Best Netbooks

What Features to Compare

When you decide to purchase a netbook, same as with laptops, the first thing you should pay attention to is the device's Performance. The performance depends on various factors. For example, the processor may be manufactured by either Intel or AMD. Nowadays, the netbook manufacturers prefer Intel CPUs, as they have lower power consumption and are overall better suited for computing operations. Then, there is also a RAM, a type of volatile memory, where the data are stored until the power is cut off, a short-term memory. Larger RAM provides for better multitasking of the device. A graphic processing unit's (GPU) is in charge of processing images and textures. In general, netbooks have an integrated GPU. After that, look at the drive type. There are 2 main types of drives used in netbooks, HDD and SSD flash drives. The main advantages you get by purchasing a netbook with an SSD drive are a high speed of data access, small weight, and tolerance to shaking, as they do not have mechanical parts. As for HDDs, their main advantage is a lower price. The larger the drive capacity is, the more data you can store there. Also, it is worth mentioning that almost all netbooks have a preinstalled operation system. The most popular OSs for netbooks are Windows and Chrome.

The second major parameter is your mini notebook's Image Quality. Modern netbooks usually have a screen size from 10" to 14", and the resolution from 1024x600 to 1920x1080 pixels. Higher resolution means a higher image detail on the screen. You should also take into account the display panel technology. It can be a TN panel or an IPS panel. The TN panels are cheaper and have smaller viewing angles, but at the same time, they can boast a much better response time between 1-5 ms. And the IPS panels provide brighter colors and viewing angles for them reach 178 degrees. There are also netbooks with touchscreens, so you will be able to use them as tablets.

The autonomous operation efficiency depends on the netbook's Power Supply and Battery. Most manufacturers use batteries with 2-4 cells and the capacity of 3000-5000 mAh in their small laptops. With such a battery the netbook's autonomous operation time may reach 10-12 hours. Of course, it can also be affected by the screen diagonal and brightness, as high brightness requires more energy and, as a result, the operational time of the battery decreases drastically.

And the last thing we recommend you to consider is the netbook's Design and Ergonomics. Today you can find a netbook of any color and design. The netbook's appearance should correspond to your personal style and way of life. The most ergonomic models of netbooks are those of small sizes. They are thin and lightweight, you will easily fit such devices into your bag and won't even feel their weight. Then, choose the material of your future mini laptop. In most cases netbooks are made of either aluminum or plastic. The devices with an aluminum casing will be more durable; they are also more resistant to external actions. As for netbooks with a plastic casing, they are, first of all, cheaper. Few up-to-date netbook models (usually, those with touchscreens) have a screen that you can tilt at almost any angle, so you will purchase two devices in one.