What is a Netbook?
A netbook is a mini-laptop computer designed for mobility, wired and wireless online access, word processing and general office applications. Weighing in at 2-3 pounds (.9 – 1.4 kilograms) and featuring LCD screens between 6-10 inches (15-25 cm), the netbook is a perfect companion for people on the go who want connectivity without lugging a much heavier, full-sized laptop along. Many manufacturers offer netbook models including Asus® Acer®, Hewlett Packard®, Dell®, MSI® and others. To achieve the lightest weight, netbooks do not have integrated compact disk players. Instead most feature two or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, a video-out port, SD card reader, integrated speakers and microphone and headphone jacks. Netbooks also feature a built-in camera for video blogging and Skype. Keyboards are 5% – 20% smaller than a standard board, and memory and disk drive space vary, dependent in part on the operating system installed. Battery life also varies between models, ranging from t
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 by Dave Winer. In October, I wrote a piece that explained why I like netbooks. It listed a set of criteria that says if something is a netbook or not. Yes, it’s my opinion. But someone has to start this conversation. There have been some ridiculous ideas of what netbooks are and aren’t. According to Steve Jobs, an iPhone is netbook. Heh. He’s making a joke. It’s funny. I have an iPhone and I like it — but I have a netbook too. Anyway, without further ado, here’s my list of what makes a netbook a netbook. 1. Small size. 2. Low price. 3. Battery life of 4+ hours. Battery can be replaced by user. 4. Atom processor. 5. Rugged. 6. Built-in wifi, 3 USB ports, SD card reader. Ethernet, SVGA, webcam, audio in and out. 7. Runs any software I want (no platform vendor to decide what’s appropriate). 8. Competition (users have choice and can switch vendors at any time). 9. Windows XP. All these things are important. I think we could make room for a Macintosh netbook, b
In some of my previous posts, I dropped the term “Netbook” a couple of times, but an email from one of our readers made me realize I never really explained what a Netbook is. Of course, since this is Gadling, I’ll not only explain what it is, but I’ll also explain how a Netbook can help you on the road, or how it can help you travel lighter. The short version of the “Netbook” description is that it is a small portable computer, designed mainly with Internet access in mind. Netbooks are low power, low weight and (usually) low cost. So, what makes the Netbook special, and why should you care?
