| > | | | | then they are very good indeed. Emails, word |
| | | | processing, and spreadsheets, work very well. They |
| Within the IT world the latest crazy gadget now is | | | | will also let you listen to music, but again, when it |
| the Netbook, looks like a baby version of a laptop. | | | | comes to video, think hard. |
| Smaller, less powerful and in most cases, a stripped | | | | The majority of Netbooks come with OpenOffice as |
| down version of a laptops operating system. | | | | standard, which allows you to write letters, do |
| The Netbook grew massively when Asus marketed | | | | graphics, spreadsheets and databases. |
| its first Netbook, the EeePC. Small, white thinnish | | | | Keyboards are getting much better, such as Asus |
| machine, which had Linux as its operating system, | | | | EeePC 1000 and the MSI Wind model. |
| and from £150 upwards, they are relatively | | | | Battery usage is excellent, with the new Asus |
| affordable, but are they useful? | | | | models giving up to 7 hours of continuous usages, |
| - They offer much in comparison to a full blown | | | | much better than a laptop. |
| laptop, much more convenient when it comes to | | | | For day to day tasks, they have enough processing |
| carrying them, you can slip a netbook inside a small | | | | power to help you out, and get the job done, but |
| handbag. | | | | keep away from graphic or multi-media intensive |
| - Can connect to the Internet. | | | | jobs. |
| - Most are running Windows XP, so are open to the | | | | Should I use Windows or XP? |
| vast world of Windows software. | | | | When Asus first brought out the EeePC it was all |
| But does the Netbook have a strong enough pair of | | | | about keeping price to a minimum, and so Linux was |
| legs to do what we take laptops for granted? Can it | | | | used. Manufactures thought about it, buy people |
| keep up with our demands? | | | | bought it. |
| Netbooks have been designed for:Ease of use that | | | | It also gave an extended life to Windows XP. Now |
| gives quick, and trouble free connectivity to the | | | | that Netbooks have become more powerful and the |
| Internet. | | | | price kept down, Windows is a big choice for most, |
| All come with WI-FI and more and more come with | | | | due to familiarity. XP is the de-facto OS on netbooks. |
| Bluetooth. So connecting to a 3G network via a | | | | If you feel that you can handle Linux then you can |
| mobile phone is all there. | | | | buy one with Linux or install it yourself. |
| High resolution is now affordable worth 1024 x 600 | | | | Windows does take more space than Linux, and |
| as standard. This means that most web pages can | | | | gives the CPU more stress, but is viewed as simple |
| be viewed comfortable. | | | | to use. If you do opt for Win XP then take into |
| Problems | | | | account Viruses. They will still be a threat even on a |
| As the Internet becomes more multi-media focused, | | | | Netbook. |
| this may take its toll on the power of the netbook. If | | | | So, should I get a netbook? |
| Flash is used on a website, then that in itself is | | | | They are very tempting if all you do are tasks that |
| demanding as it can take between 30% to 40% load | | | | are not multi-media intensive and you just do not |
| of the netbooks CPU. | | | | want to lug around a laptop. The netbook is a great |
| BBC's Iplayer will nearly wipe out the load on the CPU | | | | solution. |
| as 60% is common. What this means is that XP has | | | | They are highly portable, battery efficient and |
| little room for smooth usage. | | | | competitively priced, and that there is Netbook on |
| Erm, pretty negative. So what would I need a | | | | the market that will suit everyone's taste. |
| Netbook for? | | | | Take a look, have a good try and pick the brains of |
| Netbooks are great for work, especially on the | | | | the salesman that is looking after you. Remember, a |
| move. If you leave the multi-media world behind, | | | | Netbook is not just for Christmas, its for everyday. |