Netbook Navigator Nav 9

“With so many negative predictions aimed at Windows tablets, we'd actually like to see one pleasantly surprise us with a good touch experience and long battery life. Sadly, the Netbook Navigator Nav 9 is not that tablet: Its inaccurate resistive touch screen, frustrating on-screen keyboard, and relatively slow performance all disappoint, as does the sub-three-hour battery life. If you or your business really wants to use a Windows 7-based tablet, you're probably much better off waiting for HP's own slate to arrive.”

“Smack on the front of the Nav 9's box it says the future of mobile computing. Sadly, the Nav 9 is the direct opposite of that. The tablet uses outdated netbook parts and a display that's just unacceptable by today's standards. As for its Windows 7 operating system, it is certainly robust, but the fact that it's not loaded with any touch-friendly software makes it less consumer friendly than other netveribles or Windows 7 convertible tablets out there. It may be more appropriate for the professional or enterprise market, but even then for $749 (that's the starting price when you actually configure this thing with an operating system) we're not sure we can recommend the Nav 9. Sure, it's one of the first Windows 7 slates out there and it could fill the void for those that are looking for a device like this, but we have faith that others will provide a better experience for a more affordable price. Hey, we've waited this long...”

“The questions that needs to be answered, of course, are “is a Windows 7 tablet right for you?” and “what does this tablet offer that others don’t?” To the first, I would say probably not, a 7 tablet is more aimed at enterprise and IT, and while it’s a full PC in your hand, with all the benefits that provides, it’s also pretty poorly optimized for touch at the moment. You’d have to put some work into it. As for whether the Nav9 provides anything special, I’d also have to say probably not, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile machine. It’s a netbook with a resistive touchscreen, and that pretty much tells the whole story. If that’s what you need, and you don’t want to wait until early 2011 for the big companies’ versions of this form factor and OS, then the Nav9 is a worthwhile investment.”