NetBook or Laptop: Which Should You Choose?

So you want to be more mobile in your home computing but are having some trouble deciding between a traditional full sized laptop and a netbook or mini-laptop. Well, it just happens that I have had a netbook for almost a year and can share what my experience has been.

First the pros and cons of the netbook: under the pros heading; I love the small size and light weight of it for carrying it around. I just throw it in my briefcase or suitcase for travel or just carry it around like I would a book. I also like the price, though the smaller (15 inch or so) laptops are starting to rival the netbook prices. I chose Windows XP (a trademark of Microsoft Corp.) as my OS rather than Linux, so there’s not much change from my desktop in that respect. I love the netbook’s display; it’s very sharp and crisp and I really don’t mind the small size. In fact, I’m writing this article from it right now, sitting in my den. Still addressing the pros; it has a built-in wireless card, three USB ports, and the usual input/output receptacles you’d expect. Lastly, the speed is not blinding, but is surprisingly quick for a device of this size and price.

Now for the cons: I wish I’d paid a little more for a longer-lasting battery, but that’s my fault. I also wish the keyboard was a little larger. I’ve got large hands and it’s a little uncomfortable to use. I’ve gotten use to holding my hands closer together on the keyboard, but I still fumble-finger keys more than on a full-size keyboard. That being said, I love to use it and do almost every day. The last item that I consider a con is that the netbook has no optical image drive for watching videos or transferring data. However, even this item can be overcome with a little planning and a large capacity thumb drive.

Overall, I’m pleased with my little buddy and enjoy it’s portability very much. I recommend that you go to your local computer store and do a little typing on the netbook of your choice, or several of them to see if the keyboard size is a problem for you. If not, go for it and get a little buddy of your own to keep you company in your den.

Paul Lubic is a seasoned IT guy who’s used computers at home for more years than he’d care to say. His objective is to use this article and his blog site to pass on lots of valuable information that you can use in your home computing endeavors. Check back often to see what he’s up to at Paul’s Home Computing Blog at http://www.paulshomecomputingblog.wordpress.com.

Remember, home computing is a blast…keep it productive and enjoyable.
Paul E. Lubic, Jr.
paulshomecomputing@yahoo.com

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