Netbooks – The Ins and Outs

As I mentioned in the last article, I use a netbook computer when I visit a customer site to solve problems.  I can connect it to their network to see what is working and what is not. I can browse the Internet to research solutions. I also have access to my e-mail while in the field. In addition, I have reference material stored on it.  So as you can see this works very well for me.

Is a Netbook Right for You?

You can begin by asking yourself some questions.

• What am I going to do with this device?
• Is mobility important to me?
• Do I want something very small and light weight?
• Do I need a built-in DVD drive?
• Can I handle the smaller keyboard?
• Do I like using a touch pad versus a mouse?
• Do I need a larger screen?
• Is long battery life important?
• Do I use programs that need a lot of power?

 As with any piece of equipment, there are pros and cons to evaluate. The questions above hint at some of these so let’s list the important ones.

Pros

• High mobility – small and very light weight
• Long battery life
• Relatively inexpensive
• Built-in wireless capabilities

 Cons

• Smaller screen (10 inches)
• Smaller keyboard (90% of notebook size)
• Less powerful Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Maximum 2 gigabyte RAM capacity
• No internal DVD drive

 If you just can’t live with one or more of the limitations of a netbook, consider getting a more traditional notebook or laptop computer.

Once you have made your evaluations and decided that a netbook will work for you, look at features before buying a particular model.  If you need a feature, get it now, adding later may not be possible.

Features

• Number of USB Ports – Some only have two. You will use these for a mouse, printer, or DVD drive. The more the better.
•  External Video Port – This supports using a larger monitor or attaching a PowerPoint projector. 
• Built-in Bluetooth – Headsets, external keyboard/mouse, connection to a Smart Phone are some possible uses. 
• Battery Life – This can range from a couple of hours up to about 14 depending on the model. 
• Wireless Connection Speed – Some support the G standard (54 Mbps) and others support the newer N (up to 300 Mbps). 
• Amount of Memory (RAM) – Basic units have only 1GB.  I highly recommend getting the maximum of 2GB.

Workarounds

Maybe the netbook isn’t the perfect choice but it’s close. What can you do to improve things?

• Screen, keyboard, mouse – When at home, attach an external monitor, a mouse, and full-size keyboard. 
• Play Movies on a plane – Buy software that will put the movie on your hard drive before the trip. 
• Running out of USB Ports – Get a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or headset. At home, get a USB hub to provide more.

Conclusions

I hope that this has helped you to decide whether a netbook is right for you and what to look for when you buy one.  If a netbook doesn’t happen to work out, you can still use this approach to get a more traditional notebook or laptop computer.

In any case, enjoy the freedom that mobile computing can provide.