Netbook Computers – The Pro’s And The Con’s

Ever since laptops first came out our desire to have them smaller and smaller was growing. As computer technology advanced on all frontiers, everything started getting smaller. Mobile computing has been a driving force behind the development of most technologies in the last 5 years. Whether its the iPod, a mobile phone or a laptop computer, it had to be as small as possible. Smaller is better because its more mobile – which is at the heart of modern culture and the way we consume the internet.

The real challenge with laptops is the balance between size, speed and battery life. When energy saving processors lik the Intel Atom became more mainstream it opened up a new frontier in mobile computing. Asus was one of the first companies to jump unto this with what they called a “netbook” computer. Significantly smaller than a laptop, the 7 inch screen was much bigger than a mobile phone and much smaller than a laptop screen yet it was perfect for basic web browsing.

With all the elements and features of a normal computer, the only real difference is the speed. Netbook computers rely on the Atom processor because its much smaller and uses a lot less power. Unfortunately this processor is not nearly as powerful. Although a netbook can do everything that a normal computer can do, its simply too slow. I’ve had trouble doing basic things like playing music through Windows Media Player. This is also partly to blame for the lack of memory. Most netboks can only accommodate a 2GB DDR RAM chip to save space and minimize power consumption.

Probably my biggest frustration with a netbook computer is the keybord size. Unless you have hands the size of a 5 year old, its impossible to type on it. The keys are way too small and you end up pressing 2 keys at a time. Without being able to properly type anything – even if its just an email, can make netbooks redundant.
There are some advantages though and there definitely are some great uses for them. Its important that you don;t try and treat a netbook laptop like a normal laptop. If you want it to do something other than what its made for you will only find yourself frustrated. Its meant for surfing the web. Simple as that. Use it appropriately.