Introduction to Netbook
'Netbook' is a popular term in recent years. It's a tiny and low cost computer that is designed for Internet access and core computing functions. Due to its popularity, many ultra-portable notebooks tend to be called as netbooks even though they are not. The purpose of this article is to clear up the confusion between netbook and other laptop computers that existed previously.
The easiest way to identify a netbook is by looking at the size and weight. Typically, a netbook will have a screen size of 10-inch or below, while the weight is around 2 to 3 pounds. Also, a netbook does not have a full-size keyboard.. normally just 80 to 90 percent of a standard size keyboard.
The price for a netbook is normally lower than US$500. Some mini-laptop such as Sony VAIO P has a price higher than that, but are not considered as netbook by most people.
Specification-wise, although it keeps changing, most netbooks that comes out last year in 2008 have a common specs that look like this: Screen resolution 1024x600, Intel Atom Processor, A slot for a flash RAM memory card, External VGA output jack, Wi-Fi Enabled, Ethernet at 100Mbps, Built-in Webcam, Integrated graphics, Headphone and microphone jacks, Two or three USB ports.
Some of the noticeable differences between netbook and standard-size notebooks includes the lack of optical/CDs/DVDs drive, the storage medium that make use of solid-state disks (SSDs) and SD cards, and lower capacity battery in netbook(3-cell batteries for low-end models and 6 cells for higher-end models). The reason for omitting these features from netbooks is to maintain their small size and weight, robustness, and durability.
Another obvious difference between netbook and standard-size notebook is that netbook typically run either Linux or Windows XP operating systems rather than more resource-intensive operating systems like Windows Vista or OS X. These operating systems requires too much resources to run well on a Netbook. HP is the only company that has ever offered Windows Vista on a netbook, but the price is arguably too high to be called a netbook.
With lower specs and features, but more portability and attractive price, netbooks are still gaining popularity pretty quick. People buy it as secondary computer so that they can carry it along to anywhere for Internet access and some light-weight computing. It becomes a great alternative for people who want something with more flexibility than a smart phone but less overhead than a traditional laptop.
The built-in connectivity of netbook is also providing huge convenience for people who need to travel frequently. All netbook are now Wi-Fi enabled, and some comes with built-in 3G modems. So a netbook owner can basically access to the Internet from anywhere as long as there is Wi-Fi or 3G network coverage.
And finally the biggest appeal point of netbook is of course the price. While you can argue that the price of regular laptops has plunged over the last few years, the netbook price point remains extremely appealing. For a few hundred dollars, you can walk away with a portable computer that adds to, rather than replaces, your existing computing setup. And, should that system fail, it's a lot less expensive to replace!