Is The Netbook A Good Computing Option For Me?
Laptop computers are nothing new, but they have been changing both internally and externally over time. While laptops have trimmed down their physical form factor substantially since their introduction to the computing scene, there are still many who would consider them less than "portable." Most laptops are still five pounds or more and can have rather obtuse dimensions, especially models with large displays. The only other portable computing option available for a long time has been the PDA, or "personal digital assistant." While useful, they are a very large step down in size and power.
A much larger degree of functionality is provided by the average PC today even as it physically shrinks in size. Reduced power requirements and better battery design have helped to allow for the first truly portable laptops. Processor manufacturing advancements have allowed for finer control over the materials used to make them and engineers have packed more number-crunching capacity into a smaller space. Because of this convergence of electronics technologies, the capability to create a new class of devices has emerged; this class has been entitled entitled the "netbook." Largely designed with internet usage in mind, the netbook is a fairly basic computer which is able to easily perform the most common tasks users wish to execute.
While the netbook may be a solid choice for the average consumer planning to purchase a portable computer for themselves, it should be made clear that it may not be the best choice for everyone. Each different class of computer has its strong and weak points and netbooks are no exception. They could be said to fill the gap in the market found in the middle of the PDA and full-sized laptop.
Playing brand new games at a respectable frame rate won't be possible on the average netbook, but watching and even editing video or graphics is handled without issue. Finally, processing power, hard disk size, and RAM capacity will all be lower when compared to full-sized laptops. Performance-minded users might be disappointed, but again this type of machine is meant to provide a fairly basic (though not lacking) experience.
Netbooks have been extremely successful since their recent introduction to the consumer electronics market. This is largely due to the increased number of new computer users coming out of the woodwork constantly, attracted by the prospect of instant communication and access to information worldwide. There are many new users looking for new computers, and the netbook provides everything they will need introduce themselves to the computing world at a manageable price.
Netbooks provide more than enough power to do all of these things and more. Most even include a web cam that can be used for videoconferencing, taking pictures, or even producing videos that can be uploaded to and shared on various websites.
So long as one's expectations are reasonable, the communication-cantered netbook will more than satisfy most. Those looking for a first computer certainly won't find better value in another package.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic products. If you want further information regarding netbooks or are looking for a trusted netbook online retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com