Netbooks are generally known as a small laptops .Since netbooks are revealed, there are lots definitions on what netbook really is. According to Wikipedia; A netbook is a laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet. Also according to Intel; Netbooks are defined as clamshell notebooks with 7in to 10.2in screens, “purpose built for internet use.

Although there are so many definitions for netbooks and  so many things that defines a netbook a netbook, in my estimation, a netbook is a mini laptop that is used for small-web based applications. In addition this simple definition also there are some things that makes a netbook a netbook. Let’s look at them briefly.

Screen Size

Screen size is one of the most determinig thing when we will understand the name of the device. Because netbooks can be realized owing to the their size.  Generally they are in the range of 7- 10 inches. Although, some manufacturers still claim their 11-12 inches notebooks as netbooks, they are actually not a netbook.

Storage

The other thing is storage. For netbooks , there are two types of storage options; Solid State Disk (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD).  In general SSDs have 4- 32 GB capacities, on the other hand, HDDs capacities are range from 80- 160 GB in most netbooks. SDDs are more shoced resistant consequently they seems more convenient for netbooks which can be used on move or outside. However; they are more expensive than the HDDs.

Memory

Although; almost all netbooks are able to carry 2 GB ram, in most netbooks have 512 mb or 1 GB ram.

Weight

Almost all netbooks are 2-3lbs (1-1.5kg), although there are a few models which are slightly outside of this range. Yet, they are designed for mobility and portibility that is why they have to be light to carry them every where you want.

Processing Power

Netbooks use low powered processors in order to give good battery life.  They use one core rather than two cores so that they do not use up the battery energy in short time.  Because of this situations, they are not useful for complex computing tasks such as playing grapgically intensive video games or video editing and so forth. However, they can still meet our most of the everyday needs.

Connectivity

Most of the netbooks come with USB 2.0, memory card reader, headphone/mic socket as their brothers have. But some models have an express card slot and optional extras include bluetooth and 3G. In addition, mojority of netbooks- not old ones- have built in microphone and webcam to make video conferencing calls.

Keyboard Size

Keyboard size is of couse totally depend on screen size, but i have add this mostly, keyboard size range from  %80-92 of full size of netbook. I think before buying a netbook, this is the one of the most considerable thing because -especially if you have big finger- it can cause some problems for you:)

Operating System

At this moment, standard choices of operating systems are Linux and Windows Xp.  Windows Vista is not seem as a good option for netbooks due to big system requirements. However, Windows 7 is expected to be a replace for XP for netbook use. Yet it is more efficient with system resources.

Cost

Most of the netbooks are start off at around $300, although there are more expensive ones with some extra features and options.

Although, there are still some exceptions for netbooks, they are basically; light weighted, low-priced portable computer that is ideal for everyday computing tasks such as web-based applicaitons and some word processors.

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