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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.
The average laptop of today is equivalent in regards to the power and capacity of a full-sized desktop computer manufactured just a few years ago. As is the trend with most other consumer electronics devices, even though laptop processing abilities have exponentially increased their physical size has steadily slimmed. Due to the newly released constraints of size as a result of electronics hardware miniaturization, a new class of devices has emerged to occupy the space between PDAs and laptop computers: Netbooks. As its name may have already suggested, the netbook is largely an internet-centric device. Its capabilities should not be underestimated by any means however, as all netbooks on the market today are indeed fully-fledged computers.
During the design of any machine there are always trade-offs and sacrifices to be made. Netbooks are so portable because they have made such sacrifices. For example, one would be hard-pressed to find any netbook with an optical drive of any kind. Not only are DVD and CD-ROM drives bulky, but the motor that spins the disc drains quite a bit of power (not something desirable in a portable device.) External USB drives are available but many will find that hauling around a separate device hampers a netbook’s portability. Graphics hardware is also scaled back significantly for similar reasons, though it will more than suffice for the average user.
One potential caveat of the netbook class is its usual inability to read or write CD and DVD-ROM discs natively. External drives that connect via USB are available at a quite reasonable cost if one shops around for the best deal. These drives are fairly slim and portable and could be added to a laptop bag without much burden. Having to use a separate device for disc access may prove to be too awkward for some, however.
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.
These devices will not satisfy everyone; hardcore gamers and professional video editors will likely only find a device like this useful as a supplemental device. Its book-sized presence makes it perfect for taking to school and work, and its robust feature set makes it useful for both business and fun.
While users with an addiction to high-definition gaming or extremely demanding applications may be disappointed with the performance of the netbook, most will find it extremely useful as a well-rounded computing companion.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic consumables. If you want further information regarding netbooks or are searching for a reputable netbook retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com
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