Let’s face it, buying a new portable computer is never a cakewalk. Between laptops, notebooks, ultrabooks, or 2-in-1 devices that double as tablets, the market offering can be quite disconcerting! Before settling on a specific category, you’ll have to factor in several things, from design and portability to hardware.
Now, those seeking a compact and efficient machine can opt for netbooks, an increasingly popular option among users. In this dedicated guide, we’ll go over the most important considerations to help you select the netbook that will satisfy all your online needs.
Budget
As with any major tech purchase, price points are essential. If you’re a budget-minded customer, a netbook is naturally your go-to choice. Depending on the model in question, these generally retail for around $250 to $500. This is much more advantageous than spending upwards of $1,500 for a higher specs laptop, particularly for college students and tech beginners. That said, it’s best to allow yourself a comfortable envelope if you want a solid, durable machine.
Brand
Generally speaking, it’s best to steer clear of unknown brands. Thanks to their appeal and growing popularity, more and more manufacturers are entering the market; while their products might be reliable, purchasing from a recognized brand is always a safer bet. In that optic, the tech reviewers at https://www.laptopblogger.com/best-netbooks/ recommend sticking to leading manufacturers such as Dell, HP, ASUS, Acer, or Microsoft. Some research should point you toward useful comparative guides to accompany your selection process.
Design
Gone are the days of bulky, unflattering-looking computers! Today, customers want nice, sleek, streamlined machines that perform well and look the part. Throughout your research, don’t simply pay attention to the netbook’s internal specs, but to its design as well. Since they’re affordable for the most part, these are usually made with high-quality plastic and other metal elements. More costly options will come with a full-metal body for optimal durability and style.
Size
As their name suggests, netbooks are basically mini-versions of traditional laptops. Their portable form factor is another great advantage; smaller, thinner, and lighter, you can carry them wherever you are and store them with ease. So, on your quest for a new netbook, pay attention to their dimensions and weight to avoid drifting into “notebook” territory. Note that netbook devices rarely exceed 0.7 in thickness and 2.5lbs.
Display
Evidently, with a more compact size comes to a smaller screen. Don’t expect to find a netbook with a display larger than 10” or 11”, as anything above that will qualify as a laptop, and therefore be more expensive. At the same time, be aware that these devices don’t have the best screen resolution, which means they’re not ideal for watching movies, streaming, or performing heavy video editing. Besides, their internal power probably won’t allow all that, bringing us to our next point.
Processor and RAM
Netbooks are generally geared towards light users. They’ll be perfect for you to chat, check and write emails, take notes, or browse the web. Processor-hungry activities, such as streaming or multitasking, will slow down your machine considerably.
Given that they’re smaller and with fewer components, netbooks aren’t as powerful and feature-packed as regular laptops. You’ll find devices with entry-level processors, and 2, 4, sometimes 8GB of RAM, so choose a netbook according to your usage and needs.
Storage
In a similar vein, it’s no surprise that netbooks aren’t known for their enormous storage capacity. However, as cloud storage is becoming the norm, not having a 2TB SSD drive ready on your machine shouldn’t be a major obstacle to your everyday tasks. Netbooks are manufacture-equipped with 32GB up to 128GB, which can be bumped up with an SD card or an external USB drive for additional storage if the device allows it.
Battery Life
Lastly, but importantly, pay attention to battery life. With their compactness, netbooks have more efficient batteries and will last you the whole day on a single charge. The difference with a traditional laptop is quite significant; an entry-level netbook can last up to 10 hours, with some reaching over 14 hours of autonomy. This will mostly depend on the brand you choose, so be sure to compare different models and check out reviews before selecting a device.
All in all, there are plenty of advantages to owning a netbook. They’re super portable, energy-efficient, and largely affordable, making them perfect companions for novices, students, and people on-the-go. If you don’t mind the limited power and a smaller screen, take the leap. Now, with growing competition in this segment, it’s essential to consider all these mentioned factors for a fitting and long-lasting purchase. Many brands offer discounts and special deals on their products, so be on the lookout for those as well!
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