A netbook is a type of laptop features

Ultraportables, thin-and-light, desktop
replacement, subnotebooks... all these names for one electronic machine,
the laptop computer. Among these, the smallest is easily a netbook.
Designed as a mini laptop with basic computing skills, the netbook is a
cheaper alternative to the high-end gaming machines and luxury laptops.
To easily pick out the best netbooks
in the market, one must understand what to look for in a netbook, and
how it is different from a laptop. In this article, we look at some
basic netbook features and a brief explanation of each.

Netbook Features and Specifications

So what actually does a netbook consist of? Here's a look at some of the
main parts that make a netbook stand out among computers.

Size and Dimensions
One of the most important and obvious netbook characteristics, is its
diminutive size. The netbook was marketed to an audience looking for a
smaller version of a laptop. Their screen sizes are normally 5 inches, 7
inches, 11 and 12 inches at a maximum. The odd 13, 14, 15 inch models
fall under notebooks or subnotebook category and larger than that is
purely laptop. Their small size allows for a light weight, with a
compact design. Keep in mind, that the larger the screen, the better the
resolution, but ease in carrying it around decreases.

Hardware Parts
Netbooks have less or reduced hardware parts, as compared to their
larger cousins. Optical drives, DVD readers and writers are just not
present in a netbook. Other missing parts are floppy disk drives, serial
and parallel ports. What is the hardware present in a netbook? 3-in-1
card slots, USB slots, Wi-Fi card and Ethernet port and perhaps
Bluetooth. A webcam is another popular hardware perk on a netbook. Since
you always need more storage space than you have, the number of USB
ports and SD slots are a key feature to look for.

Technical Make-Up
3 main technical parts of a netbook:

1. Operating System - At
   the beginning of the netbook's entry into the electronic market, all
   netbook models had Linux. While Linux is a good operating system, it's
   not meant for beginners with computing devices. Plus program
   compatibility is another issue. Not everything runs on Linux, the way
   things run on Windows. Nowadays the dominant netbook OS is Windows XP.
   Some models do ship with Windows Vista. The Windows 7 starter edition is
   present among recent models.
   
2. Processor - Another signature point among netbook features,
   is the processor used. Don't expect the wide range and strength of
   laptop and PC processors. Netbooks have low power, single core
   processors. The most popular processor, found in most netbook models, is
   the Intel Atom processor. A close competitor is the VIA Nano. The whole
   idea behind such processors, is minimum computing power with good
   battery retention and operating system support.
   
3. Storage and RAM - Let's discuss RAM first. Higher the RAM,
   faster the computer. This rule of thumb holds true for netbooks. Most
   netbooks are equipped with a minimum of 1GB RAM, with upgrading to 2GB
   allowed. If possible and keeping the processor in mind, go in for a 2 GB
   RAM. 1GB can be slow and sluggish in performance. Netbooks can have
   either normal hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD).
   Earlier netbook models were always equipped with SSDs. Their actual
   storage space is limited to pitiful amounts like 16GB or 32GB. With such
   a miserly amount of space, you'll find yourself carrying around a lot
   of external drives and SD cards. A HDD in contrast offers at least 160GB
   of space. But they tend to reduce battery life and are more damage
   prone.
   

Battery Life
If you rarely take your netbook out of the house, or have a permanent
power supply everywhere you use it, this is nothing to be concerned
about. However, on-the-go laptop users have scarce charging options. The
secret behind battery life is, the actual life is half of what is
advertised. This is because the battery depends on the processor and
what's being done on the netbook. Average life should be 4 - 6 hours.
You can go in for an extended battery for a longer life, but this adds
to weight. A light netbook means less battery life. So this feature is a
toss-up between weight and staying power.

Computing Power
From the rough hardware specs above, two words can sum up the computing
capabilities of a netbook: bare necessity. A netbook's functionality
lies between a smartphone and a laptop, majorly towards the smartphone's
side. For word processing tasks, web browsing, spreadsheet works,
minimum computer tasks can be performed on a netbook. Computer games,
media functions, programming, such heavy-duty jobs can't be done. Or
they can be done at a snail's pace. This is only logical, as with 1GB of
RAM and 16GB of a hard disk drive, what computing tasks can you do? The
best approach with this feature of a netbook, is to keep your
expectations to a minimum.

Cost
Perhaps the best feature among netbook features, is the low cost. A
netbook's prime advantage is in its low cost. Who wouldn't want a
computing machine, highly portable and compact at ½ the price of a
laptop or PC? Your average netbook cost should be between $200 - $500.
High-end models can touch the $600 line. But remember, you pay for what
you get. Paying $300 for a netbook, does not mean you have a cheap
laptop. There are less features under the hood, less hardware make-up
and less computing power.

Netbook Features Comparison

For a better understanding of how the above netbook features are part of
the netbook's makeup, take a look at 3 of the latest netbook models,
compared by features.

Name	Processor	RAM & Storage	Screen Size	Weight	Price
Samsung NF310 A01	Intel Atom N550 Dual-Core	1GB RAM, 250GB hard disk	10.8 inches	2.9 lbs	$400
Asus Eee PC 1015PN	Intel Atom N550 Dual Core	1GB RAM, 250GB hard disk	10.3 inches	2.8 lbs	$350
Dell Inspiron Mini 1018	Intel Atom N455	1GB RAM, 250GB hard disk	10.1 inches	2.92 lbs	$280

So what's the verdict on the netbook? A nifty mini laptop, at a cheaper
price with less power. For students and budgets, it's an ideal device.
But the bright future for the netbook is dimmed by the rapid advance of
the tablet PC, led by the iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom. Indeed a tablet is
even smaller in size, with more or less the same features, in a more
compact package. In the ongoing intense battle for computer device
supremacy, knowing which netbook features to look for, makes your choice
of a personal computer much easier.






By Rave Uno