NetBook?
What is a netbook and why might you consider owning one?
A netbook is basically a small, low cost laptop. Netbook is the marketing name in common use and these devices were one of 2008's hottest trends in consumer electronics.
For those who already have a reliable laptop a netbook is like owning a vacation home - it is more supplemental than necessary. If, however, you are in the market for something portable for you or staff, a netbook may well be the way to go.
Does your ability to work on the road require you to read and compose emails, surf the web, write, edit or otherwise manage documents(spreadsheet, powerpoint, word etc.), view photos and perhaps watch an online movie? This makes a netbook ideal for you and your bottom line as these tasks don't require huge amounts of processing power and resources present in many modern laptops.
What are you getting?
Netbooks come in two main screen sizes, 8.9 inches and 10.2 inches (average laptop screen is about 14 inches) with the 10.2 likely to become the standard. They have wireless, full office suite(word documents, presentation, spreadsheet) web browser, email client (Outlook etc.) and are made by many of the big names, Lenovo(IBM), Dell, Acer, Asus.
How to choose a netbook.
Play, test, and play some more. Because of their size, I strongly suggest that you go to a store, if at all possible and try the various models to see what "feels" right to you. Your first consideration will be the keyboard. The keyboard will be anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of the standard keyboard size, with 80 percent being an unworkable size for those with hands that are even slightly larger than average. Also many netbooks aren't made in the U.S and may employ some strange key positioning, another reason to test and play at the store. The second consideration is screen size, if your work is restricted to the occasional email conversation and doesn't require a lot of time in front of the screen the smaller 8.9 inch form factor would be adequate. Should your work require that you spend considerable time staring at the screen, I recommend that you go with the 10.2. Battery life rounds out the big three in terms of consideration. Most netbooks have enough battery life for about 2 hours of continuous use and could last an 8 hour day with intermittent use. Should you need prolonged use consider purchasing an external battery.
Other Considerations.
Another good reason to test in store is that many netbooks come with an Operating System other than Windows. These alternate Operating Systems while highly functional work differently than you may be accustomed to.
Note also that netbooks tend to not have CD/DVD drives but have enough connections for using your ThumbDrive(USB Stick, Jump Drive).
Netbooks are a great value and for a few hundred dollars you can be on your way to being more productive while mobile or away from the office.
A netbook is basically a small, low cost laptop. Netbook is the marketing name in common use and these devices were one of 2008's hottest trends in consumer electronics.
For those who already have a reliable laptop a netbook is like owning a vacation home - it is more supplemental than necessary. If, however, you are in the market for something portable for you or staff, a netbook may well be the way to go.
Does your ability to work on the road require you to read and compose emails, surf the web, write, edit or otherwise manage documents(spreadsheet, powerpoint, word etc.), view photos and perhaps watch an online movie? This makes a netbook ideal for you and your bottom line as these tasks don't require huge amounts of processing power and resources present in many modern laptops.
What are you getting?
Netbooks come in two main screen sizes, 8.9 inches and 10.2 inches (average laptop screen is about 14 inches) with the 10.2 likely to become the standard. They have wireless, full office suite(word documents, presentation, spreadsheet) web browser, email client (Outlook etc.) and are made by many of the big names, Lenovo(IBM), Dell, Acer, Asus.
How to choose a netbook.
Play, test, and play some more. Because of their size, I strongly suggest that you go to a store, if at all possible and try the various models to see what "feels" right to you. Your first consideration will be the keyboard. The keyboard will be anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of the standard keyboard size, with 80 percent being an unworkable size for those with hands that are even slightly larger than average. Also many netbooks aren't made in the U.S and may employ some strange key positioning, another reason to test and play at the store. The second consideration is screen size, if your work is restricted to the occasional email conversation and doesn't require a lot of time in front of the screen the smaller 8.9 inch form factor would be adequate. Should your work require that you spend considerable time staring at the screen, I recommend that you go with the 10.2. Battery life rounds out the big three in terms of consideration. Most netbooks have enough battery life for about 2 hours of continuous use and could last an 8 hour day with intermittent use. Should you need prolonged use consider purchasing an external battery.
Other Considerations.
Another good reason to test in store is that many netbooks come with an Operating System other than Windows. These alternate Operating Systems while highly functional work differently than you may be accustomed to.
Note also that netbooks tend to not have CD/DVD drives but have enough connections for using your ThumbDrive(USB Stick, Jump Drive).
Netbooks are a great value and for a few hundred dollars you can be on your way to being more productive while mobile or away from the office.
Here are the reviews of two (2) sub $500.00 netbooks.
HP Mini 1000
Samsung NC10 Pictured at top.
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