7 Netbooks You Should Not Buy

Analysts are still divided over the future of PC Tablets despite the roaring success of Apple iPad.

However, the niche Netbook segment, which too saw a rush of hardware giants falling over each other to launch the tiny laptop, has stood the test of time.

Little doubt then that the competition in the low-cost laptop (aka Netbook) has only become fiercer. From Dell to HP to Asus, all have a robust Netbook line-up.

However, not all fair equally well in terms of looks, specs, performance and speed. Cnet published a list of Worst Netbooks.

Here's over to the list and also what makes them `not-so desirable'.

Asus Eee PC 701

The 7-inch Asus Eee PC 701 tops the list of Worst Netbooks. As for the specs, Eee PC 701 packs 4GB Solid State drive, 3 USB ports, Linux OS and Intel Mobile Celeron-M ULV 900MHz processor.

According to Cnet, what gets the Netbook a place among Worst category is its low 800x480-pixel screen resolution. Also, the Netbook offers a low 4GB storage capacity and has only 3.5 hours of battery life.

Web reviews also criticize the Netbook's cramped size and microscopic keypad that make it user unfriendly. The Netbook also lacks Bluetooth.

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC

At No. 2 on the Worst Netbook list is HP's 8.9-inch 2133 Mini-Note PC.

According to the report, the Netbook suffers from slow performance. This is likely due to Windows Vista and a 1.2GHz Via C7-M processor. Also, its screen is too reflective to be used outdoor.

The Netbook packs a 120GB hard drive, 2GB RAM, 2 USB ports, Windows Vista OS, Bluetooth, wireless networking and Ethernet.

OLPC XO-1

The famed one laptop per child (OLPC) built for developing countries also figures on the Worst Netbooks list.

According to the report, the low-cost Netbook has a paltry 256MB RAM and an unusual Linux-based graphical user interface.

Featuring a 7.5-in display, the Netbook has a 1GB hard drive, 256MB RAM, 3 USB ports, built-in speakers and Linux OS.

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Mini Ui 3520

Next on the worst Netbook category is Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Mini Ui 3520.

The report says that the Netbook gives a tough time working on the tiny keyboard. It also suffers from poor battery life.

As for specs, featuring a 8.9-inch display, the Netbook packs a Intel 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB, 60 GB hard drive, 2

USB ports, built-in speakers and Windows XP OS.

Dell Inspiron Mini 12

Dell's Inspiron Mini 12 featuring a large 12.1-inch display is at No. 5 on the Worst Netbooks list.

According to the report, Mini's clunky keyboard and slower Ubuntu are two big pain points of the Netbook.

The Netbook's key specs include 40GB hard drive, 1024MB RAM, 3 USB ports, wireless networking and Ubuntu 8.04 OS.

Packard Bell EasyNote XS

Next on the list is Packard Bell EasyNote XS Netbook featuring a 7-inch display.

According to the report, "The netbook has an awful mouse input. The performance is below par and is priced high compared to other Netbooks."

As for key specs, the Netbook packs a 30GB hard drive, 1024MB RAM, 2 USB ports and Wndows XP Home edition.

Elonex Websurfer

At No. 7 on the Worst Netbook category is Elonex Websurfer.

Featuring a 7-inch display, the Netbook comes with 30GB hard drive, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless networking, 3.5mm mic, built-in speakers and Windows XP Home. The Netbook offers 5 hours of battery life.

As for what earns it a place among the Worst category is the Netbook suffers from noisy fan, tiny trackpad and cramped keyboard.