Netbook Review

If you want to buy a netbook, but don’t want to pay over the odds then Netbook Review will help you make an informed choice.  Netbook computers are really just mini-laptops with subtle differences; although the term is slightly ambiguous as notebooks are also sometimes called netbooks.

By definition netbook computers are cheap and low-spec.  The ASUS Eee PC started the genre, but there is now a large choice; with a range of net book specifications and prices.

In this guide we cover:-

> What is a NetBook? Our netbook review describes the key features of netbook computers.
> Comparing netbook specifications and netbook deals; netbook reviews as well.
> Choosing your Netbook; making compromises to get the best netbook you can for your budget.
> Netbook news; including up-to-date netbook review articles.

As a buyer you need to consider how to acquire your netbook; as a standalone purchase, or as part of a mobile broadband contract.  If money is an issue, and you need a cheap netbook, you could consider one of the mobile broadband contracts that include a free netbook.

What is a Netbook Computer?

A netbook is versatile and portable, and has the following key features:-

Processor

The netbook ‘engine’ is usually an Intel Atom processor (often with a clock speed of  1.6 GHz).  The internal board has integrated graphics and, typically, 1GB of memory.   The current netbook laptops are quick to boot up, and this makes them convenient for browsing the Web, or working on the move.

Operating System

Netbooks run Windows 7, Windows XP home, or Linux.  Linux is an excellent, easy to use, operating system that is well suited to netbook computers.  However, many of the  newer netbooks are using Windows 7 as standard.

Storage

Your netbook will either have a conventional hard drive (with typically up to 250GB of storage), or a Solid State drive (SSD) with no moving parts (and 8GB – 20GB of storage).  The SSD drives are lighter and more durable, but they store less, and are a less popular option.

Size

Netbooks really are small laptops; they now, typically, have a 10.1 or 10.2 inch screen, weigh from 1-1.5 kg, and incorporate keyboards from 80 to 95 percent of a standard size.  Most of the latest, 2010, widescreen netbook laptops tend to have a 10.1 inch screen.  A 10 inch screen will display at 1024 x 600.

Battery

Usually now (2010) the battery will be a six-cell, and will last up to 11 hours with light use.   Older three-cell battery netbooks may only last for a 2 hour period.

Connectivity

Netbook computers have built-in:

Wi-Fi
Ethernet
USB
SD card reader
SVGA
Webcam
Audio in and out.

Some features are missing

But as these machines are mini-laptops, or notebooks, at the end of the day you can’t fit as much in:

No Optical Drive (no CD or DVD).
No PCMCIA card.
Some have Bluetooth.
Some have 3G networking.

So now we know what goes into making a netbook we should compare netbook specifications and see what you can get for your money.

Netbook Review»Compare»Choose»News