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ShareWhile pundits continue to argue over what constitutes a 'netbook' and not a notebook or laptop, the fact is consumers now have an ever-expanding range of portable computers to choose from. This is obviously a good thing for the price conscious because they no longer have to shell out Rs35,000+ for a laptop which will be used mostly for browsing the net. At the same time, the multitude of choices can be a challenge for a buyer because you might end up buying a netbook when you in fact require a more powerful laptop or vice versa.
What a netbook is meant for
Netbooks are primarily meant for internet browsing, writing and editing documents, and making simple powerpoint presentations. They also have inbuilt webcams which enable video chats.
Unlike laptops which typically have 14-15 inch screens, netbooks currently have 9-10 inch screens, although devices with 12 inch screens are now making an appearance too.
The smaller size makes them lighter -- netbooks weigh around 1kg while laptops usually weigh 2.5kg or more. This makes them handy to lug around and easier on the pocket too, ranging from Rs15,000 to Rs25,000.
And what it isn't meant for
For starters, there is no CD/DVD drive on a netbook. You would have to use an external CD drive hooked on via a USB port. Ironically enough, the manufacturers themselves continue to ship netbooks with the software on CDs! Getting to reinstall, say, a driver, is however a roundabout process without an inbuilt CD drive.
The processors used in netbooks are less powerful than those used in laptops. Intel decided to bring out a new line of processors -- Intel Atom -- specifically designed for netbooks. They usually have 1GB RAM and hard disk capacity of 80 to 160 GB. Pen drives and portable hard disks would take care of additional data to be transferred or stored.
Netbooks mostly come loaded with Windows XP Home, because XP Pro or Vista would hog processing power. This is usually not a constraint for standalone users, but it would become one in an enterprise networking environment. And, without a graphics card, gaming is almost completely ruled out.
So, what was my experience?
I have a 14inch laptop from Dell's Inspiron series, which is loaded with an Intel Core2Duo processor, 3GB RAM and Nvidia graphics card. The laptop runs on Windows Vista Home Premium.
The netbooks, at first glance, seemed like toys in comparison. But after using them for three weeks, I realised that browsing the internet and working on office documents to file stories -- which is what I do 90 per cent of the time -- is actually more convenient in a smaller and lighter device. I never had to think twice
before tossing a netbook into my bag. My laptop, on the other hand, largely remains indoors.
Windows XP Home worked smoothly on the Intel Atom processor paired with 1GB RAM. You can in fact open your browser, edit documents and play music at the same time with minimal drop in performance. But netbooks slow down while running resource hungry programs like Photoshop and graphic editing programs, and applications like Microsoft's latest office suite, Office 2007. (An earlier version of Office would be no problem.)
Batteries of netbooks last for fewer hours when compared to laptops. How the netbook manages its power, therefore, is a distinguishing feature between netbooks. Asus EEE 1000HE which lasts the longest on a single charge uses a newer processor Intel Atom N280, which is better at power management.
While the smaller size of the netbook makes it convenient to carry around, this also means that the size of the keyboard is reduced. How the keys are placed in this small space contributes to the user experience. HP Mini 1000, for example, had the largest keys because the keyboard stretches from edge-to-edge of the body. Similarly, due to the small screen size, I had to scroll horizontally on some websites.
What next?
About a year ago when I was deciding on which laptop to buy, I was left frustrated. Portability is important to a journalist. But all the 12inch and 13inch laptops available at the time boasted high end specs which jacked up their prices. Laptops with lower technical capabilities that suited my needs came with 14inch screens or more.
With netbooks that are available today, I have a greater choice. Not surprisingly, consumers have given a big thumbs-up to netbooks. "Netbooks are eating into the share of low-end laptops," says Diptarup Chakraborti, principal research analyst at Gartner.
And there's more action still to come. Newer netbooks are coming with larger 12-inch screens -- the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, for example.
Moreover, Intel has launched new ULV (ultra low voltage) processors which will consume less power and also enable manufacturers to build thinner devices.
The ULV feature is expected to further blur the lines between netbooks, notebooks and laptops. "The Atom (processor) cannot support devices that have a screen size of greater than 12inches. But ULVs will enable companies to introduce 13 or even 15inch models (which are cheaper and lighter than the current laptops)," informs Chakraborti.
Adding to the churn, Microsoft has announced that its new OS, Windows 7, will run not only on higher end devices but also netbooks. Chakraborti says consumers will be able to pick up a portable computer that is a closer fit for their requirements and budget. "I feel the lines between product categories will be obliterated."
Asus EEE PC 1000HE
USP: Sturdy build, long battery life
The 1000HE feels bulky compared to others, but is the sturdiest of the lot. The screen shows minimal reflections, but it is dimmer than the rest.
The netbook has a chiclet keyboard which leaves more space between the keys. But this reduces the size of the keys. But we didn't make many typos. The Elantech touchpad means you can scroll up and down by sliding two fingers on it.
The 1000HE is powered by the newer processor in the Atom series, the N280. According to Intel, the processor has better power management. This is where the 1000HE really shines. Asus claims the larger battery on this device can keep it running for 9.5 hours.
Samsung NC 10
USP: Great looks, good battery life
Samsung combines elegance and functionality. The netbook is robust, and better designed thanAsus. The netbook we received was navy blue with a glossy finish.
Samsung also has the best screen in the group. The 10inch screen was the brightest of the lot with minimum reflections and reproduced colours perfectly.
The keyboard too was one of the finest. Only the HP Mini 1000 rivals it. The raised keys are big making it very easy to type. The touchpad is a tad smaller than the rest.
The standout feature for the Samsung netbook -- like Asus -- is the battery life. It delivered almost 6 hours on a single charge.
Dell Inspiron Mini 12
USP: Bigger screen, great looks
The Mini 12's bigger size lends Dell some advantages: you can view webpages without having to horizontally scroll.
Dell also has more room to play around with in the keyboard. The keys are the largest. The touchpad, however, has a rough texture which is very irritating to use.
The well-designed Inspiron Mini 12 can certainly hold its own even in a conference room. And the Mini 12 also feels robust despite its thinness. It is also the quietest of the lot and heats up less than the others.
The Mini 12 has a good configuration which is spoilt by a measly 80GB hard-disk -- a big letdown on a well-perfoming netbook.
Acer Aspire One d250
USP: sturdy construction
Acer's Aspire One d250 comes second after Asus in terms of build quality but is better designed than Asus. Yet it doesn't compare to Samsung and HP in style. The test piece we got was red and we don't recommend it.
The screen is dimmer than the rest and also quite reflective, making it difficult to view it outdoors. Colour representation was fine though.
Acer's keys are the smallest in our comparison yet tactile. The keyboard is well constructed. There were no glitches while using this one and all the basic apps ran smoothly.
But it disappointed a bit with battery life -- the 3-cell battery lasts about 3 hours and the 6-cell battery about 5 hours on one charge.
HP Mini 110
USP: excellent design
The HP Mini 1000 is the most stylish of all. It's thin and the battery that juts out props the netbook up at a convenient angle to type. But it feels more delicate than the rest.
The Mini 110's 10-inch screen renders a crisp display with bright colours.
The keyboard is its stand-out feature. The keys are larger but the touchpad is a letdown. The left and right click buttons are placed on either side of the touchpad -- instead of below, making it difficult to use.
Mini 110 comes with a 160GB hard-disk, unlike its predecessor which had only 60GB.
The HP Mini's battery life is poor. The 3-cell lithium ion battery lasts for around 3.5 hours.
