Netbook Review

If you want to buy a mini 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.
> Mini-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 mini netbook is versatile and portable, and has the following key features:-

Processor

The netbook ‘engine’ is usually an Intel Atom processor.  The internal board has integrated graphics and, typically, 1GB of memory.  When netbooks first came onto the scene they had an Intel Celeron processor and 512MB of memory, but the ‘second generation’ net book machines have moved onto the Atom, with 1GB memory as standard.  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

In the main Netbooks run old, or unfamiliar\cheap, operating systems.  Examples are Windows XP home, or Linux.  Linux is an excellent, easy to use, operating system that is well suited to netbook computers.  However, most of the  ‘second generation’ netbooks are using Windows XP home as standard.

Storage

Your netbook will either have a conventional hard drive (with typically 160GB 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.

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.  The latest, 2009, widescreen netbook laptops tend to have a 10.2 inch screen.  A 10 inch screen will display at 1024 x 600.

Battery

The battery will be three or six-cell, and will last anything from 2-11 hours; a newer six-cell netbook may last up to 11 hours with light use, but at the other end of the scale the three-cell netbook 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.

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