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Should I Buy a Laptop Or Netbook Computer?

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:11:37 +0000

Going back several years, the one question which was repeatedly asked of me was, should I get a laptop instead of a desktop computer? Whilst there is no definitive answer, as each person’s needs are different, the answer has probably changed from 80% NO to 80% YES. The reason for this is the narrowing gap between desktop and laptop computers in terms of performance, reliability and storage capacity.

Now we have a stand-off between netbook and laptop computers as people explore the possibility of going even more portable. Let’s look as the main considerations in the Netbook vs Laptop debate.

Size

Netbooks are in effect mini laptops and so have a size advantage where portability is concerned. They tend to be lighter because of this, so if you intend on using one for traveling with, they are ideal. Laptops, on the other hand, are considerable in their weight and size in comparison.

Screen and Keyboard

Because of their smaller size, netbooks tend to have smaller keys and screens. This varies from model to model. Laptops for the most part, have standard sized keys with screens of standard desktop monitor sizes. If you have large hands and do a lot of typing, netbooks can become annoying very quickly. Also, if you need to have lots on the screen at once, laptops have the advantage with their greater resolutions and screen size.

Performance

Laptops are almost the new desktop, with processor speeds increasing as manufacturers find new ways to squeeze extra performance from smaller components. Without getting too technical, laptops have a huge advantage in the performance stakes. I’d go as far as to say that if you want to use a computer for processor-intensive tasks, a netbook is currently not a good option.

Connectivity

Most netbooks tend to have a couple of usb ports and wireless networking. They don’t tend to have cd/dvd drives. These days laptops have dvd re-writers and usually 3 or 4 usb ports as well as vga output for displaying on an external monitor. If you want to watch your dvd collection on your new computer a laptop has the distinct advantage.

Cost

The cost of a netbook is relative to functionality and usefulness as is that of a laptop computer. I’d say that presently, a laptop has greater scope for growing with the user’s needs and therefore offers better value. If cost is the ultimate factor in choosing between the two, I’d go for a cheap laptop over a netbook. If you just want to surf the net and keep up to date with friends on Facebook a netbook is a very good option.

Storage

Netbooks tend to have less storage capacity than laptops although this has improved over time and will probably continue to do so. If you want to store large amounts of videos and photo albums without using external storage, a laptop again has the advantage.

Battery life

With it’s small footprint, lack of dvd and power efficient processors (generally) netbooks win hands down in the power consumption efficiency stakes.

The bottom line is, you really have to be honest with yourself as to how you’ll use the computer. I’d say that the only real reasons to have a netbook over a laptop are portability and battery life. If you make a list of the above points when choosing you’ll have a good idea of what to compare when shopping.
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Netbook – Mini Notebook Computers – What Features Do They Come With?

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 04:22:17 +0000

No longer do you need to lug around a laptop with a 15 inch screen in order to work or surf the internet. This is because a number of companies have now produced some very high end mini notebook computers instead. These are called netbook computers by many. Although these are considerably smaller and weigh quite a lot less, they come with many of the same features and capabilities as the standard size laptop has.

So what can you expect to get if you consider purchasing one of the many great netbook machines that are now available? Below we take a look at the kinds of features that these computers come with today.

Feature 1 – The size of screen varies on the various makes and models available but generally they are between 8 and 10 inches in size. However when it comes to the screens revolution, this again varies from model to model. But in most cases, you will find that it is a good 1024 x 600 which produces some very high quality pictures especially if you are watching videos online on yours.

Feature 2 – As most people will be using their Netbook to surf the web, connectivity is paramount. In most cases today, along with having at least 3 USB ports which you can connect various hardware to including a keyboard if you wish, they also have an Ethernet connection. Plus each one will have the latest wireless technology installed so as long as you are in a Wi-Fi zone connecting to the internet won’t be an issue.

Plus if you are willing to spend a little extra on your machine, then some allow the ability to connect external display devices to them as they have DVI/S-Video support. Also you may have a machine that allows optical drives to be connected to yours.

Feature 3 – The processors installed in these machines are designed to not use too much energy and in most cases they will either have a VIA C7D, and AMD or the popular Intel Atom processor installed.

Feature 4 – When it comes to the hard drive on a netbook, again the size will vary from model to model. But in most cases, they have between 512MB and 2GB. But this depends on the kind of storage system installed. Some have a simple hard drive while other more expensive models tend to have a solid state drive (SSD) installed. The reason that some models go for the SSD is that these not only work at much higher speeds and take up less space in the machine, but also use less power than the traditional type hard drives.

Feature 5 – When it comes to operating system again what make and model of machine you purchase will determine this. In most cases today, they will either use Windows XP or Linux. However, some will have Windows Vista installed. This is generally to be found in a high end netbook that have been fitted with more powerful processors because this operating system needs more power to work.

9 Reasons to Buy the Asus Eee 1005HA 10.1 – Inch Netbook (Windows 7 Starter)

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:39:57 +0000

1.Great Specs: The 1.6Ghz processor and the 1GB RAM (2GB max) is more than enough for running everyday computing tasks such as surfing the web, checking emails and watching videos. The truth is many laptop models in the market today have many specs and features that we will barely use. The Asus Eee 1005HA netbook is downright one of the most practical laptops ever made! It has a set of competent specs, looks great and is very well priced.

2.Small Size: The size of the netbook has greatly contributed to its success and popularity. This netbook model measures at around 10.31 x 7.01 x 1.3 inches. It is also very light, weighing at just 2.81 pounds. This is one tiny machine that you can bring around with you wherever you go!

3.Even Smaller Price Tag: Despite being so functional and practical, the netbook costs just a fraction of a regular laptop’s price. Currently, the Asus 1005HA netbook is selling for just around $381 per unit. Besides being very affordable, this model gives great value for your money considering its price-to-features ratio.

4.Gorgeous Design: Earlier this year, Asus has revamped the design of its netbooks. This model now sports a very sleek and sexy design. Its design is inspired by the seashell where the thickness of the netbook tapers down as it reaches the sides. The 1005HA is just one of the best-looking netbook in the market.

5.Comfortable Keyboard:They size and comfort of a netbook keyboard has always been a big issue. They keyboard on the 1005HA was very comfortable to use. They shift keys are in the perfect positions and it almost fells like typing on a full-sized keyboard.

6.Great Connectivity: This model comes with 3 USB ports, a VGA port, audio jacks, LAN port, 802.11 b/g/n wi-fi and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. Not bad for a tiny netbook!

7.Plenty of Storage:The new Asus 1005HA netbook comes with a larger 250GB hard drive. If this proves to be too little you can also make use of the 500GB Asus WebStorage. That is a total of 750GB for storage!

8.Energy Efficient: The netbook uses much lesser energy than a desktop or laptop PC. Thanks to its small size and energy saving Intel Atom processor, the netbook is one of the most environmentally friendly PCs that you can own.

9.Ultra-Long Battery Life:The Asus 1005HA has one of the longest battery life among any laptops made. This netbook can last up to an amazing 10.5 hours on one full charge. This means that you can easily use this laptop on a long flight/trip without worrying about finding a power socket.