IT Professionals

To Netbook Or Not To Netbook

Posted by on Jul 17, 2009 | 2 Comments

Recently, I received an email question as to whether or not now is the time to buy a netbook. The big issue the person asking the question had was concern over buying a netbook only to have it being seen as obsolete a short time later.

Look, netbooks are, by nature, pretty low-power. So being overly concerned about them becoming outdated is almost a moot point. The fact of the matter is that I would be more concerned about keyboard accessibility than whether or not the CPU is top of the line. After all, it’s a netbook… so it is likely to be underpowered.

Should you be looking at buying a netbook now? Actually, the question should be whether a notebook might instead be a better option. If power and processing ability are the focus, then clearly going with a netbook makes no sense.

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  • http://www.goretsky.com/ Aryeh Goretsky

    Hello,

    It may be a good idea to wait until Microsoft Windows 7 comes out before making a new purchase, just to ensure that a new computer is fully compatible.

    On the other hand, the internal components of a netbook (processor, chipset, video, sound and so forth) are so standardized that it would be surprising if any of the hardware did not work with the release version of Windows 7.

    Given the almost complete lack of differentiation in the market for netbooks it is probably best to make a purchase decision based on such factors as usability of the keyboard and touchpad, screen size, battery life and so forth. From a performance persepective, there seems to be little difference between the various models.

    Regards,

    Aryeh Goretsky

  • Bob H.

    Hello to those interested,

    I have a Samsung NC10 (special build ) with a GSM Modem installed.

    GSM Quadband (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
    GPRS / EDGE (Klasse 12) UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA
    Upload up to 2,0 Mbit/s Download up to 7,2 Mbit/s
    (UL/DL speed depend on the network load)
    Bluetooth, WLAN, LAN, USB, SD

    this is my 2nd. Netbook now about 7 months old, currently running XP Pro.with 2 GBs Ram. the rest of Specs are standard.. I have trial wise loaded and used Windows 7 (Beta)on it with NO problems it found all devices and they worked. I’m now waiting for the Final Windows 7 to go on sale to upgrade my other laptop and Main Computer. as for the Netbook I have not found a better choice at least in my area (Germany)

    I also have a second battery (6 cell) each giving me about 6 hours of usage time, with both Modems turned off. with both Modems WLAN & GSM turned on about 4 hours ea.

    Cons, as with most Netbooks the CDROM Drive is missing, but an external drive works just as well keeping in mind Battery Life Shortens.

    Graphics are not what a Gamer is looking for but for General Office, Web Chat (Built in Cam) DVD and TV on a USB Stick it is working better than I expected.

    for those of you that don’t need the GSM Module there is a 3rd Party Touchscreen Mod. I have it installed on my other NC10 without the GSM due to the fact space is real tight , the controller for the touchscreen will not fit with the GSM Module installed (Hello Samsung) Both netbooks have more than paid for themselves.

    Note. I’m not working for Samsung, I drive a Bus for my living. So no Flames Pls.

    Regards Bob