Bigger isn’t always better and computer manufacturers are well aware of that. That’s why netbooks, which are basically shrunken-down, power-efficient, inexpensive laptop computers, are popping up everywhere these days.
Netbooks offer several key benefits. They’re incredibly light and small, with most weighing less than three pounds. They’re also pretty “light” in price, most going for under $400. As the name suggests, these mini computers are great for browsing the Web, most including WiFi and several models even have 3G mobile Internet access built-in. And, for the fun side of things, many models include built-in Web cams and come in several different colors — black, white, silver, green, and even pink if that’s your thing.
But the lightness and power efficiency come at a cost. Most netbooks don’t come with a media drive like a CD burner. And ultra-portable also means ultra-small screen, so don’t expect to be comfortably editing home videos on them. Actually, don’t expect to be doing much video editing or any other processor-intensive tasks at all. These devices tend to be much less powerful than their laptop and desktop cousins.
Most of these computers run Windows XP and some even run Linux. So if you’re looking to chat on AOL Instant Messenger, send emails, listen to your music collection, and browse the Web, a netbook might be great for you. Putting together PowerPoint presentations and writing papers or reports could be a little more challenging, but if you’re on the go a lot, having one with you can be a life-saver at times. That said, if you’re looking for a device to replace your current laptop or desktop computer, forget it, unless you’re only using it for very basic purposes.
Here are five popular models (in no particular order):
H-P Mini 1000 XP Edition (HPQ: 34.63, -2, -5.46%)
This little computer starts at $329.99 and, as the name implies, run Windows XP, though so do all the other netbooks mentioned in this guide. There’s also the 1000 Mobile Broadband series that has built-in 3G mobile Internet for $449.99.
The Mini 1000 comes in either an 8.9” or 10.1” display and weighs just 2.25 pounds.
It’s powered by an Intel (INTC: 15.58, -0.07, -0.45%) Atom processor (the N270 running at 1.60GHz to exact) and has built-in 802.11G WiFi (as do all but one of the following netbooks)
An important spec that shouldn’t be overlooked is the keyboard size. The Mini 1000 has a 92% size keyboard, meaning that it’s 92% the size of a full keyboard. Netbooks have smaller keyboards than regular laptops in order to keep their tiny size, but if the keyboard is too small, it can be hard to type.
Acer Aspire One
Then there’s the Aspire One netbook by Acer. If you’re looking for lots of use between charges, this “One” might be up your alley, with an advertised battery lifespan of 6.5 hours.
The Aspire One has a 10.1” display, but weighs a whopping (in the netbook world, at least) 2.9 pounds. It also only has a 89% keyboard, which can be a little cramped.
It has 160GB of hard drive space to fit plenty of music and videos and includes multi-card reader, helpful for getting images off your digital camera or songs onto your mp3 player.
Acer’s Aspire One will set you back $349.99.
Asus Eee PC 1002HA
Next up is the Eee PC 1002HA netbook by Asus, which is known mostly as a computer part manufacturer, but also sells complete machines.
This one’s got blazing-fast 802.11N WiFi built-in, which benefits users who have the faster technology in their routers at home. If not, don’t fret. It’s backward-compatible with older 802.11B and G networks.
It has a 10” screen and weighs in at 2.65 pounds, heavier than the HP Mini 1000, but with the same size (92%) keyboard.
The Eee PC 1002HA also runs on the same Intel Atom N270 processor as the HP and Acer.
It has a 160GB hard drive and an advertised battery lifespan of 5 hours per charge.
You can grab one of these on Amazon.com (AMZN: 77.97, 0.1, 0.13%) for just under $415, per a recent look at the Web site.
Lenovo IdeaPad S10
Lenovo’s $399.99 netbook uses the same processor as the three previous models listed. It also has 160GB of internal storage.
It weighs 2.7 pounds and has a 10.2” display, but a keyboard that’s only a little bigger than the Acer Aspire One’s at 90%.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10
And, finally, we have the Inspiron Mini 10 netbook from Dell (DELL: 11.18, -0.38, -3.29%). This one has the slower Atom Z520 processor, running at 1.33GHz, but includes a handy HDMI port that lets you plug it into your television to show pictures, movies, or anything else you can pull up on the computer. It has a 92% size keyboard and a memory card reader, like the Acer. It also has a 160GB hard drive.
The Mini 10’s display is 10.1” and the netbook weighs 2.86 pounds. It costs $399 direct from Dell.
Article source : http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/personal-technology/netbook-computers-small-size-does-matter/
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