How to Choose a Mini Laptop Or Netbook Computer
Mini laptops or netbooks are the new category of laptops, they are designed as a secondary system that you can carry anywhere you go. Their size is a little bigger than a paperback book, they weigh less than 3 pounds and have battery-saving features. Mini laptop displays are about 7 to 10 inches together with about 512MB to 1GB of RAM and a traditional hard drive. Unlike other laptops, netbooks have slower energy saving processors, so games won’t run as well.
If you are in the market for a netbook here are some things to look for and watch out for:
First you have to know what you want to use it for and what your budget it. If you are looking for a full featured laptop computer then don’t buy a mini laptop or netbook. The processor of a netbook is less powerful than a common laptop, this is to provide longer battery life. Mini laptops are good for doing homework on a word processing program, surfing the internet, working on spreadsheets or other office work and presentations.
Buy a netbook with a screen size of 8.9 inch or larger, because if your screen is small the disadvantage is you won’t be able to read an entire web page. This is less of a problem if you have a larger screen.
Get a 6 cell battery for it will offer you a whole lot more running time compared to the standard 3 cell batter. Aside from the additional cost you may find it a little heavier, but I think the trade-offs are worth it.
Try out the keypad first, and see if you’re comfortable with it.
Also check the software that comes pre-installed. Is it everything you need?
Shop around, list all the prices you find and compare them.
Do not load heavy applications on your mini laptop, since they are mini they do not have as much memory compared to normal laptops. It is also important for you to know which operating system is best for your mini laptop. Here is some information of the two most commonly used operating systems on mini laptops.
Linux: It considerably lessens the chance of a malware attack because of its smaller user base. The makers also designed its interface to be as easy as windows. There is just one disadvantage, you might have a hard time installing new programs and may need to do some tinkering in the command line. On the whole Linux is getting easier to use all the time, but I would still say only more computer savvy people should choose it for now.
Windows: This is mainly the most common operating system for mini laptops. This OS is compatible with almost every accessory or software program in the market. But because of their massive market share, they are targeted by malware attacks. So you have to have a strong security program.
Mini laptops are much cheaper compared to a normal laptops. So it is easier for you top find a cheap mini laptop deal online. Today there are lots of trustworthy sites online, and if you are not sure if they can be trusted you could always check reviews of them online.
Ian Wright can help you find cheap netbooks. Just visit his cheap new laptops website.
Related Reviews
Toshiba Mini NB205-N310/BN Reviews and Ratings (Top 10)
![]() | Top #1 Toshiba Mini NB305-N440BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook (8 Hour BatteryOverall Rating (6/10)![]() | |
| Review by Lu Ann Bradshaw (USA) 2010-07-18 I bought this product because it was upgradeable to 2 GB of RAM. IT IS NOT. I bought one of two memory modules they sold on their website that they claimed would work with this unit. IT DID NOT. Toshiba tech support gave me the runaround and sent me to an authorized service center where I learne... Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #2 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10)![]() | |
| Review by turkiye (USA) 2010-07-26 It seems very nice, has bigger keyboard providing better typing compared to other netbooks. But windows 7 lowers the running performance of the netbook, add 1gb ram and close off all visiul effects, i will be better. there is a camera display problem while connecting the internet, actua... Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #3 Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 10.1-Inch Black Onyx Netbook (8 Hour BatteryOverall Rating (6/10)![]() | |
| Review by Weagle (GA) 2010-07-18 Count me in as one who is disappointed. I did my research and bought the laptop and recommended memory for the upgrade on the same day (about a week ago now - NB305440BL) and attempted the install, got frustrated at the 2nd install attempt, and finally returned the memory. Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #4 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410WH 10.1-Inch Frost White Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10)![]() | |
| Review by Sean Albro (SEGUIN, TX, US) 2010-07-28 I love the portability of the Toshiba Mini, but the keyboard often requires hitting a letter several times to get it to appear. I can not tell you how frustrating it is to have to continually go back to retype something often having to hit the key pretty hard. This review should have only taken me 2... Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #5 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BN 10.1-Inch Java Brown Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10)![]() | |
| Review by Jose Morillo (USA) 2010-07-26 Excelent product, functional, comfortable, easy to handle outside the house or office. Perfect for students or people who work outside the office and need to bring information with them.... Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #6 Toshiba Mini 300 Series NB305-N310 10.1-Inch Netbook - Black OnyxOverall Rating (8/10)![]() | |
| Review by Sean Albro (SEGUIN, TX, US) 2010-07-28 I love the portability of the Toshiba Mini, but the keyboard often requires hitting a letter several times to get it to appear. I can not tell you how frustrating it is to have to continually go back to retype something often having to hit the key pretty hard. This review should have only taken me 2... Read more reviews | ||
![]() | Top #7 Toshiba Mini NB205-N325BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 9 HoursOverall Rating (8/10)![]() | |
| Review by Dee (USA) 2010-06-29 This was 1 of 2 pink Toshiba Mini I bought and had to return because of no picture on the screen.... Read more reviews | ||



























