Laptop buying advice forum: Are these inexpensive Windows CE Netbooks on eBay even worth looking into?

Everything I've read regarding these cheap Chinese knockoffs has been BAD - BAD - BAD!!! It's a cute little oversize phone that doesn't work half of the time. If you want a smart-phone, then I recommend you get a smart-phone and pass this by.

Windows CE is what is referred to as an "Embedded" operating system. On most computers, the operating system is loaded on to the Hard Disk Drive, and the computer's BIOS finds the hard drive when it starts up and loads the system. With an embedded system, the operating system is actually burned into a memory chip on the computer. It could, and should make it a lot faster, but because of the limitations of these little pretenders, they're practically worthless. I would end up using up the hard drive in a week. And the hard drive is probably not upgradeable, because it is actually a memory module on the main board that cannot be replaced or upgraded.

I won't even get into all of the errors that users are experiencing with these machines. I think it's safe to say that even running a simple, minimal operating system like Linux, or the Windows CE 6.0, you are still going to be strangled regarding speed and actual usability.

Kim, if you're friend is trying to save money just remember that the cost of repairs on cheap computers is usually just as much as higher cost computers. The difference is that when you pay a few dollars more, you're going to end up with a computer that doesn't need constant attention from a technician. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but my recommendation is to stay away from these impostors.

Good Luck.

You are absolutely right to be suspicious of this junk. These really are not worth it if they paid you to take them away!

Your friend would be much better off with a refurbished laptop or a netbook from a reputable manufacturer. Most of the major vendors have refurbished outlets, HP, Dell, IBM US.

I guess you are in the USA but in the UK, Bigpockets (yes, really!) has a refurb laptop centre. I've had a couple from them and they are excellent.

Here's an example http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?product=SOLV392&utm_source=buyersclub_bpservers&utm_medium=email&utm_content=110311&utm_campaign=BP_MAILSHOT

Or go to Bigpockets and select Laptop Finder.

Good luck.

The shortest answer is: it's an inexpensive step between a smart phone and a netbook.

A slightly longer answer is it is made by companies that do not wish (or need) to be known and many are made in China by companies trying to get a foothold in the netbook market, so they are generally inexpensive. However, Caveat Emptor is true - let the buyer beware because sometimes you get what you paid for.

Should you get it? It depends if that's all you can afford, but I'd say usually, No. Instead, wait until you can afford an inexpensive smart phone or a netbook (both under 300 right now) and buy that instead. You get a manufacturer or a vendor you can go back to when you have questions or problems.

As to your technical questions:
1. WinCE is the basis OS for Windows based smart phones (Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, etc.) and began in the early days of the Windows based OS for what we used to call a PDA. It's a good OS for small devices (many people think CE stands for Compact Edition). It works well in small platforms like netbooks and smart phones.

2. Although some may argue with me here, but I believe if it's used mainly for surfing - 128 RAM and 2G hard drive, while small - is not excessively small. ASUS led the way for the netbook revolution with the EEE PC. The First EEE PC from ASUS came out with a 2GB Hard drive and a 256 MB RAM - both can be upgraded - but not for newbies. People loved them so much a niche market was born and netbook is now a recognized term. (I myself prefer the linux version) Now, if you need it for anything else, requiring greater processing power or memory or if you want to store lots of stuff (songs, videos, etc.) on it, then this is not for you as the 2 GB will be small. After the OS (and apps) are loaded, you'll have (actually only 1 after the OS is loaded you'll do well to have 1GB left for storage.

I've had many PDA's until smart phones caught up to them, and WinCE and the smaller specs were never really an issue. On my latest phone I waivered between the iphone, a droid and a phone using Windows Mobile (based on the WinCE platform). In the end, I stayed with my carrier, but believe all 3 would have met my needs.

Note: This post was edited by forum moderator to break up giant paragraph, for ease of reading. on 03/18/2011 on 9:52 AM PT

Windows CE is a version of Windows operating system that was designed mainly for mobile computing. It has never really made any headway into it though as it's just not very good at all.

CE is just another version of Windows like XP, Vista or 7, however one major problem with this operating system is that there is very limited driver support for it."

The only real use that CE has is to be used just for internet browsing and sending/receiving e-mails. Anything else like running Office, watching DVD's, movies, etc is out of the question as you'll be lucky to find software for CE to run any of this. Even browsing the web can be a bit tricky with CE as there is no Flash player for CE, and therefore many sites that use Flash wont work, also at present I'm not aware of any HTML5 compatible web browser for CE which as more and more websites switch to HTML5 could cause major incompatibility problems.

One major problem with CE is that it can't use standard Windows software, or drivers, so you have to try and locate special software for it. Even things like 3G mobile broadband dongles don't work with it.

CE never really took off and so the support really isn't there, probably the most famous thing it was used in was the Sega Dreamcast (which shows how old this operating system is - and considering how much of a failure the Dreamcast was, how bad it was)

With the price of tablets you would probably be far better investing in an Android tablet like the Motorola Xoom, HTC Flyer, Samsung Galaxy Tab (or if you really must the iPad - although that does have one major disadvantage - no Flash player!)

Note: This post was edited by forum moderator to edit member's post to reflect their correction. Reply has been removed. on 03/18/2011 on 9:49 AM PT

It might be used massively in industry but not for home usage, therefore it didn't really take off too well for the general public to use.

Same as saying to a home user that DAT tapes or DVD-RAM took off, they did in film studios (DVD-RAM) and radio stations (DAT), but most of the time never come across by home users - instead MiniDisc and DVD-R/+R took the lead. CE is in the same league, only useful for companies, where as for home use XP and 7 take the lead.

Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows.* From the Wiki page. That being said, these devices are not like a smart phone. They more closely resemble a very large GPS. Flash is available it is called Flash-lite, but it is usually bundled with the OS.

Also you would be able to use google for cloud computing, like google docs, for office type apps.
It will be slow, and very hard to find applications that are made to work with windows CE 6.0. You would be limited to those applications run in a browser, or made for older PDA's.

For using as an EBook reader, there is a version of windows reader that is supported, it reads the .LIT file format. And you can use calibre to convert to that format for free, but would need another computer to do that.

As a main computer this would be a frustrating experience. As a netbook used occasionally to view websites, or read a book or something, it would be ok, but I agree with most, better to get a full functioned laptop.

Check Geeks.com, or Microcenter.com, they have sales every week it seems like for refurbished or off lease laptops, at very good prices.

You need to stay away. While I owned own for a time to test out if our Windows Mobile and WinCE apps ran on such these units are so limited that it's not worth the money.

Don't bother unless you have a very good reason.
Bob

I was looking at these cheapies as well. I wanted something to contact to my desk top via Wi-fi to read email etc.

I bought a used Eee ASUS. I loaded Linux and it works fine. Down sides; small screen & keyboard.

Windows CE is more or less a castrated version of windows. Little support, few drivers. I wouldn't recommend it.

Your friend would probably be much happier with a "real" computer.

You could install Debian to it, use gnash, and have a working environment.

I don't blame you for being skeptical; usually a deal that seems to be too good to be true, is. After searching eBay on these, the 2 GB hard drive is listed as a SSD (solid state drive), which is like a memory card. Not upgradable. Most of them appear to have an SD/SDHC card slot, with a 8-16 GB limit. In addition, there is no optical (CD/DVD) drive available to install software, like an office suite or anti-virus software.

Also, many of the listings caution the buyer to ask questions before bidding, anad to make sure they understand the limitations of the device; one or two even state that there will be NO cash returns.

Of course, the final decision is based on the intended use. If email is all that needed, these may be useful. I would be cautious, however, and remember that many computer stores will have refurbished or clearance notebooks w/ 2 GB ram and 250 GB hard drives for about $200-300.

Sometimes, slimeballs will market under a name that sounds oh so similar to a good company.

I hope you machine is indeed spelled Compac.

The HP division is spelled Compaq.

Hi Waytron

Just to thank you for your contributions......I read most of your letters and find your advice very useful.
Keep up the good work...

RAM is not "the speed with which the computer process information that is sent to it." RAM is the amount of system memory for running the OS, applications, and holding data being processed in memory.

CPU speed or frequency is the correct term to match your description. CPU frequency will show a measurement in mhz or ghz, not MB or GB.

Hold your horses. I read the first few posts and there is not much real info (I didn't read the entire thread). Windows CE is a PDA operating system. @gb hdd yes, CE doesn't use much at all. For an entertainment machine, it lacks. But for things like email, typing and general non-flash (read: no youtube afaik) web browsing it's okay.

It has its place, just not a powerhouse of any kind. It has the bells and whistles of a netbook, sans camera afaik, and a PDA is a PDA bettter when it has a full keyboard. NOT a gaming machine, yes, it is expandable but only through it's own USB and maybe an SD card slot. Wireless, sounds, small games (no Halo for this thing) and a great note taking device. I have messed with one, and all in all not so bad. But not a high end machine by any means.

Very basic, like a 486 online these days.

Nathan

I got seduced by the pricing and size of one of these on a deal a day site. I got the B I C 7 inch model. It came to me drop shipped from China. It is absolutely useless. it is slow and relatively non functional. I tried everything to find something that it does well, but it was to no avail.NOTHING well.. After a week of on and off utter frustration, it has been back in its box for about 3 months. Its totally limited function is hampered by it's slowness,yes it has WiFi but it is as slow as an old 500 baud modem..Despite my cable connection. If you still want it after reading this I will sell you mind absolutely dirt cheap. probably better to find a reconditioned early netbook for a few bucks more!!! At least it may work..whatever you do, do not buy one of these P.O.S. things. they're a total waste of hard earned cash.