In the big bad world of technology, choosing a new netbook that will be useful, long lasting and worth the money are usually the most important factors in your decision. So how do you know what to look for in a netbook when you don’t know the first thing about netbooks?
The Industry Standards
In the sea of netbooks, you will see basic standards that pretty much even out the playing field in the core parts of a computer. Such as you will almost always see a 1.66 GHz Intel processor, 1 GB of RAM (Memory) 2-3 USB ports, wireless/wi-fi connectivity, built in microphone and webcam, a 250 GB hard drive, about the same graphics and even the weight and dimensions will be very close to the same. Therefore what you need to look for is what sets them apart.
Here is what you should look at and for in the netbook market:
Screen or Display Size: This is basically the screen of the netbook. They come in a variety of sizes and it definitely makes a difference in it’s value to you and what you can comfortably use it for. The smallest screen size is usually 7 inches, measured diagonally, like televisions. You will also see some 8 inch screen sizes, but more common now is the 10.1 inch screen and then you will see a few 11 and 12 inch screens, but the next most common after 10 is the 14 inch displays. For some the small 7 inch size screen is just what they want, something small, portable, and simple. But others struggle to make out the smaller lettering, type on smaller keyboards and just handle the smaller body of the 7 inch screen netbooks. The difference between the 7 and 10 inch screens is much larger than the 3 inches that it states. It really helps the netbook become more functional as a mini laptop as opposed to a technology gadget. The 14 inch screens are beautiful but start to become almost as large as smaller traditional laptops, getting away from the reason some want something more portable.
Color or Design: There are plenty of variations in styling for netbooks on the market right now, you can find Disney Princess netbooks, Nickelodeon Editions, Student Editions, some have been especially created by designers, others come in colors like pink, blue, brown, white, orange and even swirls and florals to dress it up a bit. There are some that are matte and some that are shiny and glossy. Some have rubbery textures with smooth, sleek edges, while others are hard, boxy and cold looking. This choice is up to you, is it important that you have a pink computer or that your teenage son loves red, or is getting the same computer in basic black for $125 less appeal to your tastes more? Sometimes, and quite often, color or especially themed netbooks are more than your typical netbook, but not because of its functions or ability, but for the mere fact that it is pink.
Operating System:
This might be too complicated for some, but your operating system, also known as OS, is somewhat important to some, and not at all important to others. For Windows Operating Systems you will see a choice out there typically from Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. The XP and Vista’s should be cheaper since Microsoft is trying to phase those out and bring in the new 7 series and because of this you will see great deals in the coming year. I personally love Windows XP, but love Vista even better, and I can navigate just fine on either. But for those who like to be up with technology and the newest happenings, seek out windows 7, as it seems to be catching on with good reviews and is more coveted for the time being.
Brand: This is tricky because you will have people faithful to a brand, but the fact is people just trust computer companies like HP, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, Gateway, Dell, more than they will trust e-machines, Acer, Aspire, Lenovo, or Wind, because people choose to stick with brands they trust, one might be the brand you trust, and you should go with it, but the newer companies have yet a reputation to build, so don’t think that they are just like the others, because they don’t have that high standard that needs protecting as the larger companies do.
Price: You get what you pay for and with netbooks this is very true. If you spend more for a higher quality netbook, I am almost positive you will be glad you did. My dad bought an adorable white Asus EEE Series, 7 inch screen, it was cute and compact and I really liked it, until I heard the sound quality which on Skype or with headphones was like listening to the Chipmunks. Therefore test out the sound before you buy or make sure you are buying the most netbook you can buy with what you have, because one of the higher quality time tested netbooks out there may be the better choice, or you can wait for the right sale, perhaps one that will get you that higher quality netbook for the same price as the lowest quality netbook then you will feel even better about your purchase.
Battery Life: Lastly, good old battery life. Be careful on this issue, a lot of netbooks say that they have 8-9 hours of battery life, but that is untrue, so read the fine print carefully, as some can mean to say your battery life has the potential to be extended if you buy battery add on packs etc. Read the small print, usually netbooks come with 3 cell, or 6 cell batteries. The 3 cell will hold about 3-4 hours of battery life and the 6 cell, from 6-8 hours. Depending on your planned usage this could be a huge deal maker or breaker. If you plan on keeping it on your desk all the time and plugged in, the 3 cell would suit you fine.
If you are always on the go, the larger cell battery will be best suited to you.
Whatever decision you come up with, be confident about it. Be practical and overall be patient, waiting for the right deal at the right time is the best thing you can do for yourself while shopping for a netbook.
