Single core processor is outdated for sure. That's the bad news.
Many people buy Intel Atom because :
1. they don't know about the capability, which is very underpowered.
2. small footprint, they thought it's a Ultraportables.
3. cheap, one only 300+USD for single core Atom.
4. easy to carry.
5. first time to get a 'laptop'.
6. etc
A processor like Intel Atom single core, cannot do multitasking very well. In fact its quite underpowered for everything, except: single task & light surfing on internet. Of course you will have difficulties to open multi-tabs or multiple windows at the same time. Limitation of it's processing power, will hog you down.
If you seek deeply, an Atom have processing power of an 8 years old processor, and since it designed for Low power (5-10W) then the performance won't be better.
Since the modern OS and softwares inside it become multithreaded, heavier, more new functions, etc. This make Atom outdated compared to 8years ago processors who ran lighter OS, lighter softwares, etc at that time.
The fact of Intel Atom netbook processor :
1. underpowered for today's OS & softwares.
2. altough size about the same, Atom netbook won't near real ultraportables
performance, which using modern architecture dual-core processors.
3. for additional 150USD, you will get real Pentium DualCore mainstream laptop.
which about 4times more powerful for today demanding tasks.
if you insist on DualCore Atom, for reminding, dual core Atom not quite cheap,
and still perform way below PDC.
4. there are alternatives that perform better. for example AMD Neo MV40 single
core, will perform better in this single-core netbook segment.
higher than that, is AMD Neo X2 dual core.
5. for the 1st time user, get mainstream laptop instead. or AMD's offering.
dual core always preferable for smooth computing.
The trend in computing that, the OS and softwares become more & more heavy.
By using this outdated technologies in modern package, don't expect it too much.
Except for single task internet browsing.
Many user that bought Atom processor regretted of its performances.
Netbook vs Mainstream laptop?
My recommendation still go to 450USD mainstream laptop. At least you can do Photoshop, video editing, sound editing, multitasking, etc at ease.
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