Small laptops are great for those who already have a main computer.
Small laptop computers, also called "netbooks," are becoming a large part of the portable computing industry. Netbooks have changed definition over the years but they are typically laptops that have a screen size less than 14 inches. Great for travel and light computing needs, small laptop computers are a great addition for those that already have a main computer.
Considerations When Buying
When buying a small laptop computer there are certain technical specifications that should factor into your buying decision. Weight, screen, size, hard drive space, amount of RAM and operating system are all important details.
Hard drive: If you plan on storing a lot of movies or music, then you should consider a computer with a lot of hard drive space. Over 250 gigabytes of storage is sufficient for most people's needs.
RAM: Think of RAM as your short term memory. Applications that are in use are written to the RAM so that they can be accessed quickly. The more RAM a computer has, the more applications that can be open and the faster a computer can operate.
Operating System: For PC's there are several options for operating system. Some will sell Windows XP, some sell Vista and some sell Windows 7. Windows 7 is the highest rated Microsoft operating system and should be looked for when buying a PC.
The final consideration you should make is whether to buy a Macintosh or a PC. Macintosh computers are known for their ease of use and lack of problems with viruses or software breakdowns. PC's are more widely abundant, have more applications and are much cheaper.
Toshiba Mini Notebook NB300
The top-rated mini netbook in its class is the Toshiba NB300. With a screen of just over 10.1 inches and weighing in at 2.4 lbs, this is one of the most portable netbooks on the market. Finished in Royal Blue, the NB300 features 1 gigabyte of RAM and a 250-gigabyte hard drive, making it great for storing music and movies. The NB300 also comes equipped with a memory card reader, three USB ports and an integrated Web cam.
One consideration when buying this computer is the lack of optical drive. This means in order to play DVDs, one must purchase an external optical drive.
Price: $399
Samsung GO
The Samsung GO is a major player in the netbook market. Built for travelers, the Samsung GO boasts a 10.1 inch display, 1 gigabyte of RAM and a 250-gigabyte hard drive for storage. The GO also features Bluetooth connectivity to seamlessly transfer movies and music from devices that are also equipped with Bluetooth.
Other features include a 3-1 memory card reader, an integrated Web cam and a beveled ergonomic design for easy carrying.
The GO also sacrifices an optical drive for portability and size.
Prices online: From $429
ASUS Eee PC 1005HA
The ASUS Eee PC 1005HA is a small laptop computer that offers many of the same features as the previous two netbooks. It has a 10.1-inch screen, a 160-gigabyte hard drive, SD card reader and 1 gigabyte of RAM. It is a bit thicker, 3.4 inches, than other netbooks, but the ASUS name makes it one of the best performing small laptop computers on the market. This computer also lacks an optical drive.
Prices online: $334.23 - $405.73
13-inch MacBook Pro
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is Apple's answer to the small laptop market. Its performance and ease of use make the MacBook a popular choice for those that can afford its hefty price tag. The MacBook Pro's offer up to a 500-gigabyte hard drive or the option for either a 128- or 256-gigabyte solid state drive. The MacBooks also feature an integrated optical drive where the other netbooks do not.
Starting at $1,149, the MacBook Pro is a great option if price is not an issue.
Tags: hard drive, optical drive, small laptop, card reader, laptop computers, operating system, 13-inch MacBook