Popular Use of the Mini Notebook Computers

In recent years laptop computers have become more and more popular as prices have dropped and their computing power has increased to where they are as powerful as desktop models were just a few years ago. Netbook computers, which are smaller than regular laptops and have certain features missing such as a cd drive because they are designed primarily for using the Internet, have also been gaining ground, mostly because you can get a new one for under $300. These models, also known as mini notebook computers, are a good choice for many people such as students who are on a tight budget, as long as you can live with their limitations.

The recent rise of the mini notebook computer has its roots in a drive from a few years ago to develop laptops for schoolchildren in poor countries. The XO laptop was the first mass-produced computer to result from this development drive and sold for about $200. Competing models quickly emerged, typically having a screen less than 9 inches wide and storage of less than 10 GB.

As a general rule, laptop notebooks of this size are suitable for "text-heavy" tasks like word processing and using spreadsheets, as well as internet browsing and e-mail, but not for "graphics-heavy" tasks like video gaming or image editing or any tasks involving video, including watching YouTube videos.

On the plus side, mini notebook computers typically weigh under three pounds and are about the size of a hardcover textbook, so you can take one almost anywhere. In addition, unlike a Smartphone such as the iPhone, they are fully functional with a physical keyboard, Ethernet, and USB and other ports for peripherals. Moreover, there is the low cost. The most expensive ones will set you back only about $700, while the cheapest are around $250 or less. For an even cheaper option, you could rent a laptop of this size for as little as around $100 for one month, but this option only makes sense for people who are sure they will only want to use a Netbook computer for a short time, such as on a vacation. Another option for those who are primarily interested in saving money is to buy a laptop notebook computer on an installment plan.

Some good mini notebook computers to consider buying or renting are the Eee PC 900 from Asus, the 2133 Mini-Note from Hewlett-Packard, the Wind NB U100 from MSI, and the Aspire One from Acer.

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