, 2010 at 6:04 am
Yeah, i know. But it comes with two batteries, so… Not sure about other recommendations… you could wait for the Asus 1018p which will enter the market soon enough, that one will be a great pick too, but will cost around 450.
trav
July 23, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I’m looking for a netbook and one of my big items is the embedded broadband which I have now in my laptop with Verizon.
Are there any netbooks that have this feature?
Assuming most of the other features are available.
NED
August 20, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I’ve searched 4 long b/4 I met ur site.I wish U culd also take on UMPCs and MIDs & smartphones.Please try a review on samsung N230 10” netbook.Also tell us where to get 6 cell battery version of this samsung.Thanks.You’re my best so far.
Andrei Girbea
August 21, 2010 at 1:46 am
Ned, here’s the post about the N230: https://tlbhd.com/samsung-n230-review-and-comparison-to-the-n210-and-n220-4514/ . haven’t included this one in this post yet, because I’ve yet to find the 6 Cell battery versions in the US. IT seems that Samsung only sells that one in Europe for now.
And I might have info on UMPCs and MIDs from time to time, but I doubt I will write about smartphones here. Too much ground to cover and I’m the only author on the blog 🙂
earlymusicus
August 22, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Considering that all these things are built in China by people being paid slave wages, these corporations could lower the prices on these netbooks. They still cost too much, IMO, especially when you consider it probably cost the corporation $8 in a day’s wages for a Chinese slave factory worker to stick it together!
rochelle
September 28, 2010 at 1:16 am
i currently own a toshiba satellite that’s been doing great these past two years (the only repairs on it so far was for water damage in the hinge after some severe flooding) so i am looking to get another toshiba for my first netbook.
even with the newer models coming out from other manufacturers, do you think the NB305 is still a superior choice? also, what would you rather purchase: an NB305 or a Vaio W? do you have any other model suggestions from other japanese manufacturers (sorry, it’s a personal fetish/failing :D)?
i’d appreciate any input — thanks!
Andrei Girbea
September 28, 2010 at 2:13 am
Rochelle, the Vaio W is 25% more expensive than the Toshiba and it really doesn’t bring anything better, except the display perhaps, if you’re into HD 10 inch screens. That’s why I’m not one of its fans and that’s why i did not include it here.
Right now I would go for that Asus 1015PEM like I said. Still, the Toshiba is good pick also (was my top one for many months), although I would expect if possible for the updated version with the dual-core N550 processor. It won’t be a lot faster, but every little bit matters on these low-performance devices…
As for other Japanese netbooks, not, there aren’t any worth your time right now.
Amie
September 28, 2010 at 7:09 am
thank you for this update.cannot wait when’ll be upgrade for Toshiba Mini Machine..
thib
October 25, 2010 at 9:37 am
there a bit too much info to be fair (you first talk about price, then autonomy, then design, then confort)…but I recon this is a Huge help in this netbook jungle. Thanks Mike for the review.
Since I’m really looking for massive autonomy and maximum storage capacity could you advise the latest “good deal”(for a reasonable price 250-350 euros)?
Andrei Girbea
October 26, 2010 at 8:12 am
Thib, the 1015PED/PEM offer the best battery life and both can be found with 320 GB hard-drives
Hugh
November 6, 2010 at 11:30 am
I know this is off the mark, but how does the iPad compare to netbooks generally? This site is extremely helpful. I struggle with comparisons of tech and you’ve brought it down to a level I can begin to grasp. Thank you.
Harsha
November 9, 2010 at 10:09 am
which is the best netbook on basis of overall performance. I am having lot of confusion in selecting the netbooks. As per reviews, ASUS 1015PEM seems to Good. Any any one can justify on this.
Andrei Girbea
November 9, 2010 at 10:28 am
Harsha, the 1015PEM and 1015PN are the ones you should consider when speaking about power. The words about each of them in the post below should help you understand why.
Sweetud
November 26, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Mike, I should commend you for taking the time to share your knowledge here. Keep up the good work.
Renee
December 4, 2010 at 6:21 am
Thanks so much for this – we’re new to the idea of netbooks, but after our 10-year-old asked for a laptop (for online gaming, YouTube watching), this seems like the route to go. Of course we’d like to pay as little for it as possible – which netbook would fit that bill? Seems from your reviews all would be equally qualified. I’m not worried too much about battery life – he can plug in and play near an outlet.
Again, thanks for your write up. This is the best place I’ve found so far, and appreciate that you’re updating your info.
Randy
December 11, 2010 at 2:31 pm
What are your thoughts on the overall performance/value of the Samsung N230 Series N230-11? Amazingly thin netbook, for sure…
Andrei Girbea
December 14, 2010 at 4:07 am
I like it, I’ve spoke about it here: https://tlbhd.com/samsung-n230-review-and-comparison-to-the-n210-and-n220-4514/ However, you can’t get it with a 6 Cell in the US which is really a bummer.
Brad
December 13, 2010 at 12:24 pm
VERY nice Mike and the updates are much appreciated to keep it current. May I suggest a spreadsheet format summary to more easily compare features across computers?
Andrei Girbea
December 14, 2010 at 4:09 am
Brad, thanks for the feedback, I’ll try putting something like this together soon
Ed
December 15, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Great review, really helped me narrow down choices! I’m considering ASUS 1015PEM for my 10-yr old, what is difference between 1015PEM-MU17 ($329) and 1015PEM-PU17 ($369)?
Ed
December 18, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I believe the differences are: no bluetooth in MU17, shorter battery life (10 hrs MU17 vs 13 hrs PU17); and no USB 3.0 port in MU17 (MU17 has 3 USB2.0, and PU17 has 1 USB3.0 and 2 USB2.0).
Amazon.com was sold out of the MU17 on 12/16, but has them back in stock today!
Ellen
December 18, 2010 at 12:36 pm
What about the quality and ussefulness of EZ netbook with supposedly suggested retail for 499 offered free with IHeater purchase plus shipping?
aminiesta
December 24, 2010 at 6:07 pm
hai mike,i’m little bit confuse about asus 10 inch netbook.what are the differences among EEEPC 1001P
Asus 1015PED
Asus 1015PEM
Asus 1015PN .
Andrei Girbea
December 28, 2010 at 3:50 am
Aminisesta, see the words about each of the in the post. Also, see the posts about each of them.
For short though:
1001P – entry level cheap version
1015PED – mainstream version
1015PEM – mainstream version + dual core N550 processor
1015PN – poweful version – dual-core N550 CPU + Nvidia ION graphics (perhaps the most powerful netbook on the market right now)
ckk
January 7, 2011 at 9:01 am
With the new mini Netbooks introduced at the 2011 CES, would you recommend Toshiba or HP (price range in the 300’s)? Thanks–
Andrei Girbea
January 7, 2011 at 10:13 am
CKK, there are actually almost no new netbooks announced at CES, so nothing is changing in this class for the moment. Changes will come in the 11.6 and 12 inch classes priced around 450-500 bucks and I’ll update those posts in the near future.
Chris
January 19, 2011 at 5:49 pm
I am struggling to find a netbook review that focuses only on touch screens. It seems that the touch/non-touch is the first decision point in choosing a netbook. It is frustrating to sift through reviews that don’t apply to my search.
Amber
February 9, 2011 at 8:54 am
I see that you are now recommending the Asus 1015PEM over the Toshiba NB305. Can you tell me which one is smaller/weighs less of the two? I am assuming that they are Wi-Fi capable, or is there anything extra I need to get in order to make them Wi-Fi capable? Also, if I am ordering on Amazon, can I upgrade to 2GB through them? – I am unsure of how to do this.
Andrei Girbea
February 9, 2011 at 9:11 am
Both are Wi-Fi capable of course. On Amazon.com you can order an extra 2 GB memory module and you’ll have to install it yourself, It’s actually very easy.
Both of them are actually pretty much teh same in erms of weight, around 2.7-2.8 pounds with a 6 cell battery. I would go for the PU17 as this one comes with a bigger battery than the MU17 version.
Amber
February 9, 2011 at 8:57 am
With regards to the Asus 1015PEM, would you recommend the PU-17 or the MU-17?
Mazzy
February 11, 2011 at 7:44 am
How About Inspiron Duo ?
It’s 10″, HD LCD, Hybrid with tablet mode. Nice built. It’s on expensive side, but good quality N550/2GB/320HD/GPS.
Mike H
February 11, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Haven’t read anything about a netbook with ability to play video smoothly. Don’t really care about price but large hard drive and at least 2 gb mem would be good. USB ports. 8-11 hours battery. Any recommendations. Was told to look for video memory 256, systek bus 667 mhz, intel graphics media accelerator but bottom line is I just would really like a recommendation for a small netbook 10 inch screen, big hard drive that can play video smoothly and is light weight. thanks
Andrei Girbea
February 12, 2011 at 2:36 am
Mike H, you won’t find anything like that. The fastest 10 inch netbook is the asus 1015PN, can play HD content and some clips. However you’ll only get around 5-6 hours of life, and that while running basic apps.
If you want something for gaming,m you can also check the Alienware M11x. it’s slightly bigger than a standard netbook and battery life is poor, but besides that is pretty good
Mike H
February 11, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Forgot to mention that Asus 1018 was choppy video and I returned it.
mike
Mike H
February 12, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thanks Mike. I really did want a small netbook. Do you know if the Asus 1015PN can play video from a website like Hulu. Looking for a small device to travel with bring movies or connect to hotspots and watch movies from sites like Hulu. Or… should I wait 6-8 months for some next generation of better mini netbooks. Thanks
Andrei Girbea
February 12, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Yes Mike, it can play Hulu. THere are also these new devices with AMD Fusion onboard, perhaps you can check them out too. I’m looking to get my hands on them pretty soon and will update this post once I’m convinced they are actually good
Mike H
February 12, 2011 at 8:48 pm
I look forward to hearing back from you on the performance of the AMD Fusion and what devices have that built-in. I’ve marked my post here to email me when you send an update after seeing the performance yourserlf. One final question. Do you know why the Asus 1015PN would play Hulu video smoothly when the 1018PB I tried was really choppy?
Andrei Girbea
February 13, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Will play Hulu because it has a better processor and way better graphics
Charlie
February 16, 2011 at 6:30 am
Hi, I’m in the market for a netbook and have since read many reviews. What would you recommend? And what’s the difference between Asus 1015PEM and Asus 1015PN?
Cheers.
Andrei Girbea
February 16, 2011 at 10:04 am
Charlie, the answer for your question is inside this post and also there’s one of my comments speaking exactly about it.