HP Stream 11 (or other small laptop)

I'm on the lookout for a cheap HP Stream. I only need it for on the bus to and from work, so I'm not keen on spending too much on it. Ideally not too much over $200. I already have an iPad Mini, but it's hard to type on when on the bus and I like the case that it's in, so don't want to buy a case with a built-in keyboard.

I think the HP Stream 11 is pretty much the cheapest one available - happy to consider other ones. I don't really like the idea of store-refurbished ones (in my mind, the cases are scratched and I'm very particular about that).

I would have just used my Dell Mini 9 except the battery has died and Dell doesn't sell the battery anymore (I've read too much about dodgy third party batteries to buy them elsewhere now). So I'm not too fussy.

I can see the earlier version (pink, discontinued) at Umart for $229, but I thought an outdated model might be reduced a little more than 20% (current ones are ~$270). I've checked StaticIce, but if anyone has any other laptop recommendations or cheaper options, I'd love to hear them.

Comments

  • The HP stream (latest ver) with N3050 ($277) is a crap laptop… with a rather normal price tag. In terms of bang-for-your buck, I'd give it a 4 out of 10.

    It's a mostly plastic device with uninspiring performance and non-upgradable parts, so if you're not happy with how it performs, bad luck! 2GB of RAM and 32GB EMMC storage is all you will get.

    I'd be looking at getting a Dell Inspiron 11" instead, while they are about two times more expensive (if bought without a coupon code), they are also built better and will give you several times more productivity. The refurbished version in the Outlet costs around $400.

    The other devices you could consider

    chinese tablets such as the Jumper Ezbook or the Teclast X80 Pro, which is more portable and more useful for travelling

    or a second hand Lenovo (12.5" inch) X220 or X230 (roughly $240~260 dollars)

  • I had the HP Stream 13, bought because I needed a cheap laptop and because it received strong reviews. Having had netbooks previously (remember that craze?!) I thought I knew what to expect performance wise. I was wrong.

    The HP Stream simply isn't powerful enough to handle the OS, netbooks did a much better job with Win XP. This means you spend a LONG time just sitting watching it strain to do the most basic of tasks. Mine ended up on ebay within 2 months and I will never go back.

    I am now waiting for the Chromebook with Android apps solution to my cheap laptop needs.

  • My recommendations:
    Lenovo Ideapad 100S, 11.6 inch, $297, JB Hi fi,
    CPU: Z3735F Quad Core
    Ram: 2GB RAM
    eMMC: 32GB

    Best bang for dollar laptop.

    Alternatives:

    ASUS E200HA Z8350 11.6, $279.00, Goodguys
    CPU:Quad-Core Z8300 Dual Core
    eMMC: 32GB
    Ram: 2GB

    Dell Inspiron 11 3162-0000BLU, $302.64, Kogan
    CPU: Intel N3050
    Ram: 2GB
    eMMC: 32GB

  • Is there any more recent suggestions??

Login or Join to leave a comment