Computing on the Fly: The Increasing Popularity of Netbooks

It's physically impossible for me to walk from point A to point B without sending an e-mail or text via my BlackBerry (aka: "Crackberry"). I just can't do it. And, waiting in lines infuriates me because I strongly dislike unproductive downtime. Fortunately for me, it's socially acceptable to walk around with my head buried in a handheld device. Still, I wonder what people would think if I strolled around town with a netbook.

Netbook Features

Originally aimed at children, netbooks are very small notebook, or laptop-like, computers. While most laptop computers weigh between 5 pounds and 10 pounds, the lightest netbooks weigh less than 2 pounds. Below are some other features of netbooks:

• Connect-ability: Most netbooks come with network access, so users can simply plug a cord into the computer and connect to the Internet. Netbooks also have Wi-Fi capability, which enables users to connect to the Internet at any public place with Wi-Fi.
• A plethora of ports: Most netbooks come with two or three USB ports, headphone and microphone ports.
• Compact size: Netbook screen sizes vary from 5.6 inches to 10.2 inches, so they'll fit comfortably in most purses and backpacks.
• Storage space: Netbooks can hold anywhere from 16 GB to more than 160 GB of data, which is pretty impressive for such a tiny computer.
• Connectivity to full-sized monitors: I've never encountered a netbook that didn't offer a video graphics array (VGA) plug for connectivity to a full-sized monitor. What's more, the resolution of the output to the screen is also excellent and comparable to full-sized PCs.
• Cost-effective: Dell, for instance, offers a netbook that starts at just $249. However, the technology giant also sells top-of-the-line netbooks that retail up to $900.

Ideal Users

Whether you don't require a full-sized computer or simply hate being idle, don't discount the utility of a netbook. After all, these small computers can be great alternatives to larger PCs.

So, who's the ideal candidate for a netbook? Consider my mother: She will never play high-graphic computer games, edit videos or create lengthy PowerPoint presentations with 175 content-rich slides. She simply checks her e-mail and writes the occasional letter. In addition, she likes to work while watching TV and doesn't want a 10-pound laptop perched on her lap. Oh, and she doesn't want to spend a small fortune on a new computer. All things considered, my mother could certainly benefit from a netbook.

Evaluating the Technology

Before you shell out your hard-earned money for a netbook, consider the following aspects:

• The keyboard size can be quite small, so you may have a hard time using it for more than just Internet access. However, if you only use the keyboard to search for the occasional word or web address, you'll likely be fine.
• Are you're hoping to work on a PowerPoint presentation during your downtime? If so, purchasing a netbook might not be the best choice. These devices are generally geared toward surfing the Internet or accessing small, basic documents.
• If you plan on carrying your computer with you 24/7 and using it to blog, you might want to look beyond the netbook. The battery life of most netbooks ranges from just 2.25 hours to an average of 4.5 hours. But, really, who has more downtime than that each day?

Talk About It

Do you own a netbook? If so, would you recommend this technology to a friend? Please share your likes/gripes about netbooks with the OfficeArrow community.