Buying a Netbook
Introduction
The word netbook was first used by Intel, and describes a smaller than usual portable computer primarily designed for mobile internet use and light computing. Netbooks, like most new laptops all have wireless networking built in, but lack extras like DVD drives.
Netbooks are typically about half the size of a regular laptop and they usually weigh about 2.5 pounds. Their ultra thin designs easily outclass some more expensive ultraportable laptops even though netbooks have a price range between US$200 and $400.
Just like every other type of computer, netbooks will not fit everyone's needs. They are basic computers that will handle most basic computing needs with ease. If all you need to do is a little document editing, answer a few emails, and surf the Web, a netbook is all you need. But if you're into gaming, looking to edit high-resolution images or video, then you are looking in the wrong price range. A $200 computer will never work like a $2000 computer.
Netbooks have limited processing power although their memory capacity is close to that of the average desktop computer. This means it will handle most of the applications you use on a regular computer, just not as fast.
As a mobile media device you cant beat a netbook. Unlike a cell phone, it will play any format a regular PC can, which is something no mere media player can do. Downloaded and streaming media like Youtube work as well on a netbook as any computer, and there is no need to pay for additional functionality like with an IPhone for example.
In determining what a netbook is, compared to an ultraportable laptop, you must consider several factors. Most importantly, price, size, and CPU power. But netbooks are constantly advancing, and we're now on the cusp of next-generation models. Soon, we'll see Atom processors with an nVidia GPU (the Ion platform). And Intel isn't the only chip maker in the netbook space: AMD is entering the market with the Athlon Neo CPU. The distinguishing characteristics are always changing.
