Netbook Comparison Guide & Netbook Comparison Ratings
Netbook Comparison Made Easy!
What is a Netbook?
Acer Aspire Netbooks
A netbook is a very compact and highly portable notebook computer designed
primarily for wireless Internet access, e-mail access, and cloud-computing
applications in which a relatively low-power client machine accesses
applications running on a remote server. Netbooks are characterized by a very
small form factor—most netbooks are between 7 and 12 inches (about 18 to 30 cm)
and weigh less than 3 pounds (about 1.4 kg)—as well as low power consumption,
and low cost (netbooks cost about $200 to $700 (USD) compared to over $2000
(USD) for a business-class subcompact laptop).
While netbooks are considered to be mobile devices, many current models are
still best understood as low-power-consumption versions of conventional notebook
computers. However, the next generation of netbooks is expected to make use of
hardware and software typically found in smartphones in order to effectively
bridge the gap between full-featured PCs and smartphones.
Although the term “netbook” is in common use among consumers and industry
analysts, some manufacturers feel that it understates the true capabilities of
their netbook-class products, and simply refer to their netbooks as “notebooks.”
Netbook is also known as:
netbook computer,
netbook pc,
netbook personal computer,
mini notebook,
android computer.
How and Where Are Netbooks Used by Enterprises?
ASUS
Eee PC Netbooks
While early generations of netbooks were targeted primarily at consumers,
corporate adoption is on the rise. IT departments are increasingly looking at
netbooks as a cost-effective alternative to more full-featured subcompact
laptops. Increased adoption is also being driven by mobile workers who are often
willing to trade the performance of a laptop for the extreme portability of a
netbook.
The growing number of available cloud computing applications has created a
friendly climate for mobile computing devices like netbooks and smartphones.
Online platforms for collaborative document authoring and storage (e.g., Google
Docs, or Adobe’s Acrobat.com) are heavily used by mobile workers, and a variety
of enterprise software vendors have developed, or are developing, software as a
service (SaaS) applications (e.g., SalesForce.com).
Software spaces to watch for netbook-friendly applications include
Dell
Mini Netbooks
Key Criteria to Consider for Netbook Comparison
Although many netbook manufacturers have models targeted specifically at
business users, the “perfect business netbook” is largely a matter of
preference. On one hand, corporate IT departments will usually require that
netbooks meet company specifications. On the other hand, netbooks’ small form
factor may make user comfort a larger consideration than it would be for
standard notebook computers.
Before buying any netbook for business use, it’s vital to conduct a thorough
analysis of your needs and to determine which criteria are really relevant to
your company’s netbook requirements.
-
Size/Weight
Most netbooks weigh less than 3 pounds (about 1.4 kg). However, even among
the lightest netbooks, the size of the machine can vary considerably. Some
models are designed to be ultra-compact (literally pocket-size), while
others are designed to be thin and light (often in order to accommodate a
larger display). Size and weight may be a key consideration if you intend to
spend a lot of time carrying your netbook in your hand.
Gateway Netbooks
- Casing
Most netbook casings are plastic, although some metal casings are available.
Quality and finish vary from model to model. You may want to make the casing
a priority if you’re concerned with the durability.
- Finish
Because they are heavily marketed to consumers, many netbooks have bright,
glossy, or colorful finishes. Users who prefer a more businesslike look for
their netbooks may wish to make finish a key consideration.
-
Display
- Size
Typical netbook displays range from 7 to 12 inches (about 18 to 30 cm).
If you’re concerned about your most frequently used applications fitting
on the display—especially on smaller netbooks—you may wish to make
display size a priority.
- Resolution
Despite small display sizes, many netbooks support high screen
resolutions. While this may help fit larger application windows onto a
small netbook screen, it may also make smaller fonts difficult to read.
HP Netbooks
- Type
Most current netbook models use liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. A
small number of current models also use newer organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) screens, and manufacturers have announced that more
next-generation netbooks will use OLED technology. OLED screens promise
lower power consumption, as do emerging lightweight e-paper
technologies, which may be adopted for future generations of netbooks.
- Brightness/Readability
Highly mobile users who use netbooks in a wide range of environments may
wish to make screen brightness and readability a key consideration.
- Touchscreen
Some manufacturers are now producing netbooks with touchscreens, which may
improve user interaction for smaller netbooks. Some touchscreen models
feature a centrally hinged monitor that can be folded over so the netbook
can be used as a small tablet PC.
Lenovo Netbooks
-
Keyboard
Generally speaking, netbook manufacturers have had to make a variety of
compromises for netbook keyboards because of the machines’ small form
factor. Some important criteria are listed below:
- Keyboard Size
The dimensions of netbook keyboards vary widely. While small netbooks
have commensurately small keyboards, some larger netbooks have keyboards
that are three-quarter-size or larger. Keyboard size can be a serious
consideration for users who intend to type on their netbooks for
prolonged periods.
- Key Size/Shape
The size of the keys on a netbook keyboard is determined largely by the
size of the machine. However, different manufacturers use key shapes
ranging from tapered or dished to completely flat. If you intend to type
for prolonged periods of time on your netbook, you may wish to make a
comfortable key shape a priority.
- Key Arrangement
While most netbooks hew as closely as possible to the standard QWERTY
layout, several models have non-standard arrangements of punctuation and
function keys, which have been relocated to save space.
LG Netbooks
-
Trackpad
- Dimensions
The size of a netbook’s trackpad varies from model to model.
- Proximity to Keyboard
On many netbook, the trackpad is located quite close to the keyboard,
which can interfere with typing. Some manufacturers offer a feature that
disables the netbook’s trackpad while you’re typing.
- Multitouch
Some netbook trackpads support multitouch, which allows for more complex
interactions than a standard trackpad (e.g., panning and zooming).
- Buttons
Trackpad button arrangement also varies from netbook to netbook. While
some netbooks have the traditional two buttons under the trackpad,
others put one button on each side of the trackpad to save space.
Google Chrome OS
What We Know So Far About It
Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating
system (OS) built on a Linux flavor that will be available in the second
half of 2010 and that will initially be targeted at netbooks and
smartphones.
The initial list of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), i.e.,
computer manufacturers, that will build netbooks
on Google Chrome OS includes:
- Acer
- Asus
- Freescale
- Hewlett-Packard (HP)
- Lenovo
- Qualcomm
- Texas Instruments (TI)
- Toshiba
Because Google Chrome OS is aiming first at Internet users who
spend most of their time surfing the Web, writing emails, and chatting,
it's designed to boot up and get you onto the Web within few seconds.
No need for storage disk, anti-virus, or backup. No installation=no
threat, so "no fear to lose your data", they say.
Google Chrome OS is a true cloud OS; everything will now be replaced by a live workspace (an example of
what
cloud computing can do for you).
If you need any feature provided by a regular desktop application
(e.g., word processor), you need now to rely on web-based applications like
Microsoft
Office Live, Google Docs,
and any other application offered using the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
model.
Further details:
Introducing the Google Chrome OS
(from the official Google Blog)
Operating System (OS)
Most current-generation netbooks use either Microsoft Windows XP or some
distribution of the Linux operating system. Next-generation netbooks are
expected to continue using Linux, as well as a version of the upcoming
Windows 7, the Google Android mobile phone operating system, and the
recently-announced Google Chrome OS (see side bar about Google's cloud OS). The OS may
be a key consideration if you need to synchronize data between a netbook and
your main office workstation.- Interface
Some netbooks—primarily those using a Linux OS—ship with a customized user
interface designed to improve the user experience on a small display.
- Applications
Most netbooks ship with an assortment of preloaded software that vary
depending on the operating system. Netbooks with Linux operating systems
usually come preloaded with open-source equivalents to popular Web browsing,
security, and productivity software.
- Keyboard Shortcuts
Many netbooks have special function keys or keyboard shortcuts for quickly
toggling things like wireless and Bluetooth support in environments where
they might interfere with other equipment (e.g., hospitals, airplanes).
-
Hard Drive
Current-generation netbooks ship with either a standard hard drive or a
solid-state drive. A conventional hard drive will usually provide more
storage space (typically 80 to 100 GB), but will also consume more power and
generate more heat. Solid-state drives with no moving parts run cooler and
consume less power, but tend to be more expensive and have a lower storage
capacity (typically 8 to 64 GB).
- Ports
Most midsize to large netbooks are equipped with three USB ports. USB ports
may be an important consideration for users who want or need to connect
peripheral devices, use an external keyboards or mouse, or boost their
netbooks’ storage capacity with external hard drives or USB memory keys.
Some netbooks also feature an external monitor adapter, which can be useful
for presentations.
- Card Reader
Some netbooks feature an integrated media card reader, which you can use to
offload digital media files from other devices, or to boost the storage
capacity of smaller netbooks.
- Processor
Netbook processors are designed to consume less power and produce less heat
than conventional notebook computer processors. Major manufacturers include
Intel, AMD, and Via, with the current standard being the Intel Atom chip.
Some larger netbooks do use conventional notebook processors such as the
Intel Core 2 Duo.
Because some manufacturers have begun adopting mobile phone operating
systems for their netbooks, the next generation of netbooks is expected to
feature several models that use ARM processors such as the Qualcomm
Snapdragon or Freescale chips, or MIPS-based chips such as the Ingenic
JZ4740 chip.
- Memory (RAM)
Normally, netbooks ship with 512K to 2GB of RAM, with 1GB being the current
standard. Some netbooks have slots for additional RAM.
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
Many netbooks feature an integrated Bluetooth module, useful for
connecting to mobile phones, peripheral devices, etc.
- Wireless Network
Nearly all netbooks are equipped with a built-in wireless network
adapter. Most support the 802.11b and or 802.11g standards. Some also
support the newer 802.11n standard.
- Network Cable
Most netbooks are equipped with a standard RJ-45 network cable jack for
a 10/100 Ethernet connection.
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
Some netbook models are equipped with built-in GPS.
- Battery Life
Battery life for netbooks varies widely from model to model. Manufacturers’
claims range from 2.8 hours to as high as 9 hours, with the average being
between 3 and 4.5 hours.
Packard Bell Dot Series Netbooks
The next generation of netbooks, which is expected
to use lower power consumption chips and mobile phone operating systems,
could reasonably see an increase in battery life.
Because netbooks are designed for extended mobile use, battery life may be a
critical consideration. Additional battery-related issues:
- Charge time: How long does it take to fully charge the
battery?
- Wireless power consumption: How long can the battery run while
using the wireless network?
- Swappable batteries: Most netbooks’ batteries are swappable,
and manufacturers can sell you extra batteries to extend up-time.
However, certain models feature integrated batteries that cannot be
easily removed.
- Battery size: Does the battery extend outside the netbook’s
frame or does it fit nicely within the body of the netbook?
- Battery type: Netbooks typically use lithium ion batteries.
MSI Netbooks
- Video Capability
Most current-generation netbooks have limited graphics capability, and some
models are better suited than others for video playback. Some manufacturers
have announced that their next-generation laptops will be high-definition
(HD) capable, with early models supporting 720p (i.e., 720 lines of vertical
resolution, progressive scan) and subsequent models supporting 1080p (1080
lines of vertical resolution, progressive scan).
- Fingerprint Reader
Some netbooks have an integrated fingerprint reader for additional security.
- Built-In Camera/Microphone
Some netbooks have a built-in camera and/or microphone, which can be useful
for videoconferencing.
- Headphone Jack/Microphone Input
Most netbooks have built-in headphone jacks. Some models also have
microphone jacks.
Samsung Netbooks
- Online Storage/Data Package
Recently, some wireless phone service providers have partnered with netbook
manufacturers and begun offering netbooks at reduced prices with the
purchase of a fixed-term data plan.
- Fan
Some netbooks require a fan for cooling. For some users, this may become a
drain on battery life and create undesirable noise.
- Boot Time
For users who want an always-on netbook, but are worried about battery life,
boot time may be a serious consideration. Next-generation netbooks, many of
which are expected to use mobile phone operating systems like Google
Android or cloud OS like Google Chrome, may well have reduced boot times.
Netbook Vendors and Products
Toshiba Netbooks
Netbook Related Resources
-
Zen of Netbook, by
Vladimir Prelovac.
"NetbookZen.com is intended to be a central place to read the
latest development in Netbook, Tablet and mobile computing devices."
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