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An Introductory Buyer's Guide to Netbooks |
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No portable computing product is quite so iconic as the compact, netbook. Cute, lightweight and streamlined, the netbook offers a strong, core-elements computing experience for users seeking a mobile machine for a reasonable price. They have become popular with traveling businessmen and tech-savvy students alike. However, there are certain factors to consider before making the decision to purchase netbooks. Their portability and low price do come at the expense of certain features, and a user would do well to make their choices carefully. If there are any terms you don't understand please refer to our brief computer glossary. |
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SCREENS After their low price, (starting under $200) the strongest selling point of netbooks has been their compactness. The average unit weighs approximately two to three pounds, and takes up little more space than your average trade hardback. This comes at the cost of a correspondingly small interface and the lack of an optical drive such as CD or DVD player. Netbook display screens come in 7-inch, which displays at 800x480, with 8.9-inch (Aspire One) and 10-inch screens (e.g Toshiba Nb205) displaying in 1024x600. For simple tasks a limited screen size may not be a problem, but working with larger documents, spreadsheets, or multimedia tasks can be a headache for some with the smaller screens. Though 7-10 inches is typical, there are netbooks on the market with bigger screens, like the 11.6 inch Acer 1410 and the Samsung NC20 which boasts a 12 inch screen. Don't let screen size be a deal breaker, most netbooks can be connected to an external monitor via a VGA port. |
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KEYBOARDS Similarly, keyboards on netbooks are typically MUCH smaller. The 7-inch screen variety have keyboards so cramped that it can crowd the fingers excessively, leading to typos and multi-key strokes for those not used to them. In addition, the compact layout forces netbook keyboards to map some keys with three functions, and place a corresponding 'fn' key near the space bar. This layout can significantly hinder typing speeds, depending on the tendencies of the user. However the keyboards on 12 inch netbooks like Samsung's NC20 are bigger, more comfortable to type on and feature an 18.5mm key pitch, that should help prevent strain on your wrists. The NC20's keyboard also utilises the latest Nano silver Technology. This process allegedly makes it difficult for bacteria to form from crumbs and spills that often gather after a day of robust computing, cake and coffee consumption. :) |
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PROCESSOR TYPES, RAM and HARD DRIVES There are several processor choices available for netbook users, but the market is currently dominated by the Intel Atom and the Via Nano. Both are reasonably powerful processors for the low end computing that netbooks are designed for - the Atom averages between 1.33 GHz and 1.66GHz, while the Nano clocks in around 1.66). The Atom is currently the more widespread of the two, but recent tests have the Nano outperforming the Atom on a regular basis. Netbooks typically come with a 1G ram capacity in the default package, but can frequently be upgraded to 2G for extra performance without too much extra expense. Hard drive space ranges from a tiny 8GB SSD (solid state drive) to a spacious 250 GB. |
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BATTERY LIFE The basic battery on most netbooks is a 3-cell battery, and will typically perform for about two hours of standard use when away from a power source. 6-cell upgrades are available that can boost this to four, five or six hours + at the cost of an extra half pound of weight. |
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INTERNET CONNECTIVITY Wireless connectivity is one of the strongest features of netbooks. All brands can connect to wired Ethernet networks and 802.11b/g networks, but some also offer support for 802.11n, which gives much faster Wi-Fi network connections. Some of the latest models are also 3G compatible, so you just need to register for a mobile broadband account and pop in a 3G SIM card. If you have a 3G mobile phone with Bluetooth, you can connect it to a netbook via Bluetooth technology and use it as a wireless 3G modem. |
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WARRANTY One other important consideration is the warranty. A one-year warranty is standard on most budget brands. However, some manufacturers like MSI do offer a two-year warranty as standard though, so check the small print before buying. |
  
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ARE THEY WORTH IT? Netbooks are incredibly useful tools, if used in their proper application. Their strengths lie in their ability to provide basic, core computing ability on the go - wireless web access, email, instant messaging, quick word processor documents, spreadsheet management and the like. Given their limited hardware however, they tend to under-perform in more intensive applications such as video display, 3D gaming, video and photo editing, or large data transfers. For example, consider two of the users that portable computers are typically marketed to, the traveling businessman and the university student. The netbook's portability will appeal to both - the low weight and compact size make it easy to slip into a backpack or briefcase for a few hours. The netbook can be used to take notes quickly, and the wireless access allows quick research and communication regarding important lecture or conference notes. On the other hand, the limited processor and graphics capacity might make the netbook less than ideal if the businessman or student is giving a multimedia presentation for class, or a conference. This is changing though as processor power is improving month by month. While some have a windows-based OS (XP or Windows 7), many run on modified Linux programs like Ubuntu - a different operating system can make it difficult to trade documents and networking materials with other users, creating more hassle for some than is necessary. In short, netbooks can be considered a tool for the casual user. They make excellent traveling computers, and are priced favorably compared to higher powered notebooks. However, their programing and hardware limitations mean they are not a universal solution to all mobile computing problems. Compare and test out several different units against your personal needs before committing to any buying decisions. |
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NETBOOK REVIEWS - WHERE TO BUY? When interested in a specific model make sure you research reviews online, Notebookreview.com is a good entry point for netbook research. In the U.S NewEgg and Geeks are a couple of retailers to begin deal hunting. In the UK PC World and Ebuyer have a number of bargains at their warehouses. And don't forget Amazon, there are always attractive deals to be had there. By Cheaperlaptop.com - Site map - Privacy policy |