If you haven’t already seen them, “Netbooks” as they’re known, are the current range of Ultra-Mobile-PC’s – small notebook computers, typically with 7-10 inch screens, specially designed low-power CPU’s and some with Solid-State hard drives.
Lenovo's entry to the UMPC arena
The million dollar question however – what can you do with them? Whilst most now ship with Windows which will provide the user with a familiar interface, they should not be considered a suitable replacement for a full-size desktop or notebook PC for the vast majority of computer users.
What they ARE suitable for:
- Portable web browsing – e.g. check your eBay bids whilst having lunch, find out what time that movie starts at the local cinemas, etc.
- E-Mail on the go – if you’re sending a lot of email, which might make a mobile phone/PDA uncomfortable to use all day long, a netbook may well be a suitable alternative.
What they AREN’T as suitable for:
- Multimedia – due to their low-power CPU’s, their multimedia capabilities are limited to basic photo viewing, perhaps some videos on YouTube – certainly not suitable for Gaming (beyond Solitare).
- DVD’s – as they simply don’t have optical (DVD) drives. Yes, you could connect a USB DVD drive, but then you might as well just use a full-size notebook.
- Long-term use – their keyboards are typically 60-80% the size of a full-size notebook which makes extensive use particularly uncomfortable.
Yes, netbooks may very well be a perfect alternative for you, however you should definately way up your options before laying your money on the table.
