8.9 Netbook Review

A netbook (a.k.a. a mini-laptop) can be a smart buy for a cheap second computer or even the main computer if your computing needs are covered by email, web browsing and light word processing.
When shopping for a netbook, just like any computer, it is important to educate yourself in order to get the best deal. A lot of people tend to buy the lowest priced model when a small increase in price would purchase a dramatically better product.
This article will help you figure out how to research and buy the netbook that’s best for you.

1. ***Do some research***
   
   Check which netbooks are currently most popular. One easy way to do that is to check amazon.com sales rank in Computers & PC Hardware > Netbooks (link available under Resources below).
   Browse some of the popular models to get an idea of prices, features and brands. Reading some reviews is a good a idea as well – check for links below. If in doubt, can’t go wrong with purchasing any of these:
   ASUS Eee PC
   Acer Aspire One
   Samsung NC10
   MSI Wind
2. ***Choose the screen size***
   
   Decide what size netbook you would prefer. Netbooks come in screen sizes ranging from 7 to 10 inches (12-inch models exist as well, but they are considered notebooks by most).
   The 7-inch version isn’t particularly practical because of it’s very small keyboard, and most manufacturers seem to be abandoning it. Thus the choice is between 8.9 and 10 (or 10.1 or 10.2) inch screen. The 10-inch models have a larger and more comfortable keyboard and can pack slightly more computing power while the 9-inch netbooks have a small size, weight and sometimes price advantage. A matter of preference here.
   Once you decide on the size, compare the same size models when deciding which netbook to buy.
3. ***Get a good CPU***
   
   Make sure to compare the processors on the models you are considering. In addition to the listed CPU speed, consider the brand – Intel Atom processor is top of the line, while Intel Celeron is a cheaper budget model. When all other specifications are the same, the netbook with the Atom processor will cost a little more, but in most cases, it’s worth it.
4. ***Choose the operating system***
   
   Make sure that the netbook you decide on buying, has the operating system you want. Most netbooks have Windows XP preinstalled, but some come with Linux. Linux is a great choice if you are slightly geeky or are willing to learn. It offers faster boot times and requires less RAM to run fast, but will have compatibility issues with your Windows programs. Note that Windows Vista is so bloated, that it is not currently a practical choice for any netbook.
5. ***Get enough RAM***
   
   Compare how much RAM the netbooks you are considering come with. Keep in mind, that to run Windows XP, you need at least 1 GB, but would be much better off with 2 GB of RAM. Linux does very well with just 1 GB.
   It’s possible to upgrade RAM on a netbook fairly inexpensively, but make sure to check how much RAM the given model can accommodate. Some 9-inch models can only go up to 1.5 GB.
6. ***Choose the hard drive wisely***
   
   Consider whether you would prefer a large traditional hard drive (something like 160 GB or so) or a faster, more durable but smaller and more expensive solid state drive. Beware, that if you want to store a lot of files, pictures or video files on your netbook, you will be better off with a large traditional hard drive.
   Netbooks with Windows XP tend to come with a traditional hard drive, since Windows takes up a lot of space. Thus, if you would like a solid state drive, you might have to deal with Linux.
   When comparing netbooks, note that netbooks with a solid state drive will be more expensive than those with a traditional hard drive. Be careful, however, to not fall into a trap of a very tiny solid state drive. Some are just 4 or 8 GB. Make sure you buy a netbook with at least 16 GB, but more would be much better.
7. ***Note the battery life***
   
   Make sure to check how long the battery on a given netbook model is supposed to last. These vary anywhere from just 3 hours to 9 hours or so. That might help make a decision when all other specs seem the same.
8. ***Compare the models of interest carefully***
   
   Take all of the specifications discussed above into consideration when comparing the netbook models. Consider the color and other aesthetic features as well, of course. For some people, the color is the most important feature, and well, there is nothing wrong with that.
9. ***Shop for the best price***
   
   Try Google product search (www.google.com/products) – type in the model name (like ASUS Eee PC 1000HE) in the search box, and see which merchant offers the best price on it. Check the specials at Best Buy and Target as well, sometimes they have one model at especially good price.
   Resist impulse purchases, however. If, let’s say, you see a deal at Target for a netbook with Intel Celeron processor, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB solid state drive for just under $300, don’t buy it right there and then. After some research online you might find that for just $35 more you could get a better processor, a lot more RAM and a bigger hard drive. Sometimes instead of getting a great deal you might actually be doing a favor to the merchant by purchasing a somewhat outdated model for just a tiny bit less than dramatically better newer products. You can visit the manufacturer websites to see if the model you are considering is the latest.
10. ***Buy***
    
    Finally, buy the netbook and feel great because, after doing all the research, you definitely got the best deal out there. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to buy online to avoid paying sales tax.
• If buying online, make sure to get free shipping.