Netbooks have gained tremendous popularity in recent years and have matured to the point that they represent a great alternative to a traditional laptop for most users. They are fast enough for most intense applications and have great displays, large hard drives and amazing battery life. Even though they can be a great tool for the mobile user, there are a few things you need to consider before jumping on the Netbook bandwagon.
The first thing you need to choose is the size of the screen. Most companies offer several models that are usually 9-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch screens. Always test drive a Netbook before making your final decision. Even thought there are only a few inches difference between these different screen sizes, you need to see which one is most comfortable for you and your needs. Some of the displays also feature a non-reflective surface that helps cut down on glare. Some users find this harder to use in sunlight and since this varies by user, you should really see if it is something you like.
The next choice is on the internal memory and hard drive. Most of the units some standard with 1GB of memory, but this can normally be expanded if needed. It is always easier to do this when you are ordering the Netbook rather than trying to upgrade it later on. Even though the aftermarket upgrade might be cheaper, its nice having it come from the factory already installed and tested, even if it’s a few dollars more.
There are a lot of choices with the internal hard drive. Some manufacturers offer a traditional laptop drive with a spinning platter in a variety of sizes and others also offer a solid state flash drive option. The spinning drives will be cheaper for a given capacity, but are prone to damage from shocks. The flash drives are more expensive but offer a faster boot time and are nearly indestructible.
Another choice that is offered on all of the Netbooks is the operating system. Most modern Netbooks offer both a Windows and Linux variety and the choice is up to the buyer. You’ll want to pick one that makes it easy for you to do the work you need while traveling. Also, since the Netbook is built without a CD/DVD drive, having this operating system loaded and configured at the factory is the easiest option for most customers.
The final consideration is around the number and type of connections provided on the Netbook. Most of the models are offered with at least 3 USB connections. It’s important to have a number of these available so you can easily connect any of your peripherals to the Netbook, like an external drive, keyboard or mouse. Another thing you need to look for is an external VGA connection. This is usually standard on most Netbooks and will allow you to connect the Netbook to an external monitor when you are in the office, or to a projector when you are on the road. Having a standard LAN connection on the Netbook is also a bonus in case you want to connect to a traditional network as well.
A decent enough article but there are certainly other factors to consider.
Brand name: Once you’ve made enough tech purchases, you know this something to consider.
Bloatware: Some brands are merciless in subjecting the customer (end user) to some seriously ugly and wholly unnecessary bloatware. This becomes increasingly devastating to systems with reduced RAM and CPU.
Battery: Yes, the article mentioned battery life, but not all netbooks are equal. Some have amazing battery life, others… well… why bother?
Keyboard: Again, not all netbooks are the same. The decreased size almost always leads to at least a somewhat smaller keyboard to work with. Different layouts suit different people. It’s certainly something to be aware of.
X Factor: In an effort to entice consumers to experiment with a resource reduced product, some manufacturers resort to “gadgetry.” Advanced touchpads, softkeys, quick-change resolutions, advanced power options, toggling Bluetooth and WLAN functions, etc. Some of these gimmicks are amazing, some are not.
My bottom line? I own a newer model netbook and love it. No, really, I love it! But I spent hours looking, reading reviews, going into shops, comparing prices, you name it. I was prepared for what I received, and going with a brand name I trust proved a smart move.