Netbook Computers - Is One Right For You?

Netbook computers, which are like miniature versions of laptops, have taken the market by storm lately because of their very convenient size and capabilities. But before you rush out to get one, you first need to determine if one of these new netbook computers is right for you.

The very first thing you need to realize is that these are not designed to be a direct replacement for your desktop or laptop computer. They are designed to be convenient, and that is the key word to focus on. If you open a lot of different browser windows while you have a 10,000 column spreadsheet open and are also doing email at the same time, you are not going to be happy with the performance of your netbook. Almost all of them today have the same 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 applications open at the same time. But for word processing, spreadsheets, email, and even watching a movie on it, one thing at a time, these netbooks are great.

You also need to be aware that the keyboard is smaller. It will not have an integrated numeric keypad, although you can purchase an external numeric keypad that plugs into the USB port if you want. If you are a touch typist, this is going to take some getting used to, since the keyboard size is about 93% of a normal keyboard size. Not a huge deal, but for a touch typist, it will take some practice to become as proficient as you used to be.

But on the bright side, these netbook computers are extremely handy, if you indeed use it for what is was designed to do for you. First of all, they are extremely portable and light, usually weighing less than 3 pounds with length and width roughly equal to a piece of paper. In height, they are usually about an inch thick. This makes them ideal for putting into a larger purse or briefcase very easily.

They also have significantly more battery life than their laptop counterparts. Getting battery life of more than 4 hours is standard, with some models boasting twice that. A recommendation would be to get one with at least a 6 cell battery instead of the 3 cell battery that is standard in many of them. A 6 cell battery does not add much to the weight and will give you much more battery usage.

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

These are ideal for situations where you go for long periods of time without the ability to plug into an electrical outlet, like for example on a coast to coast airline flight. And with some airlines like AirTran, you can even get online during flight, and more airlines are making in-flight Internet access available all the time.

As long as you can remain realistic 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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