Netbooks Vs Notebooks - Things to Know Before Buying

There is currently some controversy regarding which type of computer is preferable - the notebook, or tablet, and the Netbook. The definition of a notebook computer, according to Wikipedia, is that it is a "type of small laptop" but they also say that "the only conclusion is that there really is no distinction between the devices." Tablet computers, on the other hand, are generally accepted to be ones in which the screen provides the primary functionality -- Apple's iPAD is a perfect example.

Which one you decide to buy must depend on what you will use it for; if you intend to write at any length, use software such as spreadsheets or do any graphical editing then you will probably need a keyboard and either a mouse or a trackpad. While machines like Apple's iPAD are revolutionary they do not have an easy interface with which to type, and their touch screen technology makes selection of on-screen objects a bit trickier than those with a trackpad.

Netbook computers have become exceptionally popular in the last few years with most of the world's largest manufacturers now making them. The early prototypes that featured an open source LINUX operating system have now largely been superseded by machines running Windows in one form or another. This does have a bearing on their price, as a Windows machine needs a licence to run the operating system. Some other considerations to bear in mind before getting out your credit card are:

* Do you need a Keyboard? Because they are small, net books have small keyboards. Some of the later models feature keyboards that are almost full width, but when you are looking at a device that is less than 11 inches long, even that is not huge. In order to get all the keys into a keyboard that size, the keys themselves are small which may cause problems for anyone used to touch typing.
* How will you manage without a Trackpad? Once again the physical limitations mean that most net books do not have a full-size trackpad. While this may not be a problem for many people it can cause issues when attempting to right click, and especially when using the control key and clicking at the same time.
* Will you be carrying it around with you? If the answer to this is "yes" then it's almost certain that a Netbook is a better option than a traditional laptop if only in terms of weight. The downside is that the screen is obviously smaller, but this may not be a problem if all your work is done online.
* Will the machine be used in a dirty environment? One of the benefits that Netbooks have over tablet computers is that they have a lid that can be closed. While this does not give a huge amount of protection, it does give some, so this should be taken into account before buying.

Many of the Netbook's shortcomings can be solved by adding a cordless mouse and a cheap neoprene case; they all have a built in wireless card, and most now sport a web cam built into the lid, so for using Skype and most other Internet based activities they are ideal. Traditional laptops are still a great option if you need to use more traditional software, or you're planning to write something many pages long.


By Dave Millard