Netbooks equal computing anytime, anywhere

Specially designed for accessing the Internet and wireless communication on the go, netbooks are considerably smaller and lighter than the average laptop. Ranging in size from 5 to 10 inches, netbooks typically weigh around a pound. (Average laptops have a screen size of around 15 inches and weigh around 3 kilos.)

They’re also lighter on the pocket, with the average netbook costing CHF270 compared to CHF910 for the average laptop.

Netbooks do not have the same capacities or available memory as a laptop, the focus is not on embedded applications but on online-based ones like Google Docs, taking advantage of the current trend towards “cloud computing” in which data they are managed and stored on servers and not on the machine itself.

An example of “Cloud Computing” is the Picnik website; an online photo editing service that offers functionality similar to Photoshop. It’s easy to use, there’s no registration required, nothing to download, install or save to the machine and you can edit and enhance your photos right through your web browser for free.

Two things to consider when buying a netbook are screen size and resolution;

· You may need to scroll sideways on some sites, especially when reading large amounts of text

· Ensure adequate battery life, as netbooks are primarily designed for computing on the go

The ASUS EEEPC 701 netbook retails for around CHF170 and is ultra-portable, weighing just 0.905kg and measuring 225mm x 160mm (half the size of an A4!). It also has 512MB of memory and 8GB of storage, a 7-inch screen, and a fairly standard 3-hour battery life. This model offers a Linux operating system, which means that an optical drive is not required to install the software.

Alternatively, the Toshiba NB100-12A netbook retails for around CHF262 and offers a Windows XP operating system. It includes an Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, 120 GB of storage, an 8.9-inch display screen. With just 3.5 hours of battery life, it might not be as convenient to use on the go as other makes and models, but it’s light enough at just over 2.5 pounds.

At the top of the price scale, the ACER AOD150-1BW 6C netbook costs CHF329, weighs just 1.2 kilos and offers a whopping 7 hours of battery life, making it a superportable computer for a professional on the go The viewscreen is slightly larger at 10cm and should bypass the need for excessive side scrolling. This model also has a higher processor cache than Toshiba and Asus, so it should run smoother and faster. It also includes Intel 945GM Shared Graphics, a cost-effective solution that borrows your computer’s main memory for graphics use.

In the world of technology, smaller is considered better, but make sure you don’t choose a machine that is so small that it is too difficult and cumbersome to use. As with most things, there will have to be a compromise between size, functionality, and ease of use.