First, you have to realize the category of "netbook"



is a fairly new one. Asustek launched the netbook category

when it released its first Eee PC in the fall of 2007.

Nebooks have proven so popular with consumers it is now

the fastest growing laptop segment.

Netbooks are small in size, usually with screens of 10

inches, but some displays can be slightly smaller or larger.

Netbooks will usually run Windows XP or Linux and sell for

well under $500. Most have the smaller Intel Atom processor and at least one GB of RAM.

Netbooks usually have multiple USB ports, wireless

Internet, Ethernet, webcam, vga port for an external

larger monitor, microphone and headphone jacks, card

readers and most now come with 160 GB hard drive, but

older models will have 30 to 60 GB ones. Expect longer

battery life with a netbook and nine hours is not that

uncommon.

Sounds like a regular laptop, doesn't it?

Well, not exactly, because the main difference besides

the smaller size, is the lower processing power you will

find in a netbook. Most have the smaller Intel Atom

processor so expect less performance, especially when

you consider most netbooks have much less RAM than

a regular laptop. In addition, most netbooks don't

have an optical drive (cd/dvd player), although some

newer models do have this feature. The keyboard will

usually be smaller so if you have large hands, look

for a model with normal sized keys.

Why have Netbooks become so popular?

The main reason could be our constant quest for a handy

portable device to go along with our hectic fast-paced

well-connected lifestyles. Many people want something larger

than a smart phone or PDA to connect with family and friends

at all times. For students, a netbook is ideal because of

its small size and portability. For travelers, vacationers,

hikers, sailors... a netbook can be a very convenient device

to bring along to stay connected with the outside world.

The other major reason is Price!

Netbooks are a lot cheaper than laptops, at least

for the moment this statement is true. Since regular

laptop prices are constantly decreasing, this price

difference has grown a lot smaller in recent years.

But for the most part, netbooks will be cheaper to

buy then laptops.



Should you buy a netbook or laptop?

This question will largely depend upon what tasks you want

your new device to perform. If you have computer tasks which

require high performance or you want to store large amounts

of data, then go with a laptop or PC. If you have tasks which

require a large viewing area (display) then go with a laptop;

those third quarter company spreadsheets will be very hard to read

on a netbook.

However, if you want a small portable device to stay connected

with friends and family while you're traveling or just out

around town, then go with a netbook. If you're a student

and want a small compact device for the classroom, then go

with a netbook.

Now, to confuse things somewhat, any prudent buyer must be

aware that you can have all of the features of a netbook in many

ultra-portable laptops currently on the market. For example, you can

buy a Sony VAIO 11.1 Inch Laptop with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core

2 Duo SU9600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive and

a Blu-ray Drive. The main difference is price, expect to

pay well over two grand for the Sony.

Again, which device you buy will largely depend upon your own

computer needs and your budget. A cheap, yet sturdy netbook,

may be all you need to get the job done, why waste money by buying

features you don't need and will never use? However, if you

require high performance in a small package, then a more

powerful ultra-portable laptop may fit the bill in more

ways than one. It's your call?