Matthew Richard Kerridge asked:




There are notebook, there are laptops, and there are netbooks. Many people are aware of this, but most people could not tell you difference between the three. The netbook is the baby of the bunch: younger, smaller and a lot less mature.

A netbook, simply put, is a smaller notebook computer. They are called “net” books because they are designed to access the internet. Although some can function the same as larger counterparts, many have only the features necessary for mobile communication and web browsing.

The other two members of the mobile computer family are not defined by their capabilities. Notebooks and laptops are classified strictly by their size. A laptop computer is the largest option. Its name means: a computer that you can sit on your lap. A notebook computer has a similarly simple definition: a computer the size of a writing notebook. Within their primary definition of notebook or laptop, these computers will vary in features, power and functionality.

Although the definition seems simple, there are few additional determinates besides being small and great for the internet. Netbooks are generally quite affordable. Some define a netbook as a smaller, lighter notebook that is under $500. Some computer manufacturers do not agree with this definition.

In order to remain low cost, net focused notebooks lack the power of their mobile cousins. They sometimes are unable to run the same operating systems as notebooks and desktops, and may not run certain programs. They will however run all the applications necessary to use the internet.

For many though, hey are not aware of the performance difference between a notebook and netbook until they use them. Some models do not include DVD or CD drives. Other users may notice that the little systems do not function as fast as their desktops and become discouraged.

Size, one of the strengths of the netbook, is possibly its greatest limitation. These tiny computers often do not have full size keyboards, which can be hard for adults to use. They also have tiny screens. Not everyone prefers trying to read an internet page on a 9 inch screen.

Although there are many options available today in computers, it shouldn’t be daunting. To be honest, it really isn’t that hard to understand the difference between a netbook and laptop. As long as you stick to your needs when it is your turn to buy your new mobile computer you will be happy with your choice.

Anita

Kristen Burgess asked:




A netbook is a very useful little purchase. It makes even a regular notebook computer look huge and it truly has the ability to go anywhere. Today’s netbooks are tiny little machines packed with a reasonable amount of power. You’ll most likely get one gigabyte of RAM and a hard drive anywhere from 150 gigabytes to 300 gigabytes.

This is a perfect package for being on the go. With wireless hotspots popping up everywhere you can pull your netbook out of your bag and browse the internet, type a quick email, read an ebook, or even listen to a little music. How can you get the most out of your tiny computer?

First, remember that a netbook, though powerful for the small package it comes wrapped in, is not your typical home computer. It’s meant to be portable and light weight – both in the literal sense that it weighs very little, and that it doesn’t have the capacity to run heavy duty programs.

So you’ll want to use your netbook for what it’s meant for – simple things like you’ve learned above. Most netbooks come with one gigabyte of RAM, but almost all of those can easily be upgraded to two gigabytes, which will give you a little more power.

The next thing you’re going to want to do is get your netbook even leaner. Computer manufactures are notorious for loading new computers down with a whole bunch of programs you’ll never use. These programs are affectionately called “bloatware” because they literally bloat your computer. You want to get rid of them.

Take off what you’re not going to use. Make sure you use the program’s uninstall option or use the “Add/Remove Programs” in your Windows control panel so you uninstall the program cleanly. You can also use a small utility called “PC Decrapifier” to remove these programs. It’s free for home use and once you’re done with it, you just delete its file. I’ve used it on several new computers and I’ve found it works quickly and it works well.

As you remove applications you’ll never use, consider which applications you will use. Try and select lighter-weight programs that won’t take up a lot of resources as you run them. Firefox is a good web browser. It’s very secure and it doesn’t use a lot of resources – as long as you don’t load it down with a lot of add-ins! Save the plugins and other effects for your home computer. Keep your netbook clean and efficient.

You want a web browser and you’ll probably also want an office suite. Consider a minimal install that covers the basics – word processing, a spreadsheet, and possibly an email/calendar client. The Microsoft Office suite is a good one to try. It comes with these basics as well as a nice note-taking application that can be especially useful if you’re using your netbook in classes or meetings. Open Office is an open-source application that costs nothing and can be customized to the programs you need. Microsoft Office and Open Office are completely compatible with one another, so you can move files between programs.

A final tip for your netbook is to take advantage of the full screen mode offered by most programs. Netbook screens are tiny, so maximizing your program to take up the full window can make a big difference. The F11 key puts many programs into full screen mode, so give it a try and see if it helps you get more from your netbook’s beautiful, but tiny, screen!

Arthur

Jon Arnold asked:




You have no doubt heard about the new netbook computers. When they first came out, many people thought these netbooks were a solution looking for a problem, but as they have evolved, these small notebook computers are increasing rapidly in popularity and as the price continues to drop.

The good news is that there are not nearly as many option decisions that you need to make when you are shopping for a netbook computer system. The reason is that they are all pretty much the same, and with the same limitations. Unlike a laptop or traditional notebook or desktop computer, you do not have 25 pages of possible options that you can add on, which can sometimes almost double the base price of the system.

But remember I mentioned limitations? You need to understand and accept the fact that these netbooks from any manufacturer are pretty much the same. Almost all of them have about the same size screen, which works out to be about 9 to 10 inches. Make sure you can live with that, since it may not sound like a big difference compared to a standard laptop with a 14 or 15 inch screen, but you really do not have as much screen real estate as the laptop counterpart.

Most of them are limited to 1 GB of memory. With today’s operating systems, that is not much, especially for Windows. With most of them you can replace the memory modules and maybe get as much as 2 GB of memory (which is still not a lot) but before you search out a screwdriver, make sure that doing so does not void your warranty.

You will not have the high-end graphic capability because the graphic processing power is just not there.
But at the end of the day, what you DO get is a very capable computing platform in a very small form factor with incredible amounts of battery life. While you are not going to want to open 10 browser windows at the same time like you would on your laptop, the aspect of portability and being able to keep in touch with such a small platform brings new meaning to the term “mobile”, and netbook computers are much easier to browse on and send email from than smart phones.

Definitely make sure you do your shopping. The best deals out there can be had from several online locations and web sites. Make sure you understand the return options and the warranty options. But recognizing what a netbook computer can do and was not designed to do, and accepting those limitations, you are likely to be very happy with your new netbook computer.

Annette