Because a netbook appears to be a laptop in a smaller case with less hardware, a lot of folks think that netbooks are just inexpensive laptops. This isn’t necessarily true. Netbooks serve specific needs, and you want to make sure that they will serve your needs before you buy one. Consider the following issues while you shop.
What are you using the computer for? Do you need to make documents, work on spreadsheets, visit a few websites, or type up memos on the go? Or do you need to use photo editing software or a graphics-intensive game on the go? If the former sounds like you, then a netbook can work great for you. Simple business is what it’s designed for. But it doesn’t have the computing power to handle memory- or graphics-intensive software. That’s just not its purpose.
Supposing you intend to use a netbook for its proper purpose, let’s figure out what details you want the netbook to cover. Let’s start with memory: do you need a lot of memory? Of course, if you need too much, you should upgrade to a laptop, because netbooks aren’t designed to run powerful programs. But if you need to watch some videos or download some large files sometimes, you’ll want more memory than if you only work with a word processor.
You should also consider battery life. A battery that lasts longer costs more, but it might be worth it if you need to work throughout a long flight and the airplane doesn’t have the right adapters for you to plug in en route. On the other hand, if you just need the netbook to work for a few minutes at a time throughout the day, you probably don’t need the best battery money can buy.
How durable is the netbook? Look at a few reviews and make sure it will stand up to the rigors of usage. A good netbook should survive normal physical wear and tear for three or four years. If it sounds like the model you’re looking at often breaks within, say, six months, that’s a definite “No.” If you can’t find any information, then it’s probably safe to assume that the netbook is durable enough for your intentions.
Just in case your netbook is prone to breaking easily, whether inside or out, you should make sure that it comes with some kind of warranty. Often, resellers of used computers will offer a warranty on certain parts or refurbished materials in the computer, and that may be the best you can do if you’re shopping used. If you’re shopping new, though, you should get a year’s warranty at a minimum. Don’t settle for less.
If a netbook is right for you, then consider these issues while you shop. You could save yourself some money and some time by purchasing the right netbook for you the first time. Portability is important in today’s world; make sure your netbook will keep you going.
