Laptop Computer Zone

Small Laptop Computers – are they right for you?

By Charles L Harmon

The computer market is slowly introducing small laptop computers to the general public.  They come in two configurations.  The smallest one is called an Ultra Mobil PC.  This small laptop has a screen size of seven inches or less.  The other one is called a Netbook.  This small laptop has screen sizes of nine inches, ten inches, and twelve inches. 

One of the compelling reasons to buy one of these is the price. You can purchase a small moderately equipped laptop computer for $500.  If you’re lucky you can buy for considerably less than that if you wait until a big sale on them is found.

The Netbook is ideal for a student or someone who needs internet connectivity, basic word processing, and email.  A drawback to small laptop computers is if the user has to use the laptop for several hours, the size of the keyboard could result in operator fatigue.  The largest keyboard that comes on small laptop computers is about 90% of a full keyboard size.  A small laptop computer has features similar to the following list.

• Windows 7
• 160 GB Hardware
• Ethernet
• Mic-in
• Card reader
• 3 USB ports
• Webcam
• Choice of colors

The small laptop computers combine portability with the power of a full size laptop computer.  When you are considering purchasing a small laptop computer, there are several factors to consider. 

You need to consider how much power you are going to need, how much battery power you will need, and if you need a keyboard.  You also need to consider how much the small laptop computer weighs.  In other words, you need to consider everything from the design quality to the operating system.

Here are some of the top small laptop computers:

• Asus EEE PC 1000H–The screen size is 10 inches and the battery life is five hours.  Windows XP is the operating system and it only weighs 3.2 pounds.  It also has a 160GB hard drive.
• HP Mini 1000–The screen size is 8.9 to 10.2 inches and the battery life is three hours.  Windows XP/Linux is the operating system and it weighs 2.5 pounds.
• Sony Vaio VGN-P588E Lifestyle PC–The screen size is 8 inches and the battery life is 2.5 hours.  Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system and it weighs 1.4 pounds.
• Asus N10J-A1–The screen size is 10.2 inches and the battery life is four hours.  The operating system is Windows Vista Home Premium/Windows XP and it weighs 3.5 pounds.
• Samsung NC10–The screen size is 10.2 inches and the battery life is five hours.  It has Windows XP as its operating system and weighs 2.8 pounds.
• HP Pavilion DV2–The screen size is 12.1 inches and the battery life is three hours.  It has Windows Vista Home Premium as its operating system and only weighs 3.8 pounds.
• Apple Macbook Air–The screen size is 13.3 inches and the battery life is 2.5 hours.  It has Mac OS X as the operating system and weighs 4.5 pounds.

These are just some of the small laptop computers you will find on the market. Use the internet to checkout each one. There are sites that will compare the various models and brands. Use them to find the best mix of features and price.

Unless you are in a dire rush there is no need to make a hasty decision.  If you have a choice, get the same model at the lowest or near the lowest price. The money you save could pay for a hefty lunch or dinner or even the cost of a tank of gas used to get you there.

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