Tech Talk
Q: I attend a workshop recently where I saw one of the other participants with the smallest computer I have ever seen. When I asked about it, I was told it was a netbook. I’ve never heard of this. What’s the difference between a laptop and netbook?
A: Just as computer chips have gotten smaller and lighter, we have come to expect the same with our portable computers. Netbooks are small, portable computers. You might think about this as the natural evolution of computers from desktop, to laptop, to notebook, to netbook.
Asus led the netbook revolution in late 2007 by introducing the tiny Atom-powered Eee PC. The other big name computer manufacturers soon followed.
Of course, each product has it’s own unique specifications and upgrade options, but the common features include: weight (3 lbs or less); a keyboard that is 75-80% of standard size; a 9-inch screen; built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB ports, and slots for flash memory cards. The tradeoff to reduce the size and weight means that netbooks do not have CD or DVD drives. Prices for netbooks range from $200-$400.
Netbooks commonly run Linux or Windows XP Home edition operating systems. Users can also opt for custom versions of GNU/Linux (such as Ubuntu or Linpus Linux). Advanced users may wish to install other operating systems – including Windows XP Professional, or a Mac OS. Some netbooks can run full office applications; however, users also may rely on applications and services available on the Internet – known as cloud computing – which require less powerful hardware.
By late 2008, netbooks had begun to take market share away from laptops. An estimated 11.4 million netbooks were sold in 2008, up from 400,000 in 2007. For 2009, sales are expected to grow by 189%. Sales of netbooks are projected to increase up to 50 million by the year 2012.
Learn More
Netbook
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netbook
Comparison of Netbooks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_netbooks
The Rise of the Netbook
http://news.cnet.com/Year-in-review-The-rise-of-the-Netbook/2009-1042_3-6248307.htm