Buying a NETBOOK?
Looking to buy one of those cute netbooks for someone but have no idea which one to pick? Well then, let¡¯s start.
Why would anyone want one?
Portable, both hardware wise and software wise.
Cheap, generally sub $500, this reason is for the person who pays for it.
Simple, generally comes with Windows XP so you don¡¯t have to deal with Vista¡¯s complexity. Some come with Linux, also simple.
Great reason to try out many of the new cloud computing software out there (word documents and the like based on the internet, so no software on your computer, just an internet browser).
Makes a great desktop companion. If you have a desktop at home, and don¡¯t need a full-sized laptop for the times you leave home, a netbook is the perfect pick.
What can you do and what can¡¯t you do?
Can:
Surf the internet ¨C Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, etc.
Cloud computing - this is where you can use word editors like Google Docs, jump on another computer, and open up the same file you were working on.
Instant Messaging
Simple Games like Solitaire
Can¡¯t:
Photoshop and other multimedia editing.
Gaming
Insert a CD or DVD
See too clearly because of its small screen.
Who is this for?
Who is this for, huh? College students, professionals who do a lot of e-mailing (be sure to get a wireless modem with the laptop, so you have internet anywhere you have a cell connection, extra monthly charge), and teenagers who mainly use computers to type up homework and surf the web. One more note on college students, this would work very nice in combination with a desktop in their dorm or if they live at home with a family desktop. The reason I am pushing a companion desktop is because netbooks are tiny, and it is nice to have a regular desktop or even a laptop to fall back on when pressing on the tiny keys all day gets frustrating. Also the desktop can act as the main storage computer for your music, multimedia, etc and you can bring the netbook out to type without worrying about losing the netbook and all your info.
My Advice
OS: If you have the choice between Windows XP and Linux, go with XP because it is a very good OS. Most people are familiar with it, so more compatible usability and software wise, and you can use things like AIM on Windows XP without a problem.
Hard Drive or Solid State Drive (SSD): If you know this netbook is going to be dropped (i.e. clumsy person) or you just want a piece of mind, get the SSD option because with hard drives data can be lost much easier. If you know the user will be using cloud software and nothing important is going to be stored on the netbook, then go with the hard drive. It's cheaper and even if you don¡¯t use the memory on the hard drive, you get more of it. It can serve as an external hard drive for when you do need to move large files around.
My Recommendations
If you¡¯re aiming for style points, the VAIO P Series would make a great gift for the image conscious. This netbook would cost you a minimum of $900 because of its GPS features, Vista, 802.11n Wi-Fi, long 4-hour battery life, and sleek design. If you¡¯re in the market for netbooks because of the cheap price, this wouldn¡¯t be for you. Otherwise, the only thing that would be a problem is having to use Vista (slows you down compared to XP), but I must admit, Vista¡¯s user interface adds to the VAIO¡¯s good looks.
HP Mini 1000 XP would probably be my pick for a netbook. One of the most important features to consider in a netbook is how comfortable it is. But not to worry, the HP Mini 1000 sports a keyboard that is 92% of a standard keyboard, so adjusting and getting comfortable is not a problem. Other than that, you can expect most of the same specs as other netbooks. The HP Mini 1000 XP begins with a base price of $350, so not bad either.
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