NetBooks Review
Why Netbooks?
With all the hype surrounding netbooks and the slew of manufacturers vying for market share with their 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. For more information regarding netbooks, check out our articles on netbooks in the Learning Center.
We’ve reviewed the best netbooks 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. You can also check out our top products: the Asus Eee PC 1016P, the Asus Eee PC 1215N and the Acer Aspire One AO722-0022. Let’s get started. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™
First, ask yourself the question: Do I plan on gaming or editing video with my netbook?
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 netbooks are small, and they are used primarily to get on the internet. Certainly not a desktop replacement laptop, this 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 computer but can’t afford to lug a ten pound laptop in a mountaineering backpack.
What to Look for in a Netbook
The ideal netbook 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 netbooks have keyboards that are 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), 3 USB, headphone and microphone ports, and SD card readers. Some have fewer USB ports, while others have expansion bays and Firewire ports.
User Interface Features
Linux or Windows? Windows netbooks generally take longer to boot, and don’t forget how much space Windows 7 will take up on the hard drive. Thanks to brilliant software engineers, Linux isn’t the scary command prompt operating system it used to be anymore, and many prefer its interface to Windows. You will want a high performance, low power consumption processor and the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom is the processor du jour. Also, solid network connectivity is a must. Wi-Fi b/g and megabit (10/100) LAN are standard. Newer netbooks come with Wi-Fi N, Bluetooth and 3G and WiMax.
Memory/Battery Life
To perform the basic tasks, you will want at least 1 GB of RAM, but preferably 2GB 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, more cells don’t necessarily mean longer battery life.
It’s ultimately your choice whether you need a netbook and if so, which one best suits your needs. We’re here to help with side-by-side comparisons and expert reviews of the best netbook models available today.
