Netbook Computers - Is One Right For You?

Netbook computers, which are like miniature variations of laptop computers, have taken the market by surprise recently due to their very handy size and capabilities. But before you charge out to get one, you first need to determine if one of these new netbook computers is correct for you.

The very first thing you need to realize is that these cannot be planned to be a direct substitute for your desktop or laptop computer. They are designed to be handy, and that is the key word to focus on. If you open numerous distinct browser windows while you have a 8,000 row spreadsheet open and are also doing email at the identical time, you are not going to be pleased with the performance of your netbook. Virtually all of them today have the identical processor, the Intel Atom 1.6 Ghz, which is not a dual-core, not high end, so you cannot expect to have three dozen windows and programs open at the same time. But for word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and even watching a video on it, one application at once, these netbooks are great.

You also need to be conscious that the keyboard is smaller. It will not have an integrated numeric keypad, although you can buy an external numeric keypad that connects into the USB port if you want. If you have been a touch typist, this is going to take some getting used to, as the keyboard sizing is about 93% of a regular keyboard size. Not a large issue, but for a touch typist, it will take some practice to become as expert as you used to be.

But on the bright side, these netbook computers are extremely convenient, if you indeed apply it for what it was designed to do for you. First of all, they are exceedingly portable and light, usually weighing under 3 pounds, with width and length roughly equal to a sheet of paper. In height, they are usually more or less an inch thick. This makes them perfect for placing into a bigger purse or briefcase very easily.

They also have significantly more battery life than their laptop counterparts. Experiencing battery life of more than 4 hours is common, with numerous models boasting twice that. A recommendation would be to find one with at least a 6 cell battery rather than the 3 cell battery that is common in many of them. A 6 cell battery does not contribute much to the weight and will give you much more battery usage.

Best of all is the price, where even the retail price is normally under $400, and some discount outlets have them even cheaper.

These are perfect for circumstances where you go for long periods of time without the opportunity to plug into an electrical socket, like for example on a long airline flight. And with some airlines like AirTran, you can even get online during flight, and more airlines are making in-flight Internet access accessible all the time.

As long as you can remain practical about the capabilities of these netbooks, they can be a valuable addition to your personal and business productivity while on the go.

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