Are Windows CE Netbooks on eBay even worth looking into?

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	View online  | Share on Facebook	March 18, 2011

	Are these inexpensive Windows CE Netbooks on eBay even worth looking into? Dear CNET members, Happy Friday! I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. This week's topic is helping Kim with her decision whether to buy an inexpensive Windows CE Netbook offered on eBay, or just leave it alone. Well, Kim, you are always in good hands with the CNET community. This week there was plenty of sound advice from our members in regard to your curiosity of these so-called Windows CE Netbooks. After reading through our members' advice, I can sum it up in three words, "Don't do it!" While these "Netbooks" are offered at a very attractive low price, most of the time the price is low for a good reason--low quality with no technical support, at least that's what came to my mind first. But don't take my word for it, there's a laundry list of reasons provided by our members of why you shouldn't buy these--from the limitation of what the device can do to the reason Windows CE is not the right choice for this device. They are all good reads, so pay attention and we hope by the time you get through them you'll have a better understanding of these devices and why you may want to stay clear. If any member has ever bought a Windows CE Netbook, we'd love to hear what your experience is with the device. We're all ears! Thank you for pitching in. Have a splendid weekend! Read all member contributions to this topic Cheers! - Lee Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com Lee Koo CNET Community manager Last week's question Are these inexpensive Windows CE Netbooks on eBay even worth looking into? My name is Kim and my question may be stupid but here goes anyway. (Lee's note: No question is stupid.) While on eBay looking for a used or refurbished laptop/Netbook for my friend, I kept coming across these Netbooks advertised as non-branded Netbooks. Really cheap. What are they? The description is as follows: 128RAM, 2GB hard drive? Running Windows CE 6.0. What is Win CE? Is the hard drive a 2.5 laptop model or something different? Can the hard drive be upgraded? My friend wants one but I don't think it is what I term as a "normal" computer. I asked her to wait and that I would ask the CNET community about the Netbook first. I'm hoping that someone can explain what they are, and how they work. I don't want my friend to be disappointed and waste her money. But I'm really curious about them myself. I've never seen them advertised anywhere else either. A 2GB hard drive seems excessively small as well. All answers will be greatly appreciated. Thank you CNET community. -- Submitted by: Kim B. Featured member solutions for last week's question:  "Stay away!!!! " -- Submitted by: High Desert Charlie  "Not all Netbooks are created equal" -- Submitted by: waytron  "I wouldn't go anywhere near them " -- Submitted by: darrenforster99  "It all depends" -- Submitted by: Graupner  Read all member contributions  Thanks to all who contributed! Previous questions and answers 1. Help, my PC has lost sight of its disc drives! 2. How can I get rid of all my duplicate files in multiple hard drives? 3. My computer has fallen asleep and it won't wake up! 4. Why are computers still so difficult to use? 5. Please help! I cannot access my external drive.  All previous Community newsletters Community buzz 1. To install or not to install Internet Explorer 9? 2. Internet Explorer 9 release (heads up) 3. Buying my first Android phone 4. Sony Cyber-shot digital cameras made in Japan vs. China 5. During PC shutdown, I always get "waiting for background program to close" 6. Too many choices for buying a laptop, can you help? 7. 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Also, are physical firewalls built into routers better than software firewalls? Do you really need both? Thanks for any advice or recommendations you can offer! -- Submitted by: Perry B.   If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions/opinions, or tips. Have a tech-related question? Click here to e-mail us on one of these topics: · PC troubleshooting · PC upgrading · Digital music · Consumer electronics · Multimedia · Internet security · Digital cameras · Home audio & video Need help tech right away? Don't wait for us, post your questions in the CNET forums for all the tech help and how-tos. Community quick poll Weigh in on this week poll topic! Where do you mostly buy your computers or computer hardware? 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