We can now add netbooks to this list because the compact and inexpensive form factor of the 2010s is returning thanks to challenging brands that aim to serve specialized markets.One-Netbook is one such brand; its A1 laptop targets a very specialized audience with a very specific feature set. For example, unlike competing models, it has a rotating display that better protects the keyboard (compared to the design of, say, the Bmax Y13 Pro).
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But that's not all, this is the only laptop we know that offers an RS232 port, useful for connecting all kinds of devices that use system administrators, IT professionals and others.
Read on to learn more.
Prices and availability
A1 comes in many configurations; the one we have is powered by an Intel Core m3 8100Y with 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. It is on sale at the popular Chinese online store Banggood for $ 669.99 (use the exclusive code BGb167fd at checkout); the 256GB version costs $ 40 less. Design The A1 reminds us of another laptop that we analyzed a while ago, the Chuwi Minibook, also a small convertible with a price tag and a list of similar features. It is a fairly small slab of anthracite brushed aluminum metal with four rubber legs on a perforated base that also contains a pair of additional VESA mounting holes. At just 173 x 136 x 19mm and weighing 550g, this is the lightest laptop we've tested to date.
Display:
Its display is attached to the body by a single 7-inch rotating touch screen that supports up to 2048 pressure levels and can be used with an optional stylus. It is understandable that the keyboard is clogged (only 15 mm between the center of each key), and although the designers have done an impeccable job with the arrangement of the keys around it, they can not break the laws of physics. Users should note that they will probably not be able to touch the text.
The power button is located at the top of the keyboard and also works as a fingerprint reader, which we wholeheartedly accept. Another trend that we would not want is the complete removal of the webcam. As for its touchpad, there are none due to space limitations.
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The ports include a 3.5 mm audio jack on the right, an RS232 port, a micro HDMI connector, two USB 3.0 ports and a gigabit Ethernet port on the back, as well as a USB-C port (for charging) and a microSD card slot on the left. The provider explained in detail why the native RS-232 serial port is much better than the USB-RS-232 serial port.
SPECIFICATION SHEET
Here are the full configuration specifications for One Netbook A1 sent to Pro for review: Processor: Intel Core m3-8100y Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 RAM: 8GB DDR3
Display:
7 inch FHD resolution Memory capacity: 512GB Ports: 1 x USB C, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x microHDMI, microSD card reader, audio jack, RS-232 serial port, Gigabit Ethernet Connection: Intel Wireless-AC 7265, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5 Weight: 550g Size: 173x136x19mm (height x Width x depth) Battery: 22.2 Whr Team The single-core A1 netbook runs on Intel Core m3-8100Y, a dual-core quad-core processor and a 5W TDP. this means that the processor is very energy efficient and does not need to dissipate a lot of heat.
However, the laptop has a fan that will make noise under load. Intel UHD Graphics 615, which acts as a graphics Assistant, is a capable but ultimately limited component; expect nothing more than very light workloads, although it can control a 4K monitor, making it ideal for high-performance applications. The processor works in conjunction with 8 GB of RAM, an older and slower LPDDR3 type and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD from an unknown source. Wireless connectivity is done via Intel Wireless-AC 7265, which provides Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 5.
The built-in battery is a small 22.2 WHr model that works with a small adapter offering up to 45W of power. Approved for using a detachable USB-C cable, which means you can use the emergency power bank to charge it. In use Approach an open-minded A1 netbook. This is not your normal laptop, but a powerful system administrator assistant (hint: RS232 port). Its versatility and form factor means there are probably several other use cases we haven't thought of, especially in industrial / corporate facilities: think ATMs, PLC controllers, etc. Advertising Criterion This is how an A1 netbook performed in our benchmarking set:
Quantity: 2164 Processor number: 3728 CPU-Z: 298 (single-threaded); 783 (multi-threaded) Geekbench: 863 (single core) 1506 (multi-core); 3456 (computing) CrystalDiskMark: 649 MBps (read); 423 MBps (write) Cinebench Processor: 537 Atto: 799 MBps (read, 256 MB); 841 MBps (write, 256 MB) Ayah: 720mbps (read); 688MBps (write)
Windows Performance Index:
4.8 Getting down to business, the A1 excels in single-threaded applications, but a dual-core processor can only achieve a lot, especially when the power consumption is very low; it will fight the most powerful Celeron, losing some, winning some. Please note that the laptop is noisy under load thanks to the active heat sink fan that works harder than expected. The storage subsystem is adequate, reaching higher numbers than SATA, but lacks the push to allow this capable ultraportable device to achieve better results.
The IPS Full HD touch screen is bright and looks a bit like a fingerprint magnet. It is bright enough for outdoor use, but do not try to use it in direct sunlight. The hinge works great and is perfect for a small screen while protecting the keyboard. As for battery life, the A1 was a bit unexpected, as in our YouTube video playback battery test it lasted a decent 4 hours and 27 minutes.
This was not expected given the small battery, but we will accept it.
Final verdict
Evaluating a product targeted at a niche market can be a challenge. Obviously, there are marginal users who will love an A1 netbook, but for most of us, selling it will be labor-intensive and worth it. Of course, it is small, but for many, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
We would have preferred a different processor; the M3 is still expensive and should work on par with the Intel Celeron j4125 processor (based on cpubenchmark, a popular benchmark). The latter consumes more power, but the price difference should more than make up for it, allowing One-Netbook, for example, to change the microHDMI port for a more versatile USB-C connector and connect a free Type-C to HDMI cable. We also believe that Full HD resolution on such a small screen is a waste of time: 1440x900 pixels would work well enough to slightly increase battery life and reduce the load on the GPU by reducing the number of pixels displayed by about 40%. However, it is not a bad product, one that has no competition so far, and the attention to detail that the supplier put into creating this little engineering power is a testament to its designers.
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