Wikipedia says a netbook is a light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient, highly portable laptop suitable for web browsing, word processing, and general purpose applications — primarily noted for its small form factor. Netbooks typically have less processing power than full-featured notebooks and limited ability to run resource-intensive operating systems. As such, Netbooks are targeted at users increasingly accessing Web-based services. These applications can include online gaming, social networking and using free web applications such as contact and time-management web applications like Google Calendar or photo-hosting sites such as Flickr - none of which require hefty resources for the local computer.
The netbook’s form factor prioritizes small size and low weight — with a smaller size than a notebook and a typical weight of 2 to 3 lb (about 1 kg). To this end, netbooks typically feature an LCD screen of 7-10 inches, measured diagonally, and a keyboard usually 80 percent to 95 percent of a full-sized laptop’s. Netbooks may include wireless connectivity and solid-state drives — and may forego a hard disk drive or optical disc drive (CD or DVD).
So if you’re thinking of purchasing a laptop computer in the near future, maybe you should consider a netbook instead.
Here are the three best reviewed netbooks (reviewed by crave.cnet.co.uk):
#3. Eee PC 1000
The good
The 1000 series’ girth allows it to have a 10.2-inch screen, running at 1,024x600 pixels. Its keyboard is 92 per cent the size of a full laptop keyboard. Inside, it benefits from a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU and up to 2GB of RAM -- making it among the most powerful in its category.
As you may have guessed, it comes in two versions: the Linux, and the Windows XP model -- dubbed the Eee PC 1000H. Interestingly, users will also get up to 20GB of Web-based storage included. High-definition audio, 802.11n Wi-Fi and a battery life of 3 hours 56 minutes also make it well worth looking at.
The bad
The 1000 series weighs a not-insubstantial 1.33kg.
When’s it out, and what’ll it cost?
Now. US$470
Read more in the full Eee PC 1000 review.
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39030093,49298100,00.htm
#2. MSI Wind U120
The good
Say goodbye to unsightly USB dongles; the U120 will sport its own integrated broadband adaptor. That means you can surf anywhere you please, any time you like. The Wind U120 is set to have a slightly more sophisticated look than the U110, but will probably feature the same 10.2-inch display, Windows XP, a 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom CPU and hard drives up to 160GB in size. Add all that to battery life of 3 hours 39 minute and you’ve got a real winner.
The bad
We’ve yet to find anything wrong with the Wind U120. Sure, some might moan about the relatively small mouse trackpad, and the fact the 160GB hard drive might get damaged if you drop the machine.
When’s it out and what’ll it cost?
January 2009. Unknown
The full MSI Wind review: http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39030093,49297130,00.htm
#1. Eee PC S101
We thought the S101 was going to be a flop when we first heard about it. Not only was it expensive, it was aimed at suit-wearing business types and people who know what a cravat is. After taking a closer look at it, however, we’ve decided it is -- hands down -- the best netbook on the planet. Probably.
The good
The S101 is the most attractive netbook on the market, without a doubt. Brown isn’t the sexiest color in the world, but Asus has chosen just the right shade and the right level of glossiness -- the S101 rivals a Snickers bar for lickability. The Swarovski crystals on either edge of the hinge might seem misguided on paper, but again, the implementation is absolutely spot-on. The whole thing is thinner and lighter than most netbooks, yet remains supremely usable.
The bad
The S101 has the misfortune of launching at a time when the most common spoken words are ‘credit’ and ‘crunch’. Also, it doesn’t have integrated HSDPA, but that’s something you can learn to live with. Its 3 hour 23 minute battery life isn’t spectacular either, but it’s long enough to watch a couple of full-length movies -- and that’s good enough for us.
When’s it out and what’ll it cost?
Out now, US$650
Read more in the full review of the Eee PC S101 here
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39030093,49299379,00.htm
This full article listing all 10 netbooks: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49297248,00.htm
There you have it!
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