Netbook Buying Tips

Researching which mini notebook pc to buy is a confusing task and store staff rarely have the background to give you honest advice.  If you learn a few key things the selection of a netbook becomes much easier.  Netbook Buying Tips gives you the key factors you need to understand when shopping for a mini laptop computer.

We also offer articles and news on the latest models, software and uses for netbooks. 


Screen
Most mini laptops feature screens ranging in sizes 7" to 11" diagonal.  A 7" screen should be reserved only for the most truly cash strapped shopper.  Other than price they offer no benefit in power consumption, saved weight, etc.  Plus, they are simply too small and a 8.9" or larger screen fits in the same case.  With screen size my advice is to always select the largest you can afford and find.

Storage
There are 2 general directions on netbook storage offered- solid state and traditional platter hard disks.  Both have their advantages- solid state is "shock-proof' and best used if durability is a need.  Traditional hard disk drives are cheaper and usually come in larger capacities but use a bit more battery power to operate.  You can't go wrong with either but make sure you know what you are getting.

Memory
Memory is cheap but in order to keep prices on netbooks down most have 1-2GB of memory and little opportunity of upgrading.  Memory is often hard wired to the main board or buried so deep in the netbook case you can't get to it without a complete disassemble of your mini pc.  Stay away from netbooks with less than 1GB of RAM and try to buy your netbook with as much memory as you can because upgrading is likely not an option.  1GB of memory is typically enough RAM for most netbooks unless its trying to run Vista as an operating system.

CPU/Processor
Netbook CPUs are mostly designed specifically for the ultra portable market.  They consider power consumption, cost, raw speed and the types of tasks they will be running.  The first netbooks used modified Intel Celeron Processors in the 800-900MHz range.   Another processor that was adapted for netbook use is the C7.  Although the C7 was originally designed for GPS and phone like devices it does OK in netbooks.  The star of the mini pc CPUs is the Atom processor.  Currently the Atom is offered in the 1.2 - 1.6 GHz range.  It is the most desirable processor offered giving a nice balance of battery conservation and raw speed.

Camera/Mic
Almost every netbook offers an integrated camera and microphone for video chat and youtube creation.  Don't underestimate the usefulness of this feature!  before my netbook I had not used Skype but now speak to people worldwide for free using my camera and mic.  Resolutions range from 640k to 1.3MP but pay particular attention to framerate.  Higher framerate is desirable even though most internet connections cannot transmit high framerate video.

Keyboard/Mouse
Due to the decreased size of mini notebooks means the keyboards will also be shrunk accordingly.  80-95% keyboard sizes are typical.  None are completely comfortable and will take a short adjustment period.  The mouse or touchpad is the real deal breaker I recommend you consider.  I know no one who prefers the touchpads with the buttons on the left and right sides of the pad.  Its to strange to get used to and can really slow you down.  I prefer a touchpad with the button(s) at the bottom of the pad.

Input/Output
Pay attention to the input and output ports offered with the mini netbooks.  You'll want headphone and microphone jacks and as many USB ports as possible.  Other useful outputs include video out so you can plug into an external screen at home or in the office.  Inputs that are indispensable are memory card ports so you can transfer pictures, music and other files.  They also allow you to expand the storage space and install software transferred from a CD.

Operating System
There are 3 general options when it comes to operating systems on a mini notebook pc.  The 1st to get out of the way is Vista- just don't do it!  It is unstable, to huge of a program and requires too much processor and memory for any netbook.  Avoid a Vista mini notebook.  Another option is Windows XP.  This is my preferred OS.  Its stable, capable and compatable with most programs.  It will cost a bit more for an XP netbook but its worth the cost.  Other operating systems are derivatives of Linux specially tailored for the netbook.  These are no-cost OSs that have all of the function you should need.  Be cautioned that they are not compatable with Windows programs and Linux programs are often free but tricky to install.  Again, the best operating system option for most is Windows XP.

Software
Software included with netbooks ranges from bare-bones to excessive!  Apart from the OS you will need a web browser, office suite and communication software.  I usually strip off almost everything included and load up my own programs.  I use the free internet browser and email programs from Firefox.  In place of the high priced Microsoft Office suite I use the completely free StarOffice suite.  Its 100% compatible with Microsoft's offering and FREE.  I also use other open source (free) software for nearly everything I do- FileZilla for FTP, GIMP for photo editing, AVG for virus protection, NVU for web creation and editing.  In short- don't let software be a determining factor in selecting a netbook.  Every piece of software I mentioned is free and will work under a variety of operating systems.

Wireless
Every netbook I have ever seen has WiFi capability.  Pay attention to the WiFi format and opt for the fastest possible- all are backwards compatible.  Another important WiFi feature to make sure you have is the ability to switch off the wireless function.  This saves battery power when not used and makes it possible to use you mini laptop pc on a plane.  Ocassionally you can find netbooks with built in Bluetooth wireless which is compatable with a growing selection of devices such as earpieces, headphones, printers, keyboards, mice, etc.  Look for the same Bluetooth options as in WiFi- ability to switch off and latest format.

Battery
Feel the power!  Pay special attention to the netbooks battery.  Cheaper systems only have a 3 or fewer cell battery.  3 cell batteries give you 1-3 hours of operation.  For practical reasons I recommend finding a netbook with a 6 or 9 cell battery- yes it will cost more, be a bit heavier and may be larger than a 3 cell but it will give you considerable more time between charges.  In addition to the number of cells batteries also have a MaH rating- the higher the number the greater capacity, and run time a battery has.

Other
There are a handful of other options you can find on mini laptop computers worth considering- cases, bags and colored shells.  Netbooks can be as individual as you and you should not select a mini laptop pc based on looks alone.  You can always accessorize your netbook with skins and different cases.  out of the box a few netbooks come in different colors- white, black, blue, red, pink, brown are just some of the colors but you may pay a premium for harder to find colors.  Again- I like to get either a black or white system and "skin it" to make it unique.

I do recomend 2 things to add to any netbook- a screen protector and keyboard skin.  Both add protection to the vulnerable parts of your netbook.  Both keep dust from gumming up your system and prevent scratches.