Buying my first netbook

Because the class of laptop style computers which have been given the name “netbooks” is relatively new, there are many people who are unfamiliar with the term. While there are some consistent distinctions to be made between netbooks and classical laptops, those lines are blurring and the average user may have trouble distinguishing the difference. While it is a catch-all term, the most significant aspect of the netbook is its reduced profile. There have been what could be considered small laptops essentially since the inception of the device class, usually bottoming out around 13 inches or so when measuring screen size. In comparison, the average netbook screen is around 9 inches or so, with some as small as 7 inches and others closer to 12. As one might expect, this decrease in size leads to a hand in hand decrease in weight, allowing these laptops to cross an important line in what arguably makes laptops so important and attractive; their portability. Chances are, if you’re looking at the various netbooks being offered on the market today, portability is important to you. Now that that’s been established, let’s consider the sacrifices that are generally made to achieve this small size. Firstly, the buyer should expect to take a substantial hit in the performance of the machine when executing high stress applications such as video editing and 3d gaming. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these tasks will be out of reach, but expect longer waits during heavy data processing and lower frame rates during gaming, at least when compared to standard desktops available now. For most common applications used often by average users though, there will be little to no discernible difference in speed; tasks which fall into this category include word processing, browsing the internet, listening to music, downloading media, etc. If having a lightning fast processor is not a requisite for purchase of a netbook, but concern lies in having the disk space available to store many large files then it is important to pay close attention to the storage capacity of the models being considered. While it is not strange to find a netbook with capacity at or near that of a typical laptop, it is not especially common either. Many people use netbooks as a secondary computer and do not expect such capability. Another reason for equipping netbooks with limited storage is to cut costs which are passed on to the consumer, as netbooks are widely regarded as being much more affordable than their larger, heavier counterparts. Many manufacturers will include an option for an upgrade in this area, but even if they don’t, in most cases it is relatively easy to purchase a high capacity drive separately and install it one’s self. System memory, or RAM is similarly inhibited and just as easily remedied. If squeezing every bit of performance possible out of the machine is your goal, affordable upgrades in each of these areas will help very much. The bottom line is that users should not expect to replace a desktop computer with a netbook and enjoy all the same benefits, but for users to whom mobility is of the utmost importance or those looking to add a supplemental device to their main computer, netbooks are surely the way to go. Performance really is relative, and even today’s average netbooks blow away the big bulky laptops of just 5 years ago in that arena. With this in mind, it is easy to see how a netbook would make a great first computer for budding users.

Netbook vs Laptop

Going back several years, the one question which was repeatedly asked of me was, should I buy a laptop instead of a desktop computer? Whilst there is no definitive answer, as each person’s needs are different, the answer has probably changed from 80% NO to 80% YES. The reason for this is the narrowing gap between desktop and laptop PCs in terms of performance, reliability and storage capacity.Today we have a stand-off between netbook and laptop computers as people discover the possibility of going even more portable. Let us’s look as the main considerations in the Netbook vs Laptop debate.PerformanceLaptops are almost the new desktop, with processor speeds increasing as manufacturers find new ways to squeeze extra performance from smaller components. Without getting too technical, laptops have a huge advantage in the performance stakes. I’d go as far as to say that if you want to use a computer for processor-intensive tasks, a netbook is currently not a good option.Screen and KeyboardBecause of their smaller size, netbooks tend to have smaller keys and screens. This changes from model to model. Laptops for the most part, have standard sized keys with screens of standard desktop monitor sizes. If you have large hands and do a lot of typing, netbooks can become annoying very quickly. Also, if you need to have lots on the screen at once, laptops have the advantage with their greater resolutions and screen size.SizeNetbooks are in effect mini laptops and so have a size advantage where portability is concerned. They tend to be lighter due to this, therefore if you intend on using one for traveling with, they are ideal. Laptops, on the other hand, are considerable in their weight and size in comparison.ConnectivityMost netbooks tend to have a couple of usb ports and wireless networking. They do nottend to have cd/dvd drives. These days laptops have dvd re-writers and usually 3 or 4 usb ports as well as vga output for displaying on an external monitor. If you want to watch your dvd collection on your new computer a laptop has the distinct advantage.CostThe price of a netbook is relative to functionality and usefulness as is that of a laptop computer. I’d say that presently, a laptop has greater scope for growing with the user’s needs and therefore offers better value. If cost is the ultimate factor in choosing between the two, I would go for a cheap laptop vsa netbook. If you just want to surf the net and keep up to date with friends on Facebook a netbook is a very good option.StorageNetbooks tend to have less storage capacity than laptops although this has improved over time and will probably continue to do so. If you want to store large amounts of videos and photo albums without using external storage, a laptop again has the major advantage.Battery lifeWith it’s small footprint, lack of dvd and power efficient processors (generally) netbooks win hands down in the power consumption efficiency stakes.The bottom line is, you really have to be honest with yourself as to how you’ll use the computer. I’d say that the only real reasons to have a netbook over a laptop are portability and battery life. If you make a list of the above points when preferring you willhave a good idea of what to compare when shopping.

Netbooks: the next best thing

The rise of Netbook technology is changing the way the world views mobile computing. Netbooks are low cost, scaled down laptop computers that allow users to take the internet with them to perform many functions of their digital life while on the go. A netbook is a laptop with scaled down hardware that allows it to be a smaller size and use less power. Size is a big plus when it comes to the netbook. It has a full keyboard, and it ranges in size from 4.8 inches up to 12inches. The small size, thin body, and lighter weight allow the netbook to be carried in a purse or backpack without weighing them down. The weight can be anywhere between 12 ounces to 4.5 pounds based on the size of your netbook. Storage is limited, but this problem is resolved by using mobile, web based applications and external storages such as a flash drive or external hard drive. The rise in the popularity of portable applications allows users to take their office applications on a flash drive and opens the door to having a truly mobile solution. Google Docs also allows users to create and update presentations, spreadsheets, and Word compatible documents on the web. Netbooks make connecting to the internet possible through WiFi connectivity, connecting through mobile phones, Ethernet connections, and recently manufacturers have begun to build wireless broadband capability into the netbook architecture. Wireless broadband is high speed connectivity through mobile service carriers such as Sprint, AT&T and Verizon. The rise of mobile broadband technology takes mobile computing to a whole new level. Hardware durability also sets the netbook apart from traditional laptop computing. With its lower power consumption and lack of a traditional hard drive, the failure rate drops significantly. Hardware based operating systems limit the problems that are normally associated with hard drive failure and corruption. Netbooks are not intended to replace the traditional computer, but to be a scaled down PC that allows users to take an extension of their digital life with them when leaving the home or office. For those who use portable and online applications, the netbook may indeed break the tether of the traditional PC. The netbook is expected to exceed 35 million worldwide sales in 2009 and this has attracted the attention of many computer manufacturers. Nvidia announced that it will release its Tegra based Netbooks in the fall of 2009. Tegra is referred to as a PC on a chip. It integrates the CPU, graphics controller, and memory controller on a single chip. This reduces the hardware needed and the size constraints even further. As more companies jump on the bandwagon, the options will be limitless. Currently, netbooks support many OS’s including Windows, Linux, Android, MAC, and next year Google Chrome. With rapidly evolving Netbook technology and our mobile needs, the Netbook is here to stay. With its low price and mobile networking capabilities, it will truly become one of the next best things in the world of social computing.

Buying a Netbook

Netbooks–small laptop computers that run an operating system–are a great purchase decision. They’re incredibly portable, easy to use, and inexpensive. They can range in price from under $300 to just over $600, making them a great option for anyone on a budget. Netbooks used to be solely for Internet and email use because of their size and power, but today netbooks are becoming a more mainstream option for a variety of uses. The popularity of netbooks means that more manufacturers are adding extras and better features. Netbooks commonly have a wide screen between 8 to 10 inches. They normally lack built-in optical drives and don’t have full sized keyboards. Typing on a netbook is very different than using a laptop because the keyboard may be up to 15% smaller. They don’t lack the same extras you expect from a laptop, however. Netbooks usually have plenty of USB ports, built-in Wi-Fi, and features like Bluetooth, cellular modems, webcams and card readers. Almost all netbooks use the Intel Atom platform, meaning you’ll get the Atom processor along with up to 1 GB of RAM and integrated graphics. Gone are the days when netbooks were only used for surfing the Internet and word processing. You can now do so much more with these portable devices. They can be used to upload your digital pictures from a camera and edit them with a popular photo-editing software. You can even transcode video to another format or edit footage. Netbooks can also play all types of video from websites or run a movie from an external drive without lag or any distortions. Netbooks are also great options for all business models because they can run many clients, be used on a network, and be secured with antivirus programs. There are a number of things to look at when buying a netbook. First, try to get a netbook with the Intel Atom processor, which is the most energy-efficient and fast processor you’ll get. 1 GB of memory should suit your needs just fine and can later be upgraded to 2 GB. Also take a look at the battery life on your netbook. Because netbooks are made to be portable, battery life is very important. Usually netbooks have three-cell units, which will get 2 to 3 hours of life per charge. You can also find many models with six-cell units, which will allow you between 6 and 8 hours of battery life. You can also find many extra features in netbooks if they’re important to you. Try getting a netbook that makes use of cellular networks with mobile broadband. You can also get a degree of gaming ability on some netbooks with an Nvidia graphics chipset. While most netbooks run Windows XP, some even have Windows 7, which is the successor to Vista. Dell makes a netbook with a large 12-inch screen. There are also a number of sleek netbooks with aluminum frames. Buying a netbook is a great choice for most people because it fits portability, options, and ease of use into a laptop that’s very affordable. Netbooks are quickly becoming a popular option as more features are being implemented every day.

Learn About the Computer Evolution With Netbook Computers:

At first there was a desktop computer, then there came the laptop, then notebook and now we have the netbook computer. Everyone who uses the laptop may at one time need to have a laptop that is simple to carry anywhere but still accomplish his tasks that’s why the netbook is put forward as the best computer for the next generation.Netbooks are bedfellows to Notebook computers the only difference is that they are very small compared to most notebook computers. They are made specifically for browsing and emailing the internet. One of the reasons why they are liked much is that they are energy efficient and lightweight.

Netbooks came into existence in 2007 when Asus Company made the Asus Eee PC. Netbooks have a small screen which ranges in the size of 7 to 10 Inches. They also have a manageable small keyboard although it doesn’t have a CD ROM or disk drive and that makes it the lightest notebook on planet earth. But although it is small, it has a RAM OF 1 GB, 80 GB HDD, advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) compared to other laptops .That means you can use it for very long time without getting worried about the size of information you are using on this computer called netbook.With our world of internet and the global village, these netbooks are made to pick internet from any location as long as one is in easy reach of internet connectivity.

The materials made to manufacture them are specifically to make them extra portable. And for that matter they are the best laptops to carry with you anywhere and that is the reason why they are taking the market of computer by storm.They come preloaded with Ubuntu Linux but that doesn’t mean that you can’t change it to Microsoft windows XP. I know there are some people who are not conversant with Linux but they shouldn’t get scared because one can change it to use Microsoft Windows as soon you get one who can do it for you.The best of all is that the price of these netbooks is less compared to the usual suspect of laptops .While the normal laptop with minimum features can be got at $1000, the netbook is cheaper some starting at as low as $300 .The reason given being that these netbook computers don’t have many features found in the other set of laptops.

With the current trend in business, education, travel and office work, netbook computers seem to take the world of computing by surprise. There are many places in this world where you can get them at a cheaper price, but the only place I recommend to purchase them is at TigerDirect.com because they have been in computer business for very long time and they have the best guarantee for their entire items. So next time you plan to buy a laptop, don’t forget to ask for the netbook computer if what you want is to browse the internet and send mails through the net.