Netbook Madness Game 1: Samsung NC10 vs. ASUS Eee PC 1002HA

Taking the court in the first game of LAPTOP’s Netbook Madness is the Samsung NC10 (4 stars, Editor’s Choice) and the 3.5 star ASUS Eee PC 1002HA. While both are similarly configured 10-inch netbooks with the same 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP operating system, and a 160 GB hard drive, the NC10′s bench is a little deeper. With a 6-hour, 34-minute runtime, the NC10 outlasts the Eee PC 1002HA on the court by more than 3 hours  (the Eee checks in at 3 hours and 39 minutes). Of course, the NC10 has a six-cell battery, compared to the 1002HA’s two-cell. The Sammy is strong on defense, too, as its spacious keyboard can block any attempt from the 1002HA’s poorly placed and shrunken right Shift key. Don’t count ASUS out just yet, though:  the Eee PC 1002HA has a great perimeter game with its premium design,  including a brushed metal lid and slightly thinner chassis than the NC10. The 1002HA  also comes with 10GB of free storage in the cloud, making it an excellent road performer. Could the Eee PC 1002HA could be the tournament Cinderella!? It’s up to you now. Update: The Samsung NC10 took this game.