The average full-size laptop has power aplenty to do a bang-up job with
almost any of these demands, but unfortunately these notebooks are
usually large. 15 to 16 inches is a common size in mainstream laptops,
and this makes them too bulky to be convenient.
Some so-called desktop replacements (above 16 inches in size) may be as heavy as ten pounds, but the most common weight is five to six pounds. In any case, a notebook this size puts a heavy burden on your back and also on your wallet, because a high-end desktop replacement is usually expensive.
Some so-called desktop replacements (above 16 inches in size) may be as heavy as ten pounds, but the most common weight is five to six pounds. In any case, a notebook this size puts a heavy burden on your back and also on your wallet, because a high-end desktop replacement is usually expensive.
Fortunately there are options. Mini laptops in the form of netbooks and
low-voltage ultraportable laptops are small and lightweight, and the
latter category may even provide enough performance to replace your
desktop PC. Netbooks are really cheap but not as powerful in terms of
performance. They might nevertheless serve as a convenient complement to
your primary computer.
Even the most basic contemporary netbook is capable of providing access the web and performing office work. If these are your primary uses you can actually get by with the low-priced netbooks. Low-cost and straightforward netbooks will even save money on your utility bill, since they use up very small amounts of power to work. A mini laptop with an Intel Atom N455 will achieve a maximum battery life of close to 10 hours on a large battery depending on power management and usage. This means that you'll get a lot of up time between charges.
In case you plan to do a bit of other things than just word processing, using IM clients or watching videos, it is a better alternative to buy a more capable ultraportable with a faster dual-core CPU and perhaps a better graphics solution if you are into gaming. This type of machine will be more capable than their single-core netbook cousins but somewhat more expensive.
Then there's the question of how to customize the laptop. You might be able to take a pick from Windows XP, Windows 7 or Linux in a simple netbook, while an ultraportable usually comes with Windows 7 only. In case that the mini laptop is equipped with Windows 7, it is a good investment to get an extra stick of RAM memory.
When picking the right mini laptop for you must also allow for aesthetics. A drawback with tiny netbooks is that their keyboards have a tendency to be a bit too small. This is especially true in sizes smaller than 10 inches, but rarely a problem above that number. Speaking of which, the size of the screen is also a factor to have a look at. The tiniest netbooks have mostly been phased out, so it isn't a major problem but it could be worth having in mind when shopping for refurbished netbooks.
What about networking then? A majority of modern netbooks ship with the latest 802.11n wireless standard, which is considerably faster than its 802.11b/g precursors but use some more power. The variation in cost is insignificant; therefore it is clearly better to get a computer with 802.11n.
To round this up, when shopping for a netbook or ultraportable, start by assessing both your budget and your requirements. Make a list of what you need and then start scouring the internet for machines that suit both your budget as well as your purported uses.
Even the most basic contemporary netbook is capable of providing access the web and performing office work. If these are your primary uses you can actually get by with the low-priced netbooks. Low-cost and straightforward netbooks will even save money on your utility bill, since they use up very small amounts of power to work. A mini laptop with an Intel Atom N455 will achieve a maximum battery life of close to 10 hours on a large battery depending on power management and usage. This means that you'll get a lot of up time between charges.
In case you plan to do a bit of other things than just word processing, using IM clients or watching videos, it is a better alternative to buy a more capable ultraportable with a faster dual-core CPU and perhaps a better graphics solution if you are into gaming. This type of machine will be more capable than their single-core netbook cousins but somewhat more expensive.
Then there's the question of how to customize the laptop. You might be able to take a pick from Windows XP, Windows 7 or Linux in a simple netbook, while an ultraportable usually comes with Windows 7 only. In case that the mini laptop is equipped with Windows 7, it is a good investment to get an extra stick of RAM memory.
When picking the right mini laptop for you must also allow for aesthetics. A drawback with tiny netbooks is that their keyboards have a tendency to be a bit too small. This is especially true in sizes smaller than 10 inches, but rarely a problem above that number. Speaking of which, the size of the screen is also a factor to have a look at. The tiniest netbooks have mostly been phased out, so it isn't a major problem but it could be worth having in mind when shopping for refurbished netbooks.
What about networking then? A majority of modern netbooks ship with the latest 802.11n wireless standard, which is considerably faster than its 802.11b/g precursors but use some more power. The variation in cost is insignificant; therefore it is clearly better to get a computer with 802.11n.
To round this up, when shopping for a netbook or ultraportable, start by assessing both your budget and your requirements. Make a list of what you need and then start scouring the internet for machines that suit both your budget as well as your purported uses.
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