What To Look For When You Buy A Netbook

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The popularity of netbooks is growing rapidly with Computer users from various segments choosing the ultra-portable sleek devices for convenient, on the move computing and internet access. While netbooks can not match the mainstream laptop and desktop computers in terms of processing speed, they can perform basic tasks and web browsing with aplomb. They can even run the latest OS like Windows 7.

With time, the technology used in these netbooks is also getting improved and the users can expect the upcoming models to do almost every type of computing related task. The market is replete with a variety of netbooks from manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Samsung and MSI. Therefore, a person needs to know the things to look for in a netbook before he buys one.

The first aspect a buyer needs to consider is his priority and requirements for buying a netbook. It would be wrong to think that a netbook is a replacement for a mainstream PC or laptop. At best it can supplement an existing PC. Besides, the people who need to use computer for media editing and resource intensive tasks would do better to stick with a laptop. The majority of the netbooks are not suitable for intensive gaming either. However, if a person needs to access the web for many hours in a day and works extensively with office productivity applications he might consider a netbook.

Another important thing a netbook buyer needs to consider is the screen size of the device. The first generation netbooks had 8-9 inch screens. However, models like the Acer Aspire One AO751h also feature a roomy 11.6inch screen. While a larger screen size is better for web browsing and working with text, it also adds to the weight of the netbook.

Since netbooks are powered by Ultra Low voltage processors, they are under powered compared with typical laptops. Hence, it would be better to opt for a netbook that uses a relatively powerful CPU. The majority of the netbook CPUs are based on either Intel Atom or AMD Neo hip. The extra bit of processing power would come handy while multitasking. Hence, choosing a netbook powered by Atom N280 chip over another that uses older N270 Chip makes more sense. The Samsung N140-14B is a model that uses the N280 Chip.  It evens comes with Windows 7 Starter.

Netbooks are meant to be used outdoors most of the time and that is why a netbook that offers more battery life is always welcome. Typically the netbooks fitted with a 3 cell battery last for 3 hours on a single charge. Therefore, a netbook with a 6 cell battery is more suitable for the users who need to spend a lot of time outside. The Asus Eee PC 901 is a model that offers around 8 hours of battery life. The keypad of the netbook is another factor that deserves consideration. A Netbook is bound to have smaller keys but the feedback needs to be good. A netbook with a back-lit keyboard is a boon.

Among the other vital factors of a netbook, the bundled OS and software needs to be checked by the buyer. The earlier generation netbooks were shipped with Windows XP while the latest models are being sold with Windows 7. There are some models with an optional Linux OS.

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