About Netbooks

For those of you who have asked “What is a NetBook?” – believe me there are lots of us! – then read on.

Netbooks are an increasingly popular new type of computer due to their small convenient size.  Sales of these portable little computers are estimated to exceed 2008’s sales of 11.4 million units by as much as 189% in 2009. They operate much like the conventional laptop but weight only fractions of what a standard laptop computer weights and most brands are less than 1 to 1.5 kg where the average small screen laptop weighs 2.9 kg without all of the batteries, power chords, and other peripheral devices normally carried along with them. Netbooks are less bulky to transport as well. They have a smaller screen and keyboard but are still quite comfortable to operate and do almost any normal function that a laptop can.

Remote Link Up
The remote link up to your home/office PC is seen as one of the biggest pulls for the Netbook. Third party providers operate services where you can fire up your netbook, browse to a login page on the net and log directly into your home/office computer and control everything. This means that you can carry around the web browsing netbook and if you happen to lose it or it gets stolen then none of your files will go missing as they are held on your main pc. Remote workers can also leave the office without a larger bulky laptop but still have all of the processing power.

Operating System
Both Linux and Windows operating systems can be purchased although 80% of current Netbooks are Windows operated. Europe is the leading market for Linux operated Netbooks and they are more commonly found with that operating system in place due to the higher demand. Many Netbooks can use full programs such as word processing programs however to save on energy and RAM many users prefer to use internet hosted programs.

Memory/Storage
Netbooks have less memory capacity however most of them can be connected to a standard PC or laptop to transfer information for storage or long term usage. While the average Netbook has limited RAM memory capacity many are now capable of 1 GB or less, although some more powerful models are available with up to 2 GB storage capacities which give them plenty of power for the average user on a daily basis. Netbooks are available with up to 80 GB of total storage which gives them quite a bit of power for most uses. The screens of a Netbook are typically 26 cm or smaller. Netbooks can be used while on travel, or as mentioned working in remote locations to link up to office or home computers.

Cost
Cost is another factor that makes Netbooks so popular. Right now the average cost of a Netbook is £130 to £262 making them a cost effective alternative to the £326 to £1,307 price tag of most laptops. With all of the advantages Netbooks offer these little computers are making a big impact on computer consumers.