Recently, smaller miniature laptops, also known as netbooks have become prevalent. Although somewhat smaller than a traditional sized notebook computer, netbooks bring you most of their functionality. Most netbooks come sized at around 10 or 11 inches in screen size. They come armed with a special microprocessor built for portability, long battery life, and low heat signature. What makes networks the most popular is probably their very low price; most cost between $300 – $350.
Netbooks do have limitations. First, although highly portable, most weighing around 2 1/2 pounds, with upwards of 10 hours of battery life, their size can be a limiting factor. With a 10 inch monitor and smaller sized keyboard, don’t expect to do many hours of heavy office work on these diminutive machines. Additionally, netbooks run a more trimmed down and lighter processor and operating system. Most netbooks come preloaded with Windows 7 starter operating system. Although part of the Windows 7 family, Windows 7 starter is less flashy, offers less features, and is designed to run on smaller machines with less resources. What does that mean to you? Although multitasking is possible on a netbook, don’t expect to be running three or four simultaneous programs at once like you can on a traditional PC or notebook.
Biggest Benefit: Netbooks are Ultra-Portable
Netbooks are ideal for someone looking for in easy, portable way to browse the Internet, send e-mail, compose and edit office documents, edit, upload, and share photos, and perform video chats on line. With a 10 hour battery life, sized no larger than your day planner, Netbooks are a great alternative for people who don’t need all the complexities and features of a regular PC or notebook, or for those that want a secondary, more portable computer at home. Portability is still an issue even for today’s notebook computer owners, many of which weigh more than 6 pounds and offer a measly 2 to 3 hours of battery life. A Netbook can be a great productivity tool for those that come you’d be a public transportation or carpool. They’re also welcomed by business travelers that are on the road a lot. A Netbook can be easily tucked away in your backpack or carry on baggage, will fit easily on the tray table in coach class, and you won’t be running around the airport, coffee shop, or hotel lobby searching for a power outlet because of its long battery life.
Netbooks com with a wireless WI-FI receiver built-in, numerous USB ports, an Ethernet Port, and some even include a memory card reader. Netbooks do not come with a built in optical drive, so if you intend on uploading any software from a CD or DVD, you will need to purchase an external USB optical drive. Don’t worry, almost all of today’s software can be purchased downloaded and installed straight from the Internet. Additionally, when transferring files back and forth to other machines, you can simply use a USB flash drive.
Advice on Buying a Netbook
Net books are currently being manufactured by all the major brand names including Dell, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, Gateway, Asus, and more. If you are in the market for a highly portable notebook PC, mainly to be used for Internet browsing, e-mail, and light office documents, you should strongly consider purchasing in that book. Like all computers, we recommend you go to the store to take a look at your notebook in person prior to purchasing. Take a close look at the screen resolution and size, keyboard size and feel, and the maneuverability and speed of the operating system. Once you have decided on the computer that you would like to purchase, more than likely you will find the cheapest price online.
Take a look at our online notebook and desktop computer coupons for the best savings.
Thinking of buying an iPad? Check out our comparison of Netbooks to iPads.
