Cheap Mini Laptops & Netbooks

You might have noticed that computers are getting smaller and smaller. In fact, there are many tasks you can now perform on your smartphone or tablet that used to be computer only tasks. As computers shrink they also become more powerful. Netbooks are the newest lightweight computers available. They can help you become more productive and efficient. Many people use the term “netbook” incorrectly. A netbook is defined by CNET as “having 9- or 10-inch screens, weighing from 2 to 3 pounds, and sporting keyboards sized from 80 percent to 95 percent of normal.” They’re lighter, smaller, and easier to tote around in a briefcase or purse.  Netbooks are also budget friendly. Most netbooks cost less than $500 and many are available for less than $300. Mini laptops, as netbooks are often called, are a great alternative to getting mobile computing at a lower price and are a lite version of the standard laptops. Unlike products that aimed at reducing size and cost, netbooks often have have powerful processors, substantial memory and come with all the basic software, entertainment options and Internet functions that most people need on the go. That being said, you can always find a high end version of any device and can spend more than $500 on a netbook if you want to. Most netbooks use one of two operating systems, Linux or Windows. Google’s Chrome is available on “Chromebooks.”

Standard features are pretty expansive and usually include: 1024x600 screen resolution, Wi-Fi, memory card slot, USB ports, camera, and headphone and microphone jacks.

The Benefits of a Netbook

• Inexpensive - Lightweight - Good screen size (When compared to mobile devices like smart phones and tablets) - Good keyboard size - They can run Flash – most tablets cannot - Can run most software programs - Long battery life

Any Drawbacks?

The most common complaint about netbooks is the speed and the memory size. In order to keep a netbook small and lightweight you’re giving up capacity. The good news is that you can use cloud storage, external storage, and memory cards to offset this drawback. Additionally, there’s no CD or DVD drive.  As operating systems improve and netbook manufacturers get savvier, you can bet that netbooks will continue to improve in terms of memory and speed. However, that doesn’t mean a netbook is right for you. If you’re considering purchasing a netbook consider the following:

Do you often take your laptop with you when you’re on vacation or out and about?
Do you often work away from the office?
Do you need a device that provides more software and memory than a tablet or Smartphone?
Do you want a computer but have a tight budget?

If your answer is “yes” to any of the questions, then a netbook may be a very smart purchase. Compare features and find a netbook that best meets your needs. Read reviews and compare price and reliability. Purchasing a netbook may be the best computer buying decision you can make.

Features Of Netbook Computers & Buying Guide

In the eyes of some, netbook computers (small, portable computers that are generally smaller and lighter than traditional laptops) might have lost a little bit of their appeal. Tablet computers like the iPad have taken the mobile computing space by storm, and some people are finding ways to use their smartphones to accomplish many of their day to day computing tasks. But for a lot of us, nothing keeps our productivity high like being able to use a physical keyboard. Touchscreens are fine for quick e-mail messages, but you’d be hard-pressed to do any serious data entry on a virtual keyboard. Netbook computers have the tactile advantages of a physical keyboard, but are still highly portable like tablet computers. So if you find yourself in the market for a new netbook, what other features and characteristics should you be looking for?

Screen Size: The screen on a netbook will be small, at least in comparison to most laptop and desktop computers. How small is too small for you? In part that depends on how you normally do work on the computer. For example, if you can’t seem to be productive without having multiple applications and windows open at once, or if you like to take a very large view of a spreadsheet or whatever other project you’re working on, then you’ll want as big a screen as possible.

Keyboard Size and Layout: Similar to the screen size considerations, it’s also important that you pay attention to the keyboard size and layout of any netbook computer you’re considering buying. You can expect a relatively small keyboard from virtually every netbook, but some models will feel more cramped than others. Pay attention not only to the size of each key on the keyboard, but how they are spaced. Users with larger fingers might appreciate keys that are further apart (to avoid getting more than one key at once) as opposed to larger keys.

In addition, take note of how other keyboard elements are set up. For example, if you find yourself accidentally hitting the touchpad or mouse buttons because of a particular keyboard layout, then that layout simply might not be right for you.

Operating System: Unlike the first wave of netbooks that came out a few years ago, most new netbooks have a popular and well-established operating system preinstalled. Whereas the first generation of netbooks was often preloaded with obscure or one-off versions of Linux, today’s netbooks often include Windows 7 or other major OS installations. Make sure to choose an OS that you’re comfortable working with.

Battery Life: Finally, since netbooks are designed to be ultraportable, and you’ll likely be using it on the go, make sure you understand exactly what the battery life of a given netbook is, and how the battery life figure was calculated. For example, a battery life figure that is calculated with the display on the dimmest setting and no Internet connection might not be a particularly helpful measure.

If at all possible, don’t buy a netbook without being able to test it out for yourself or, at a minimum, make sure to read as many genuine user reviews as you can so that you understand what you’re getting.

Cheap Netbooks