Modern technology has allowed for computer systems to become smaller than ever and it seems that there is no end in sight. One such example of these small computer systems is the mini-notebook that has hit the market in recent years. Mini-notebooks, or netbooks, are like regular computers but much smaller and more portable so they are more accessible even in the most remote locations. This article will discuss netbooks and the individual functions that they provide to the user.
What is a Netbook
A netbook, or mini-notebook, is a small personal computer that usually has many accessories built directly into it. Netbooks run on integrated circuits and compacted technology so they provide the same level of functionality as a normal computer but can be taken anywhere. Netbooks cost more than other computers but they are quickly rising in popularity as schools, businesses, and individuals are rushing out to purchase them everyday. Considering that personal computers have only been around for little more than a decade and laptops have only been around for about five years, it will be interesting to see how small and versatile computers will be in another ten years.
Portability
The main feature of any netbook is its portability. Businesses like netbooks because they can be taken out on the field for on-site analysis and research. Schools like netbooks because they allow for both teachers and students to better tune their work habits no matter where they are. Individuals enjoy netbooks because they can be used in bed, on a couch, outside, or anywhere else the user wishes to take it. While netbooks look similar to laptops and operate on the same basic principle, netbooks are about 2/3 the size of a laptop and weight a lot less so they have much more portability than laptops and provide more comfort to the user.
Storage
Despite their size, most netbooks have the same amount of storage capacity as a desktop or laptop computer or even more, due to advancements in hard drive compression. Generally, the hard drive of a netbook is the same physical size as any other hard drive but it often contains well over a hundred GB of storage space. For example, the Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook from Dell is available in both 160 GB and 250 GB models. The storage capacity of any individual netbook depends widely on what operating system is installed on the device but this fact is usually negligible as the difference is only a matter of a few GBs.
CPU
Unfortunately, the CPU found in a netbook lacks a lot of the functionality that a desktop computer or laptop computer has. This is not to say that netbooks are not capable of performing basic or even advanced tasks but they may lack the speed that the user is accustomed to. Most netbooks on the market include 1 GB of RAM which is a great leap from their previous 512 MB but still doesn't compare with the 2-4 GB processors that many desktops and laptops now have. While these netbooks will hold their own during normal daily tasks, the user may have trouble playing some games or running several large programs at once.
Accessories
In addition to portability and storage advancements, netbooks are also known for the many accessories that are built directly into them. For example, most netbook computers have a high quality digital camera built into the monitor for taking pictures and having video conversations. Likewise, there is usually a microphone integrated into the netbook near the speakers that can pick up audio from across the room. Netbooks generally lack any kind of CD player but try to make up for it with multiple USB ports. With this multitude of USB ports, of course, comes the ability to add many more external accessories.
Price
The price for netbooks vary depending on model and capabilities but they are generally more expensive than desktop or laptop computers. Ironically, netbook manufacturers advertise them as being much less costly than the competition. Netbooks range between $200 and $2,000 while $500 seems to be the preferred average. Considering that they lack the specifications of slightly larger laptops, the price should be considered a priority factor.
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