For my regular work, I prefer using a full-size laptop, to get a good-sized keyboard and screen. However, there are times when I find it useful to have a smaller netbook computer, and if you need to be able to carry a laptop around then small is definitely beautiful – and light! Here I’ve picked out some of the best mini laptops on the market.
1. Acer Aspire AO533 in Red
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Price: $349.99 at amazon.com
I’ve been very happy with the two Acers I’ve had up to now, so I’d certainly consider buying another one. This model has a decent 10in screen, so you wouldn’t have to strain to read anything. I love the red color, which makes a change from the usual standard silver. On a technical note, the netbook has an excellent 8 hour battery life, weighs under 3 pounds, and is just 1in thick.
2. Asus Eee 1005HA
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Price: $269.99 at amazon.com
Netbooks just get cheaper and cheaper! If you’re looking for a basic machine with a good battery life, this could be the one for you. Like the Acer, it also has a 10in screen, and can manage 10 hours use on battery power.
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3. Asus Eee Seashell
Price: $349.99 at amazon.com
This is similar to the previous Asus, the difference being that it offers a incredible 14 hours battery time. So if you need a lot of cable-free use, and can’t easily recharge the battery, this could be your machine. Say, for example, you’re going camping and can’t live without Facebook …
4. Toshiba N310
Price: $328.95 at amazon.com
I’m now concluding that 10.1in must be the standard screen size for netbooks (not so long ago, there were a lot of 7 or 8in screens on the market, which were a bit too small for my liking. As well as a good battery (always an essential), this has one useful little feature – the impact sensor, which helps protect against knocks.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad
Price: $439.99 at amazon.com
If you love your gadgets, this might interest you. The IdeaPad is a versatile little machine that functions as both a netbook and a tablet (touchscreen). At under $450, it is well below the cost of an iPad.
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6. Apple IPad Tablet
Price: from $739.99 at amazon.com
If you’re an Apple devotee, and must have the real deal, then here it is. Apple products seem to have a very loyal following, with people queuing up to be among the first to get their hands on the new iPad, iPhone, iShoes … are you sure I’m kidding about that last one?
7. Samsung N150 Caribbean Yellow
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Price: $331.72 at amazon.com
They don’t get much more colorful than this little yellow number! Or if yellow isn’t your thing, you can opt for pink. A big plus point is the anti-glare screen, which would be especially useful when working outside. It is also designed to use less power, which makes it green (in the environmental sense, that is).
8. Disney Netpal by Asus
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Price: $340.37 at amazon.com
Definitely a girly netbook, this one! It’s designed for kids aged 6-12, but if you’re really into Disney (as some adults are), you may want to borrow it from them. Obviously, a major concern for parents with internet use is safety, and this netbook has many parental control features that will help keep your kids safe.
Do you own a netbook? If so, would you recommend it? What features do you look for when considering which one to buy? Is appearance a factor?