Gillian Shaw
Sun
S121, ASUS
MINI 2140, HP
From a standing start in 2007 to projected sales of 50 million mini-notebook computers this year, the “netbook” is taking over as the new must-have tech toy for 2009.
And while it’s small enough to look like a toy computer, it’s a powerful business tool, with wireless Internet built-in for anywhere, anytime computing.
In its predictions for 2009, Deloitte says we can expect to see the tiny notebooks popping up as giveaways or heavily subsidized offerings — like cellphones are now — as companies seek to woo cash-strapped consumers.
Whether low-cost or no-cost, if you are new to netbook computers there are a few things you should know before you tuck one into your purse or knapsack.
– It is not your desktop computer; it is not even your laptop. It delivers well on its limited range, but don’t throw away your desktop computer and wonder why you can’t load humongous programs onto your tiny netbook.
– As a companion computer for your heftier notebook or desktop, it gives you mobile computing with built-in WiFi, usually Bluetooth. Many have Web cams built in, as well as stripped down offerings that make it best for e-mail, Web surfing, uploading photos or videos to an online site, and other simple tasks.
– Learn to love the cloud. Netbooks rely on “cloud computing” — that is, applications that you access online instead of loading onto your computer hard drive. Think Google docs, online photo editing — whatever task needs doing, likely there is an online offering, often free, that will fit the bill.
– Small is beautiful — losing the weight is great for your health. Most of the netbooks are in the one-kilogram (two-pound) range. Your chiropractor and physiotherapist will thank you.
– Decide what is most important to you and read the specs, not just the price. Try out the various models. Is an eight-inch screen enough for you? They range up to 12.1-inches with Asus’ new S121. Try out the keyboards — the handiest, smallest models also have keyboards to match, so if you are all thumbs and you’re defeated by your BlackBerry, consider one with a keyboard closer to what you’re used to.
– Check battery size. Three-cell tends to be standard, but for computing on the go, you might opt for the longer lasting six-cell. In Canada, most netbooks start around $350 and go up depending on features. The Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month showcased some of the latest offerings in netbooks, among them:
S121, ASUS
From netbook pioneer Asus — which first launched the successful Eee PC, a netbook that the Royal Bank gave away as an incentive to new customers for a while — is the senior sibling, the S121. With a 12.1-inch screen and weighing 1.45 kg with a hefty (for a netbook) hard
drive storage of 250 GB, it’s more of a hybrid than some of the smaller, less-powerful netbooks. For many computer users, it may be all they need. www.asus.com
MINI 2140, HP, FROM $500 US
With a 10.1-inch screen, the new HP mini-notebook fits in the range of LG’s X110 — slightly larger than the smallest netbooks, and at 1.19 kilograms a bit heavier. If you find yourself squinting too much at the smaller screen, consider going with a 10-inch. Price depends on the model: More storage and more memory come in the higher-priced versions, but all three in the lineup have WiFi, Bluetooth and build-in cameras. www.hp.com
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