Before tablet computers were reborn, everyone was enthused about netbooks. And while tablets are enjoying their moment in the sun, there's still plenty to love in a netbook.
What's a Netbook?
A netbook is essentially a laptop that's shed its weight, size and some of its performance features. With traditional notebooks weighing in around five pounds or more, netbooks generally slip in under three pounds. These ultra-thin models are easy to carry with you, making them ideal for students and road-warriors (or the incredibly weak). To boost their mobility, many come with 3G connectivity for wireless (cellular) Internet access on the road and most incorporate the latest Wi-Fi standard: 802.11N.
Netbooks are also quite inexpensive relative to full-sized notebooks, with base configurations costing below $400. They can get more expensive as you add longer lasting batteries or larger hard disc drives, however.
Tradeoffs: Size vs. Functionality
To cram a notebook down to netbook size (and cost) requires some tradeoffs. The first is screen size. You'll typically find screen sizes in the 8-11-inch frame in a netbook. That's far smaller than what you'll get on your average notebook, where screens come in at the 13-17-inch range. Processing power is also feebler. Netbooks tend to employ Intel's entry-level Atom processor (or AMD's Athlon Neo), while traditional notebooks use multiple core processors for enhanced performance when playing games or editing photos and video. Netbook processors are fine for basic tasks such as email and Web surfing, but performance can slow when tackling more processor-intensive activities like video editing or HD video watching.
Hard drive capacity is also pretty spare, usually in the 160GB-250GB range (though you can bulk up if you want). Don't bother looking for an optical drive (DVD or Blu-ray) on a netbook, as there isn't one, nor are there as many USB ports and outputs that you'd find on full size notebooks. Most netbooks do offer slots for SD memory cards, however, so you can transfer files from cameras and camcorders.
The keyboards on netbooks used to be cramped, and some still are, but an increasing number of manufacturers are touting "full size" keyboards or ones that are just south of what you'd find on a typical notebook (if you plan on hammering out the Great American Novel, be sure to consult the specs on keyboard size closely).
So, if you're just interested in a lightweight, low-cost computer for travel, web surfing, email and some light office work (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) netbooks are a good choice. If you're a gamer or plan on doing any intense photo or video editing, you should opt for a full-sized notebook.
Nothing But Net
Here's a look at some hot netbooks on the market. Unless otherwise stated, these models all run on Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. Pricing and information is accurate as of November 14, 2011.
Acer Aspire One AOD257-1682
$249.99
Acer keeps pushing the envelope in terms of price and features in its netbooks, and the Acer Aspire One AOD257-1682 ) is no exception. Coming in at under three pounds the system is powered by an Intel 1.66GHz Dual-Core Atom N570 processor with 1MB L2 cache and 1GB of RAM. It has a 250GB hard drive, a 10.1-inch WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite LED-backlit display.
It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Windows 7 Starter, two built in speakers and a 3MP web cam. The device is a solid replacement for a heavier notebook for the user that needs a light weight computer for daily business or school purposes.
Asus Eee PC 1016P-BU17
$469.99
When users look at netbooks, one of the tradeoffs is often the entry-level Windows operating system, but on the Asus Eee PC 1016P-BU17-BK that is not the case. It features Windows 7 Professional, what many users have on their business machines in the office. That is not the only feature that will please professionals. It's also the 10-hour battery life combined with the 2GB of memory that comes with its 1.66GHz N455 Intel Atom processor makes it a fast and powerful system as well. Equipped with 10.1" LED backlit WXVGA screen with 1024 x 600 resolution and a 320GB hard drive, it has additional features that mobile professions will appreciate.
Asus has a touchpad with palm rejection technology that prevents those unwanted swipes when typing. It has a range of synch technologies such as Syncables Desktop DE that keeps your photos, videos, music, documents, bookmarks, emails in sync wherever you check them and a an automatic file backup system that also synchs to your PC.
HP Mini 210-3040nr
$299.99
After putting a brief scare in its fans by exiting, and then quickly returning to the PC market, Hewlett-Packard continues to deliver solid products as exemplified by its HP Mini 210-3040nr netbook. The device delivers what most netbook users are looking for, solid performance in a light weight platform that will not break the bank. The HP Mini 210 has a 10.1-inch backlit WSVGA display with 1024 x 600 resolution. Powered by the Intel Atom N455 a 1.66GHz processor that features 1GB memory, the system also comes with a 250GB hard drive and can also support as much as 256MB of video memory for users that need top video performance. Other features include WI-Fi, integrated Fast Ethernet, and a memory card reader.
