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.
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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?
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).
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?