Choosing a Mini Laptop - A Checklist
Mini-laptops are perfect for students, travelers, and just about everyone who wants a lightweight, portable laptop. Once you have determined that a mini-laptop, also known as the Netbook, corresponding to your needs, you decide which model is right for you. While they share some common features, screen size from 8.9 to 10.2 mm, low weight and small form factor, there are some differences.
Screen Size: Most laptops have a mini -Screen, either 8,9 or 10.2 inches.
Advantages: The benefits of a larger screen is that it increases the readability.
Con: The increased screen size increases the weight of the laptop and possibly decreases battery life. It also increases the overall size of the laptop.
Hard Drive (Storage): Mini-laptops are available with either a solid-state drive, memory chips, or a traditional hard drive disks and read / write heads are used.
Advantages: SolidState drives are generally faster, because there is no read / write head to move and less bound to fail again because of the lack of moving parts.
Con: Solid state drives for laptops are currently available in sizes from 8 GB to 64 GB. It is small in comparison with the standard 160GB hard drive.
If you are a mini-laptop with a solid state drive you can use an external USB drive for additional storage and backup.
Operating system: Windows XP orLinux
Advantages: The advantage of Linux that much less space on the hard drive and is faster.
Con: programs for Windows, which run most programs in the consumer market are designed so as not to Linux.
While programs such as OpenOffice, a free office suite like Microsoft Office, Linux versions, if you make a technical user, the things that work for them, it is best to a mini-laptop with Microsoft XP sales are pleased to optimizeinstalled.
Battery: 4 cell or 6 cell
Advantages: 6-cell batteries usually have a longer battery life than 4-cell battery.
Con: 6-cell battery weighs a little more and are more expensive.
Unless you go with your laptop to stay plugged in all the time or your budget simply does not extend further, select a mini-laptop with a 6-cell battery.
If you found a laptop computer with your desired screen size, hard drive, operating system and batteryIt is important to determine whether you prefer a mini-laptop with the new Wireless-N and it would, if built-in Bluetooth is important to you. Note that Wireless N is backward compatible with Wireless-B / G. If you want the laptop are not integrated Bluetooth be aware that inexpensive Bluetooth adapters are generally available. The final decision is the color. Some models of the mini-laptops are available in different colors like black, blue, pink, green, red andmore.
John Kessler is a self-described geek with an interest in all technical matters. Visit to compare http://www.compareminilaptops.com mini-laptops like the Acer Aspire One and Asus Eee PC 1000HA.
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| Review by Steveee (NC, USA) 2010-03-05 Tried a few netbooks and the Toshiba seems the most substancial--though slightly heavier. It has a laptop feeling with a better keyboard and mouse pad. Phenomenally portable. Battery a little less than 9 hrs, but, certainly 7 or so with heavy processing use. The Toshiba telephone service was also gr... Read more reviews | ||
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| Review by Doc Welby (BLAUVELT, NY USA) 2010-03-11 I carefully researched netbook computers and decided on this Toshiba NB305-N410 over the Asus models. I ordered it from Amazon, along with the 2GB upgrade, and excitedly greeted the UPS truck as the package arrived this afternoon. Now, just a short time later, I am packing up my new Toshiba ... Read more reviews | ||
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| Review by Paco (USA) 2010-03-07 Okay, I like others have thoroughly researched and taken my time to buy a netbook. I was first intrigued with the Toshiba Nb205, but had issues with the battery sticking out, so I waited until a newer version was released to see if the issue would be resolved, and it was. The Toshiba N... Read more reviews | ||
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| Review by Steveee (NC, USA) 2010-03-05 Tried a few netbooks and the Toshiba seems the most substancial--though slightly heavier. It has a laptop feeling with a better keyboard and mouse pad. Phenomenally portable. Battery a little less than 9 hrs, but, certainly 7 or so with heavy processing use. The Toshiba telephone service was also gr... Read more reviews | ||
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| Review by chinbread (TRINIDAD) 2010-03-08 Small, portable, user friendly, nice finish and great looks. the keyboad takes some getting used to. this cannot replace your laptop if u are doing anything more than email and wordprocessing.... Read more reviews | ||
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