Why Netbooks?
With each of the hype encompassing netbooks as well as the slew of producers vying for industry share with their very own interpretation of this mini-computer, it’s hard to figure out if you need this highly-portable device and which one best suits your needs.
We’ve reviewed the best mini-computers available and distilled the technical jargon and specs into English. Also, do not forget to take a look at our selection of articles on netbooks. Let’s get started. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™
First,
Office 2010, ask yourself the question: Do I plan on gaming or editing video with my mini-computer?
If the answer is yes, then this computing device is not for you. Consider any of our recently reviewed gaming laptops if you need that much horsepower in a laptop.
These mini-laptops are small, as well as the name correctly implies they are used primarily to get on the internet. Certainly not a desktop replacement laptop, this personal computer is best suited for work on the go, biding one’s time at the doctor’s office, or any other situation where you need a pc but can’t afford to lug a ten pound laptop in a mountaineering backpack.
What to Look for in a Netbook
The ideal mini-computer has the following specs and features:
Design
The lightest computing devices weigh less than two pounds; the heavier ones tread closer to ultraportable classification at over four pounds. Pay attention to the width and depth of each if you’ll be using or storing it in cramped spaces. Keyboard size and spacing also contribute to the design of these computers. Current generation mini-computers have keyboards that are up to 95% the size of a regular laptop keyboard, but pay attention to key spacing and size, especially if you have large hands or sausage-like fingers.
These computers also have 1 VGA out (for connecting to a monitor),
Windows 7, 3 USB,
Microsoft Office Professional 2007, headphone and mic ports, and SD card readers are standard. Some have fewer USB ports, while others have expansion bays and Firewire ports.
User Interface Features
Linux or Windows? XP mini-computers generally take longer to boot, and don’t forget how much space XP will take on the hard drive. Thanks to brilliant software engineers, Linux isn’t the scary command prompt operating system anymore, and many prefer its interface to Windows. You will want high performance, low power consumption processor as well as the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom is the processor du jour. Also a solid network connectivity is a must. Wi-Fi b/g and megabit (10/100) LAN are standard. Newer mini-computers come with Wi-Fi N, Bluetooth, and soon 3G and WiMax.
Memory/Battery Life
To perform the basic tasks you will want at least 512MB of RAM,
Office 2010 Professional Plus, but preferably 1GB or more. A solid hard drive is also desired with lower failure rates than standard (SATA, PATA) drives. Good battery life with normal use will make your job much easier. Surfing, checking emails, and editing docs are your main tasks with this computing device. Make sure yours gives you at least two hours of playtime before you have to recharge. Also,
Office Enterprise 2007, more cells don’t necessarily mean longer battery life.
It’s ultimately your choice whether you need a mini-computer and if so, which one best suits your needs. We’re here to help with side by side comparisons and expert and user reviews of the best netbook models available today like the Asus Eee PC 1015PE, Toshiba Mini NB305-N410 as well as the HP Mini 5102.