What is a Netbook?

The term “netbook” was coined by Intel and is a portmanteau of the words Internet and notebook. Netbooks are small to medium sized, lightweight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimized for essential computing such as web browsing, e-mailing, social networking, light word processing and photo sharing.

This unique category of computer burst onto the scene in late 2007 with the arrival of the Asus Eee PC 701. Since then many manufacturers such as Acer®, Hewlett Packard®, Dell®, MSI®, Samsung®, Toshiba®, Lenovo® and others have started offering various netbook models with much power, speed, and capacity as laptops of only a few years ago.

Of course netbooks have downsized the screens and keyboards quite a bit and also have had to limit them in specs and the power they are able to produce, but this does not hurt them in the least. They’re far more effective than web browsing on a tiny smartphone, yet far more convenient than a bulky laptop. Many people use computers for basic surfing of the web, paying bills and such, so the little laptop wonders are perfect for anyone who does just that. If you are a hardcore gamer or need to run big applications or programs then netbooks may not serve the purpose.

Although netbooks are small, that doesn’t mean their screens are microscopic. In fact, you can find many netbooks with 10-inch screens featuring a 1,024 x 600 resolution, so you don’t have to sacrifice good image quality for portability. Netbook displays are usually backlit LCDs which produce bright and crisp screen which can be used just fine in full sunlight or the bright lights on an airline terminal or classroom.

Netbooks have many useful features that can help you stay productive even during hectic travel times. For starters, netbooks weigh an average of about 2 to 3 pounds, making them great travel companions or any other situation where you need a computer, but can’t afford to lug a ten pound laptop. Secondly, when compared to big laptops, netbook batteries can last much longer (up to 7 hrs) helping you to work longer on the go.

Netbooks are evolving and can hold more information, run better and run faster as each day passes. With every major PC maker entering this space with more options — different form factors, larger keyboards, performance, capability and cost, make owning them as a secondary computer viable to many consumers.

Despite not being a super power house, these gems make up for it with affordability and portability. A netbook can be found from most major retailers in the price range of $250 to $500 making them very affordable.

These tiny little computers, are changing the face of America by letting individuals own a laptop computer and not have to pay through the nose to purchase one.

Netbooks are likely to change not only our relationship with computers, but the relationship between computers and software.

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