Maplin Ultra Mobile laptop for 169.99

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... 2&source=1


I was browsing and just seen this looks ok for the price but still rather have a acer one for the specs

 

alright I seen the specs just its not that good 400mhz processor according to
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Media/PDFs/A98H ... Manual.pdf

 

ummmm, good for you?

 

It uses one of the crappy Chinese CPUs, which on it's own isn't enough to make it unusable, after all Netbooks don't need great CPUs. However it would make me question the quality of the components in general, the build quality etc. For an extra £30 I'd say the AA1 is worth piece of mind.

 

Ok ok I bought one!

The AAO wasnt out Soon realised my mistake though.

The Maplin netbook is poor in the extreme.
Build quality is horrible. As with most cheap things buttons don't work properly.
Wi-fi has problems connecting with most channels, they recommend channel one for best results. The register highlighted some of it's deficiencies.

Now for the best bit .. Due to it being a 'custom' build it uses Xip linux .. The manufacturers admit there are no applications for this see their own words ..

'This miniBook is designed as a safe, secure Linux based appliance which is designed to allow web access, document editing, email and instant messaging operation. The software manager will only install applications that are specially compiled for this version of Linux, which is why you are having a problem installing the applications.

I will see if we can add some fun programs for this machine onto our web site in the near future.'

Needless to say i didn't keep it, returned along with a copy of the email. Full refund, now happy with AAO 150.

 

Isn't this the one Carphone Warehouse are plugging on TV at the moment??

I hate those 'free laptop' ads, they're such a ripoff. There's nothing FREE about the laptops, when the 3G account is £15-£20 a month more than the contract alone!