Netbooks, notepads, mini-laptops, call them what you will – these ultra portable computers are one of the best ways to stay connected while out and about? Although SmartPhones and Blackberries certainly play their part, as do regular laptops, for affordability and portability you will find it hard to beat a good netbook.
What’s the Difference?
The common terms banded around are netbook, notebook, sub-notebook, ultra-portable & mini-laptop, which can be confusing.
Generally speaking, a traditional laptop is a regular computer which has been designed to be carried around. Typically they have a 14” to 17” screen which is hinged to a built-in keyboard. They have a large format battery built-in and often include an optical CD/DVD drive together with a range of common connection options such as USB ports, an Ethernet connection, and a variety of digital card readers. They can often perform as well as a traditional desktop machine although they can be heavy and not always practical to use ‘on the move’.
Netbooks have advanced this idea further by combining the functionality of a laptop with the convenience of a PDA or SmartPhone. The typical netbook is similar in size and weight to the average diary or book with a 9” screen.
While not as powerful as a large format laptop, netbooks, or mini-laptops, focus upon connectivity as their unique selling point. Usually they will have Wi-Fi connectivity built in and some of the newer machines have 3G mobile modems included as well.
On the whole then, a netbook is a simple, light and affordable alternative to a traditional laptop.
The Future?
The last 12 months has seen a sudden increase in demand for netbooks with analysts predicting sales of up to 50 million units by the tear 2012. Opinions are, as yet, divided as to whether sales of netbooks will eventually overtake those of standard laptops but in the current economic climate an affordable alternative to a more expensive format is always going to be a positive factor.
Another interesting development, of late, is that many of the mobile phone networks and manufacturers are beginning to tap into the netbook market. Carphone Warehouse have recently launched the Webbook and Vodafone are pushing the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with their 3G mobile broadband service built-in. Orange have also started making in-roads by offering a similar service using the Asus and Eee PC 901.
So is this the beginning of the end for the traditional PC and Laptop? Who knows – although the distinction between formats in terms of performance and price is narrowing all the time, the difference between the best performing PC and the standard netbook is still quite marked?
It’s now clear, regardless of the way the market develops, that the computer market is undergoing a stage of evolution and we, the consumer, look set to benefit as the age of the truly mobile internet is starting to emerge.
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