Netbook Computers
Netbook Computers
What are Netbook Computers?
A netbook computer is essentially a small more portable laptop computer. It was not designed or intended as a substitute for a full-size laptop computer; and was not meant to replace your desktop computer either. It is a computer that was meant to be used by people that travel. It was designed to be light and portable and to accomplish the necessary jobs needed while the user was on the road.
Pros & Cons:
- Pro -
- It is light.
- It is small and fits easily in a small carrying case.
- It has a sufficiently large keyboard that you can type on it without too much difficulty.
- It will run most applications.
- It will allow you to print to almost any printer, and especially to small portable printers like the HP 470.
- It will allow you to connect to the internet where you might transmit files, email reports, get emails.
- It is relatively inexpensive.
- Works about 8 hours on a battery charge.
- Con -
- The keyboard is too small for really good typists, and it lacks a numeric keypad for number entry.
- The screen resolution is small and some applications have to be shrunk down to fit the resolution. An external monitor normally doesn't help any since the graphics card does not support larger resolutions.
- The netbook was not really meant for in-vehicle use in cold weather. Yes, it can work off a cigarette lighter or on its own power, but it wasn't made to withstand harsh conditions. It will likely not last more than a season or two of in-field use unless you get a carrying case to keep it in when not being used.
- For a few dollars more, you can get a full size laptop. The prices between the netbook and the laptop are coming down. Laptops were in the $500 - $600 range; but now on special, you can find them in the $400 range. The advantage of a full-size laptop is obvious, but there is the weight and the durability issues here too.
Our Choice:
We really don't want to make a choice; but of the two or three models that we have seen, the Acer Aspire One is the cheapest and the most readily available. We have placed more than 25 in place during 2010; and everyone agrees that it is usable, but all would prefer something else. If you need in-the-field printing, it is a better choice than serial and parallel printers that have been common for the last 20 years. It isn't convenient if you have to print reports 5 or 6 times a day; but if you do it only once or twice a day; it is doable.
On the internet, the Acer runs between $290 - $350. At Staples and Office Max, they are about $300 plus tax. At Wal Mart, I have seen them on special for as low as $268 plus tax.
For more information on the Acer netbook, see us.acer.com.
A second choice might be the HP 110 Mini. It is priced around $300 - $330. Check out this netbook as well. You may like it better, but it is not nearly as discounted on the internet as the Acer netbook.
These two units, the Acer and the HP, constitute the two most popular netbook computers on the market. They are, however, meant to be used primarily indoors. We currently have customers that use these netbooks in the field; and so far, they have operated without problems. If you feel you need something that is more durable and usable in your vehicle or outdoors, they are available. On our site, we have one called the Algiz XRW. It is basically the same type of computer except it is meant to be used outside.