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Asus Eee PC 1005HA netbook
July 3, 2009 – Computers are still too much of an investment to make a mistaken purchase. But, with the invention of the cheaper, slimmed-down, and uber portable netbooks, you might be wondering whether this might be just the answer for your computing needs.
With the economy in the tank, and your average laptop costing upward of $700, everyone is looking for a cheaper alternative. Netbooks came along at just the right time to fill the void.
Lighter, meaner and ultra portable, the Intel Atom-powered mini-computers are designed for getting onto the Internet and communicating and viewing information. They are expected to propagate at 35 million units shipped worldwide by year’s end, according to industry tracker ABI research.
"PDA’s began our reliance on instant accessible data while traveling. When PDA functionality converged with cellular voice, smartphones became the new darling of mobile professional technology that many expected to evolve into the hub for all data and communication needs for travelling professionals,” Kevin Burden, ABI’s practice director said in January. “Today, with a better understanding for what a smartphone is, is not, and may never be, along with a reality check on the usefulness of UMPCs, the market remains open for new device types."
But, before you plunk down your hard-earned dollars for a netbook, you should also know what it can and cannot do.
Most come with 160 GB hard drives and 10” screens, but only 1 GB of memory, which means they are not meant to be the powerhouse replacements for desktop PCs or their more mobile cousins, the full-featured laptop. Also, keyboards on some models can seem a bit cramp if you're used to a full-blown model.
With that said, there are a lot of things netbooks, or mini laptops, can do very well. They offer a better solution than cell phones for Web browsing and e-mail management on the run, can stream video and can be used to edit documents, view and email photos, listen to your music and make VoIP (Voice Over Internet) calls.
In other words, they’re not good for gaming or video editing, but perfect for taking notes in class or at a meeting, hopping on the Web, or making a PowerPoint presentation on the road (provided you get one with video output).
“You don't get the performance or the large screen or the great keyboard -- all the same things that you sacrifice when you miniaturize anything," says Lori Grunin, senior editor of digital imaging at CNET.com.
While netbooks can do many of the things that a full-featured laptop can do – using less power, too – it’s best to consider how you use your laptop before deciding to get one as a replacement. More commonly, netbook consumers are students or people who want a lighter, smaller, more scaled-down version of their main computer as a backup or second computer.
If you are thinking of buying a netbook, you should know that all netbooks are not created equal. So, here are some things weigh before you buy:
- Keyboard size: For typing comfort look for one that has a keyboard that’s at least 92 percent the size of normal laptop keyboard. It's best to try it out in person.
- Features: Considering that none come with an optical drive for playing CDs or DVDs, the number of USB ports or a VGA connection become even more important. If you are thinking of using your netbook for PowerPoint presentations, you should make sure that you get one like the Acer Aspire One, which has a video out port. Also, all netbooks are not Bluetooth compatible.
- Battery Life: The standard is 5 hours, but some newer models offer longer lasting batteries: the battery of the Asus Eee PC 1005HA reportedly lasts 10 hours and that of the HP Mini 2140 reportedly lasts 8.5 hours.
There are other features which differentiate one netbook from another, including whether it comes with an assigned wireless provider or can connect to the internet through your cell phone or modem. The average price is $329, but you can end up paying close to $500 for a more full-featured netbooks. One of the most interesting aspects of the netbook market is the brand names you're used to buying are not necessarily the leaders of the pack. So, shop around, test the keyboard, check out the features and pick one that best suits your needs and lifestyle, and offers the most bang for your buck.
For more info: Check out this review of one of the most popular brands of netbooks, the Asus Eee PC 1005HA. More recommendations and photos to follow.
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