Laptop computers are nothing new, but they have been changing both internally and externally over time. While laptops have trimmed down their physical form factor substantially since their introduction to the computing scene, there are still many who would consider them less than “portable.” Most laptops are still five pounds or more and can have rather obtuse dimensions, especially models with large displays. The only other portable computing option available for a long time has been the PDA, or “personal digital assistant.” While useful, they are a very large step down in size and power.
A much larger degree of functionality is provided by the average PC today even as it physically shrinks in size. Reduced power requirements and better battery design have helped to allow for the first truly portable laptops. Processor manufacturing advancements have allowed for finer control over the materials used to make them and engineers have packed more number-crunching capacity into a smaller space. Because of this convergence of electronics technologies, the capability to create a new class of devices has emerged; this class has been entitled entitled the “netbook.” Largely designed with internet usage in mind, the netbook is a fairly basic computer which is able to easily perform the most common tasks users wish to execute.
Any type of modern computer is useful in one way or another, but since the circumstances of each individual are different what works well for one person may not work so well for someone else. Netbooks have many strengths, but playing demanding 3D games isn’t one of them. The graphics hardware generally included with a netbook is considered to be quite weak when compared to desktops and even other laptops, though it is able to play a great number of older games available for the PC as well as high-quality video and other multimedia.
One potential caveat of the netbook class is its usual inability to read or write CD and DVD-ROM discs natively. External drives that connect via USB are available at a quite reasonable cost if one shops around for the best deal. These drives are fairly slim and portable and could be added to a laptop bag without much burden. Having to use a separate device for disc access may prove to be too awkward for some, however.
As the term “netbook” implies, the devices in this emergent class of computers are designed primarily with a focus on internet-centric activities. Increased access to the internet is largely responsible for the massive boom in computer sales within the past decade, so this approach does make quite a bit of sense.
Most novice computer users are generally only interested in rather basic computing tasks like accessing email, browsing the web, listening to music, watching online videos, etc. None of these tasks are particularly demanding of computer hardware, and the relatively underpowered netbook handles them all very well. Most netbooks include additional useful features as well, such as an integrated web cam or Bluetooth connectivity for upgraded communication abilities.
So long as one’s expectations are reasonable, the communication-cantered netbook will more than satisfy most. Those looking for a first computer certainly won’t find better value in another package.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in computer consumables. If you want further information about netbooks or are looking for a trusted netbook retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com