Netbook Computers

Posted by: Mark Recek in review, netbook on Dec 11, 2008

You may have heard the word "netbook" used recently.  This is a new class of computer that has came about in recent years and has become very popular throughout this year.

A netbook is basically a small and cheap laptop computer.  Generally these computers have a screen between 7 and 10 inches and cost somewhere between $280 and $700, with most around $400.

Asus's Eee PC could be considered the first "netbook," but Acer, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Dell, and other manufactures have their own netbooks on the market.  I would say this is the fastest growing new class of computers, primarily due to the affordable prices and exceptional performance and value for the money.

I recently purchased an Acer Aspire One with a 8.9 inch widescreen display, 1.6GHz Intel Atom process, 1GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, and Windows XP home for $350.  I purchased this netbook primarily because it has a bigger keyboard than some other netbooks, and it's one of the cheapest in it's class.  I'm writing this blog post on my Acer Aspire One.

Laptop computers have been made this small for quite some time, but have never been so affordable.  Most of these modern netbooks use a new ultra-effecient processor from Intel called the Atom processor.

Netbooks are great for:

• Those needing a new, portable computer at the cheapest price
• Those who need a light and very portal computer
• An extra family computer
• Children learning to use a computer
• Frequent business travelers
• Technology or gadget enthusiasts
• Technicians

Keep the following points in mind when shopping for a netbook:

• Try out the computer in-person, talk to people who own or have used a netbook.
• At least 1GB of RAM recommended
• Look for the 1.6GHz (or faster) Intel Atom processor.  There are other processors out there that might be comparable, but this is the best processor currently available for netbooks.
• Try the keyboard and trackpad.  You will find a significant difference between manufactures and different sizes of netbooks.  Some keyboards or trackpads you may find are inpractacle  to use.
• Hard drive vs. solid state drive:
  • Hard drive based netbooks have a traditional hard drive with spinning platters and a reading arm.  You will typically get more capacity for your money.  Typically these are slower than solid state, but that varies widely between models.  Considering solid state drives are still very new, getting a netbook with a hard drive will likely be the best choice.
  • Solid state hard drives are like a USB thumb (or key) drive.  They have no moving parts and typically read and write data faster than a traditional hard drive.  These devices are still new technology, so you don't get much storage for your money, and speed can vary widely between netbook models.  But if you need a computer than you can drop on the floor with less worry about loosing data, then a solid state drive is the best option.
• Check the operating system:
  • Windows is likely most appropriate for most.  It's the operating system most people are confortable with.  Look for Windows XP, Vista will likely operate to slow.
  • Linux: many netbooks come with Linux installed.  This operating system comes in many different varieties, the exact variety, look, and feel depends on the manufacturer of the the device.  Linux may be faster than Windows and can be better for essential computing needs like email and web browsing, and may save you a few bucks compared to Windows-based netbooks.

If you have any questions or need help setting up a new netbook or computer contact The Clean PC.  Stop by or call us.

909-335-8840