Netbooks are essentially tiny laptops that allow you to bring your work and play on the road easily, with smaller sizes and less weight than larger laptops. Netbooks are unlike most tablets in that they run the same software as traditional computers. But like tablets, they can fit in a backpack, briefcase or purse. The Aspire One and Gateway LT netbook series both offer two sizes and multiple color options, as well as long-lasting battery life.
Gateway LT Specs
Choice of Intel or AMD embedded processor or AMD desktop processor
1.2 GHz to 1.7 GHz processor, depending on selection
2GB Maximum memory
250GB or 320GB Hard disk
HDMI available
Bluetooth 2.1 or 3.0
Wi-Fi b/g or b/g/n
Webcam and microphone
USB 2.0 available
11.6- or 10.1-inch screen sizes
Windows 7 Home or Starter
4- or 6-cell battery
Multi-gesture touchpad
Acer Aspire One Specs
Choice of AMD embedded or Intel CPUs
1.0 GHz to 1.5 GHz processor, depending on selection
4GB max memory for AMD CPUs
8GB max memory for Intel CPUs
300GB or 500GB hard disk drive
HDMI available
Bluetooth 4.0 on some models
Wi-Fi b/g/n or a/b/g/n
Webcam and microphone
USB 2.0
USB 3.0 available with AMD CPU
11.6- or 10.1-inch screen options
Windows 7 and 8 available
4- and 6-cell batteries
Multi-gesture touchpad
Model Choices
The Aspire One series has many model configurations to choose from, while the Gateway LT has only a few. Some features are the same on both models, like multi-gesture touchpads, webcams and Wi-Fi. Although there are many similarities between the two netbook lines, the Aspire One series overall provides more options to choose from.
Operating System
If you want the latest version of Windows already installed, you'll have to get an Aspire One. The Gateway LT series offers only Windows 7 Home and Starter. Some Gateway LT models meet the requirements of Windows 8, allowing a post-purchase upgrade.
Memory & Storage
The Gateway models support a maximum of 2GB of main memory, a reasonable amount for a netbook. The Intel-based Aspire models have a maximum installed memory size of 8GB, allowing for faster work on large documents or heavier multitasking.
If you plan on storing media files, or installing large programs and games, the hard drives offered by the Aspire series offer more storage. The Aspire starts with a 300GB drive, almost the same size as the largest Gateway drive at 320GB, and offers a larger 500GB drive for more storage needs.
Bluetooth
To interface with the latest gadgets, the Aspire Ones also take the lead with Bluetooth 4.0 support on some models. The Gateway LT series supports Bluetooth 2.1 and 3.0, depending on the model, so you can use a headset or stream music to speakers.
Style
Style is an important consideration on anything you bring with you every day, and the netbook manufacturers recognize this with a variety of colors. The Gateway LT line comes in five colors -- one more than the Aspire One series. Not every model is available in every color, so if form is more important than function, narrow your search to colors you like before comparing the specifications.
Which One to Choose
Both of these netbook lines are geared toward the casual computer user. For Web browsing, socializing and keeping up with events, both lines satisfy equally. If you consistently need higher performance for work -- or even gaming -- the Aspire One series lets you put more performance in your netbook.
Tags: Aspire series, Aspire Gateway, 1-inch screen, Acer Aspire, available Bluetooth
