Best netbook – what’s the best mini-notebook for you

Netbooks are becoming the hottest segment of computing these days, with every major player beginning to produce them.  With new models being introduced almost everyday it seems, which ones are the best and what do you look for in a netbook?

Obviously the answer lies in what you plan to do with your netbook, but in most cases it comes down to wanting an ultra-portable laptop for basic Web-surfing, email, etc. that comes with the longest battery-life possible.  This is what the netbook segment was designed for, so let’s take a look at the major aspects of netbooks to help you narrow it down.  These features should be the deciding factor based on what you plan to do with your netbook;

Battery Life.  When thinking of netbooks, or ultra-portable laptops in general, battery life is a very important factor.  One of the most valued aspects of netbooks are the fact that most provide extra-long battery life.  Most netbook batteries are 6 to 8 cells and beyond.  In general, four to six hours is the max you’ll get on any netbook, even though some may claim they can produce eight to 10 hours.  This varies greatly with what you do on your netbook while using the battery.  Watching streaming video and gaming, for instance, will drain it much quicker than simply checking email and surfing the Web.  Most netbooks also come with several systems in place to monitor and extend battery life- meaning it will adjust backlighting accordingly and shut off the monitor after only one to two minutes of non-use.

SSD vs. HD.  More and more netbooks are coming with SSDs, or Solid State Drives, as opposed to standard hard drives these days.  The main difference being that SSDs have no moving parts, while standard hard drives contain many- including cooling fans, etc.  SSDs provide a quieter experience, are very durable, and are easier on batter life, but usually come with much less storage capacity.  When it comes to netbooks, SSDs are favorable only because of the portability, durability and the fact that since netbooks are, by nature, not meant for heavy-duty computing, the extra storage space really isn’t needed.  If you still plan on storing tons of music, video and other everyday files on your netbook, go with a standard hard drive.  You can find 80 to 160GB fairly easy on any netbook.

Windows vs. Linux.  Again, since netbooks aren’t truly intended for heavy-duty computing, Linux has been a popular choice for operating systems.  Usually, most manufacturers will offer a Windows-based version as well, with XP being the top choice due to processor restraints.  The cheaper netbooks that are solely meant for light computing and Web-surfing sport a specially-tuned version of Linux that organizes Web-centric tasks into one desktop-based environment.  The idea being, that since it’s a “netbook,” everything should be focused around the “net.”  Most people are already comfortable with Windows XP, and if you’re one of them, stick with what you know.  Another reason Linux is chosen for many netbooks, is the fact that Windows XP takes up a lot of room- room in which is limited on netbooks.  Windows also includes many applications that are meant for large desktop-environments, and just aren’t needed on netbooks- therefore Linux is a more efficient and user-friendly OS in many cases.

Overall size and screen-size.  This can be more important than people think.  When looking at netbooks, many people think they’d be fine with the small keys and small screen-size.  The truth is, after prolonged use, the size of the screen and keyboard become major issues.  If you’re used to massive 17 to 21-inch monitors, an 8 to 13-inch netbook monitor is going to be hard to get used to.  Also, different netbooks have different keyboard configurations, with some larger than others.  If you’re going to be doing image editing or other desktop-intensive activities with your netbook, get the largest screen you can find, otherwise you’ll have to live with the normal 9 to 13-inch screen.

When it comes down to choosing the right netbook for you, it’s as simple as looking at what you’d like to accomplish with your netbook.  In most situations, a netbook will be a secondary computer, as they lack the power and size for everyday computing.  If you’re more focused on finding an ultra-portable laptop that still sports Windows and the basic apps you’ve come to expect on your full-size computers, then go with a netbook from a leading manufacturer such as Dell, HP and so on.  Most large-scale computer makers offer a netbook that are just smaller versions of their larger and more powerful laptops.  If it’s solely batter life you’re after, it may be a better idea to choose the cheapest netbook you can find, and upgrade the battery to a 9-cell later on.  Since batteries are easily changeable, don’t let that be a deciding factor.

Netbooks are also good choices for those that are new to computing, or older people that are more focused on email and the most basic of Web-browsing.  If it’s a cheap computer you’re after, netbooks are the choice for you.  Asus and others sell netbooks as cheap as $299.  As with most things, look online before heading out to the big-box stores, as you can probably find a cheaper price.

Another option is to wait until wireless companies start offering subsidized netbooks along with wireless commitments.  If you’re already using a more bulky laptop together with a data card and data plan from your wireless provider, it may be worth looking into.  Soon, netbooks may be as cheap as $99 and lower with an associated data plan, and will be available just like cell phones already are.  If you’re in the market for a netbook, and also use a data card, it may be worth your time just to wait.  Of course, as with all computers, netbooks will continue to evolve and get cheaper overtime, just make the best decision based on what you think you’ll use and need in the future.