Netbooks are some of the most popular consumer electronic products on the market today. Due to the current need for constant connectivity, these relatively inexpensive portable computers have become a must for businesspeople who are always on the go. Mini-laptops or subnotebooks, as they are also called, have also been introduced as a necessity for the younger set, and even individuals who want to start learning the basics of personal computing. As many of these computers offer similar fundamental elements, the slew of netbooks that are currently available can present a quandary to the casual consumer.
Some netbooks have been developed for particular purposes, and therefore have a specific market, depending on whether they will be used for gaming, Internet connectivity, or simple computing, among other uses. A consumer can select a certain netbook based on its features and the tasks it was designed for.
If you’re in the market for a netbook, you should also consider the physical aspects of the machine itself, aside from its hardware and software capabilities. Sure, you might not notice the variance between having a 1.6GHz processor from a 1.33, especially if you’re not a techie. A large screen would be great for graphic designers who travel, while a smaller screen would be better for the majority of casual users. Keyboard size is also an aspect to consider. A normal desktop keyboard has its advantages and disadvantages. How would an 80-percent sized keyboard affect the way you work, compared to one sized at 93 percent? How about the size of the trackpad, or location of the various keys? Ergonomics should also play a role in choosing your netbook.
These are just a few of the factors you should take into account when thinking of picking up a netbook. What should you focus on: portability, ease-of-use, power, or even the brand? Here’s a short list of hot new netbooks that should give you an idea of what to expect, and maybe even what to buy:
EEEPCs were some of the first popular netbooks several years back. ASUS arguably placed the netbook as a necessary product from both the industries of personal computing and consumer electronics. The longevity of the batteries that power ASUS netbooks may be one of the key factors that contributed to their success. Many of the netbooks on the market can give you around 3 hours of operation, while computing under everyday conditions with an ASUS netbook would typically let you work approximately 6 hours.
The EEEPC 1000HE nucleus is an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor with a 160GB hard disk drive and 1GB of RAM. It has a keyboard sized at 92 percent, a 10.1-inch screen, and a 1.3MP webcam. You can connect to the Internet and other devices using B/G/N WiFi and Bluetooth technology with this netbook that tips the scales at 3.2 lbs. Another freebie that may entice you to pick this netbook up would be the 10GB online storage that all ASUS netbooks are packaged with. This service comes at no cost to the consumer for a duration of two years after buying the computer.
The Dell Mini 10The Mini 10 may owe much of its popularity to the Dell brand name. However, the brand’s drawing power isn’t all that the netbook has going for it. Although you would have to shell out some additional cash to get its performance up to par with the other netbooks in this list (to supercharge the processor, hook up a six-cell power supply, and add the connectivity of Bluetooth and Draft-N WiFi), it's not a pushover by any means. The stock Mini 10 works with Intel Atom 1.33Ghz processors and a 160GB hard disk drive, plus 1GB of RAM. It weighs 2.6 pounds, and comes with a 10.1” screen, a 1.3MP webcam, and B/G WiFi.
Note that choosing between 2GB or 1GB RAM is integral at the onset – the integration of the RAM and motherboard will not allow you to upgrade the memory after the purchase. VGA ports are non-existent, although this Dell netbook does work with HDMI. It may also be upgraded for compatibility with the EVDO network from Verizon. Many users have selected the Dell Mini 10 as a start-up machine, even though added costs are required to get commonly-available features. This is because users can run the Mac OSX on this little powerhouse.
The MSI WindThe MSI wind takes its cue from the ASUS line of netbooks. The battery life of MSI netbooks can hold a candle to those from the latter brand, partly due to a stock six-cell power supply. In terms of ergonomics, the MSI Wind is a standout. Keyboards developed for many netbooks, both past and present, typically have keys that are relatively close together. The Wind offers more comfort for the consumer by way of a keyboard that runs the entire width of the netbook, with keys having ample space in between. Aside from the larger distance between keys and the bigger keyboard span, the ‘give’ on the keyboard is pretty satisfying. You can press the keys on the MSI Wind perceptibly deeper than you would with its rivals, which lends a sturdy, robust feel to the computer.
The MSI Wind is built around an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor with a 160GB hard drive and 1 GB of RAM. It also has a 10.1” screen and 1.3MP webcam. Connectivity between your computer and the Internet or other devices is facilitated by Bluetooth, B/G WiFi, and a card reader, with all of these coming as standard features. The MSI Wind’s weight is 3.2 lbs.
Read the multitudes of articles on the Internet, including this one, and then set out to pick your very own netbook. However, don’t forget the aspects you have to consider. Some computers may seem too cumbersome, too powerful, or too large for some people, although they might be just right for you. Try searching for other reviews on the Web if you have a set of netbooks in mind. Cut the choices down to a few and try the netbooks out at an actual store. Place them side by side, stack them up, and give them a test run. Only then will you know the perfect netbook for you.
