The Dell Inspiron iM1012 is one of Dell’s entries into the netbook market. In terms of power it’s a mid-range device for the category, but how well does it serve the role of netbook? Let’s find out.

Key Specs For The Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK

RRP: $389.99

Release Year: 2009

Operating System: Windows 7 Starter

Dimensions: 10.6 x 1.3 x 7.7 inches

Screen Size: 10.1

Battery Life: 8.75 hours

Storage Space: 160 GB

RAM: 1 GB

Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK: The Pros

Keyboard: One of the most common complaints levelled at netbooks and other portable computers is the size of the keyboard. Typically the keyboards on these devices are very small – something which might seem a necessity if the device’s size is to be kept to a minimum. The reality, however, is that it’s possible to get a decent sized keyboard on even very small devices such as this.

The keyboard on the iM1012 is 92% of a full-sized keyboard. This means there’s almost no noticeable size reduction. By keeping the keyboard large it’s easier to keep your typing error-level down, something which is particularly important for those who are used to typing at high wpm rates.

In addition to being a great size, the keyboard is also spill resistant. This is useful whatever kind of computer you’re using, but in the case of netbooks there’s an even greater likelihood that you’ll be using the device in a coffee shop or other location with lots of liquids around that are just waiting to flood your computer and cause it to break. With the iM1012 you won’t have to panic quite as much if you do end up spilling the occasional drink over the keyboard!

Trackpad: The trackpad on the iM1012 is fairly large, which makes it pleasant to use. Some trackpads require that you repeatedly swipe just to reach the other side of your screen with the cursor. However, that’s unlikely to be a problem with this device.

Another great feature of the trackpad on this netbook is that the left and right click buttons are integrated into the pad itself. This means that the pad can be made larger without increasing the overall size of the computer chassis. If you’re fond of the Mac-style trackpads then you’ll like this.

Finally it’s also worth noting that unlike many trackpads on other devices, this one barely shows a smudge. Your netbook will look cleaner and more well-cared for without you having to put in the slightest bit of effort.

Display: Any portable device should be able to handle use in a variety of environments. One of the most persistently challenging environments for portable computers has been the outdoors. Not “the great outdoors”, but just the average garden or café terrace. The problem with the outdoors is light, which generally makes a screen nearly impossible to see. This netbook is one of the small number of devices that handles this well. At full brightness settings (which will of course drain the battery more quickly) the screen has good visibility outside.

In addition, the display is both bright and crisp. As the screens on netbooks are generally so small, it’s nice to have good image quality to help make up for it.

Wrist Rest: Some portable devices, including other netbooks, can become uncomfortable to use after a while. One common reason for this is the way that the keyboard is designed, and how the wrist rests during use. Fortunately, the iM1012 has a well-designed keyboard with well-formed wrist rest. This helps make extensive use more comfortable.

Connectivity: This netbook is well set-up for a variety of user needs. Not only does it come with 3 USB ports, enabling you to connect memory sticks, wireless mouse devices and so on all at once, but it also comes with a multi-functional memory card reader. The included card reader works with SD cards, MMC cards, and MS / MS Pro cards. The is useful for those who travel, and saves valuable space on the unit itself, allowing Dell to keep the product’s size down.

Design: The design of this netbook is good, with a pretty sleek finish. It’s not quite comparable to Apple or Sony products in this respect, but it’s certainly a cut above average. One of the best things about Dell netbooks, though, is that you can customize the color. With quite a number of choices, you can really get a product that fits with you.

Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK: The Cons

Heat: Unfortunately, the iM1012 generates a fair bit of heat. Since the vents are on the bottom, this means that the heat is directed at your lap if you’re using it without a surface to place it on. This might prove a bit uncomfortable during prolonged use, especially if you’re in a hot climate.

1GB RAM: As with some rivals, this netbook comes with only 1GB of RAM. This means that an already underpowered machine (when compared with standard laptops) works even more slowly than necessary. Although it’s possible to upgrade the RAM to 2GB, it’s so cheap it’s be better if Dell simply included the RAM with the netbook to start with. This would save a lot of hassle for customers who feel that they’d benefit from the extra oomph this gives.

Multitasking: Even if you run your iM2012 with 2GB of RAM, you’ll still find it can’t handle much multitasking. This isn’t exactly unusual for netbooks, but there are alternative netbooks out there than function a bit better than this one. Although most users will only want a netbook for light tasks such as word processing and browsing, if you like to run lots of programs at once you might want to look into alternative options.

Is The Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Worth Buying?

Overall, the iM1012 is a good machine. It’s a solid mid-range performer in the netbook category with some nice touches, like the large spill-resistant keyboard and customizable shell color. It’s not the most powerful or innovative netbook, but it’s good and reliable for users who don’t need too much power or require multitasking.

Audio Technica has been designing top quality headphones and other electronic devices and products for many years, and the expert manufacturers are highly qualified and experienced in what they do. They have become one of the leader’s manufacturers, with millions of dollars worth of their products selling each year. You can use these headphones to watch DVDs, listen to CDs and MP3 files and many other types of audio. You can use them for in-flight entertainment systems so that you can enjoy your flight as much as possible. You can expect clear sound from these headphones, and the bass, melody and other parts of the music you listen to will be full of perfect clarity.Main features of this product:

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B

·         Comfortable

·         Reduce background noise by 90%

·         Perfect for watching DVDs, listening to CDs and MP3s and other audio files

·         Padded earcups

·         Loud volume levels

·         Lightweight

·         Fold-flat design – ideal for travelling

While you may have tried other headphones and struggled with the fact that they are not as comfortable as you would like, you will never have this problem with this particular pair of headphones. They have even been redesigned by Audio Technica to make them as comfortable as possible for anybody wearing them. The earcups have a lot of padding, and the shapes have been designed to fit any ear.

Apart from the actual headphones, you will receive a carry case in which to put the headphones and the accessories. Included is an adapter which you can use to connect to in-flight entertainment systems and a battery.

This product has over 100 five-star reviews on Amazon from customers who are extremely happy with what they have purchased. People who have left reviews have commented on the fact that they really do “cancel out the background noise” and are great for use when travelling often on planes. On sale at less than $200, many people agree that these headphones are definitely some of the best ones in this price range. If you are thinking of purchasing some noise-cancelling headphones, you should definitely consider this product.

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones

Apple iPhone 4 Black Smartphone 32GB

features and tweaks to the user experience that leaves you speechless. If you already have an iPhone you can probably stick with it until the next product release; however, if you are new to the Apple or smartphone worlds, you’ll definitely want to at least check it out.

The iPhone 4 features a large and high-quality touchscreen that makes it easy to get around on the phone. Apps are easy to install and most are free to download and use through the iTunes App Store. One of the most impressive features to be added to this new version is the second camera so that you can use video chat. We’ve been waiting for the engineers at Cupertino to realize that iChat is worthless without this for years.Out of the entire lineup of smartphones presently available on the world’s cellular phone market, the Apple iOS has the most mature marketplace for buying and downloading smartphone applications. The variety of both free and commercial apps for the new iPhone remains top of the heap. Almost any itch that you have when it comes to apps to make your life easier can be satisfied with just a few clicks, and if you also own an Apple laptop or desktop computer you can use the same iTunes interface to purchase apps for them, too.

Be sure to purchase the Apple Care package when you get this phone. Sure it’s a touch expensive, but it’s one of the industry’s best warranties for electronic gadgets. I’ve never had a problem getting an Apple device replaced that failed or that broke while under warranty. Also, I would highly recommend that you get a bluetooth headset as the included earphones have a short cord and are not very loud.

Overall, the iPhone 4 is an excellent purchase for most people; however, some people with more business-centric usage habits may want to look elsewhere (Blackberry, Palm Pre, etc). While iOS has applications that fill most users’ needs, some business-class professionals find the iPhone lacking some features required to interface with their enterprise computing environments (something which RIM has made Blackberry OS perfect for from the beginning).

I rate this phone a 9/10 simply because of the prohibitive pricing and the lack of available carriers, but if you have the money and already are a user of AT&T or Verizon (any possibly T-Mobile in the near future) its a solid purchase that won’t disappoint. If you have kids who want an iPhone, buying the cheaper version with less storage space would probably be a good idea as it can save you significant sums of money while still getting them the slick phone that they want to show off to all of their friends.

Asus are known as a trustworthy and reliable computer brand, who produce good quality machines at reasonable prices. But, with so many netbooks available now, the market is becoming very competitive. Does the Asus 1016PT manage to make the mark? Read on for an answer.

Key Specs For The ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK

RRP: $399.99

Release Year: 2011

Operating System: Windows 7 Professional

Dimensions: 10.3 x 1.4 x 7 inches

Screen Size: 10.1

Battery Life: 11.5 hours

Storage Space: 250 GB

RAM: 2 GB

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK: The Pros

Build Quality: The first thing you really notice about the Asus 1016PT is just how well built it is. It feels like a unit built to withstand work-level use. It’s noticeably sturdier than its consumer-level counterparts with a robust case and stronger hinges on the screen.

Build quality is important for portable devices which are likely to be bumped and knocked about a lot during transit. If you like to work during a long commute, or take a computer with you when you travel, then the chances are that you’ll bash your machine at some point. The durable design helps to ensure that this won’t spell the end of your machine.

If you also plan a lot of heavy use for your computer (e.g. for work purposes) then it feels as though this unit will be able to stand up to wear and tear for longer. There are few things more annoying than having to replace a product because it broke, and the 1016PT really doesn’t feel like it’ll let you down on this front.

Size: Another important feature for any portable device, especially something intended for more lightweight tasks such as browsing the web (the whole reason netbooks were invented) and word processing, is size. If you’ll be carrying a computer around a lot, it needs to be able to fit easily into a rucksack, briefcase, or handbag. This netbook isn’t the smallest on the market, but it certainly keeps a tight limit on its size. You’ll be able to take this with you wherever you go.

Style: The Asus 1016PT is pretty stylish. It has a matte finish that stays much cleaner than the glossy consumer-level alternatives offered by Asus and other rival companies, and is pretty minimal looking. The sheer flat top and thin body and lid make for a sleek looking device.

Battery: One of the most notable features of this product is its battery life. Most netbook and laptop batteries don’t last as long as they claim, but this one does. You can keep on going with this for an astonishing 11 hours! As long as you’re only carrying out simple tasks like web browsing (no videos) and emailing, then you’ll have no problems.

11 hours is a seriously long time, and there are pretty much no rivals on this front. If you like to use your netbook while away from power sources for extended periods of time (on long commutes/ international flights, or at roadside cafes etc.) then this is a truly great feature.

Windows 7 Professional: Another fantastic thing about this netbook is that, unlike most competing products, it comes with full Windows 7 Professional installed. Other devices usually come with a basic version of Windows 7 which requires a paid upgrade to full Professional Windows, and has several annoying limitations.

Keyboard: Although the keyboard isn’t full size, it is comfortable to use even for extended periods. The keys feel nice to the touch and the whole keyboard feels firm and durable.

Screen Visibility: The screen offers good visibility in poor light conditions. Many computer screens are almost impossible to view when outside on a sunny day, but this one functions well when turned up to high brightness settings.

250GB Hard Drive: For a netbook, the 250GB hard drive included in the Asus 1016PT is quite generous.  250GB is enough for most users to store as much music on their device as they like, along with photos and some videos. You shouldn’t find yourself tight for disk space any time soon with this netbook.

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK: The Cons

Screen Size: 10.1” is a fairly standard screen size for netbooks, but this doesn’t make it any less annoying when you’re trying to browse the internet or view videos and photos. If you really need a larger screen, you may have to make the jump from netbooks to low-end laptops, or otherwise pay the very high prices for an “ultrabook”.

Price: Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for most will be the price of the Asus 1016PT. It’s noticeably higher than other netbooks of similar power.

Is The ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK Worth Buying?

Although the Asus 1016PT comes at a high price, it does feel of much better build quality than its rivals. The main reason you’d want to buy this netbook is if you’re looking for something that can take heavy use without breaking too soon, or something which you want to travel a lot with. If those two things aren’t especially high on your list, you might be better off considering a slightly cheaper alternative.

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Key Features Of The Motorola Atrix 4G

Motorola Atrix 4G Android Phone

Processor: The inclusion of the Nvidia Tegra 2 processor means that this is one fast smartphone – one of the first smartphones on the market to come with a dual core processor! You’ll find that apps load up very quickly, web browsing is easy, and you can play many different games with ease. In short, it’s like having a good computer in your pocket! This is a boost for the Atrix compared to most of its smartphone rivals on the market today.

Screen: The 4 inch screen is pretty standard in the world of smartphones. It is the resolution on the Motorola Atrix 4G that sets it apart from its rivals. At 960 x 540 pixels, the only better smartphone in terms of resolution is the iPhone 4. The picture is sharp and looks fantastic when playing videos or games.

Revolutionary Docks: The Motorola Atrix 4G comes with some notable dock accessories that could be showing where the smartphone market is headed in the near future.

First, you get an HD dock that’ll let you connect the smartphone up to a big screen TV. Although you could simply do this with an HDMI cable, using the dock means that you’ll have the benefit of controlling everything with an infra red controller. You’ll be able to browse the internet, access all of your smartphone content, watch videos and more. You’ll also get some added USB ports with this dock.

The next dock is the really impressive thing about this smartphone. This is basically a laptop, but without all the software installed. It’s a screen and a keyboard that comes to life when you plug in your Motorola Atrix 4G. You’ll be able to browse the web using the full Firefox browser, and everything else that’s normally stored on your smartphone. It also has its own battery, which means you can run off the dock battery and keep your smartphone on full charge if you need to use it later on.

You can also buy a charging and syncing dock, as with many other tablets, but it’s the two docks above that have really impressed customers. Bear in mind, however, that this laptop dock will cost around $500 extra.

Webtop: Continuing on from the point above, the Motorola Atrix 4G comes with a “webtop” on top of the Android operating system. It’s actually a completely different system, and will let you perform a number of different functions on the laptop dock accessory. Motorola really is bridging the gap between the smartphone and laptop computer.

MotoBlur: Another unique feature of the Motorola Atrix 4G is the MotoBlur customized interface. This adds a number of unique features, notably the ability to pull all your social networking accounts into one to help you manage them better. It also stores the data on Motorola’s servers so you can transfer it from one Motorola device to another, and lets you arrange your own widgets on up to three unique home screens.

Fingerprint Sensor: On the back of this smartphone you’ll find a fingerprint reader that’ll help you add an extra level of security to the device. This is likely just a gimmick for most users, but will come in handy if you want to make sure that it only gives access when you swipe your fingerprint.

 Battery Life: Anything as advanced as this is going to use up more battery, but thankfully Motorola have made up for this with a big battery that is one of the best in the smartphone world. It means you can expect around 9 hours of talk time on a 3G connection, and 250-264 hours on standby.

Camera: The Atrix comes with a 5 megapixel camera on the back of the device, and a VGA camera on the front for video calls. The main camera is middle of the range in terms of top smartphones, but has some useful features like an LED flash, autofocus, and the ability to capture 720p HD video.

Memory: There’s a decent amount of space built into the Motorola Atrix 4G as standard. It comes with 16GB, though you can add as much as 32GB extra thanks to the microSD card slot.

 Drawbacks Of The Motorola Atrix 4G

Expensive: The price of the Motorola Atrix 4G is up there with the Apple iPhone 4 – meaning it costs a lot! This really isn’t surprising, though, given that Motorola are trying to provide so much more than just a phone with this device. If you want to buy any of the revolutionary docks then this is going to cost you even more, probably as much as a high end laptop (it’s the price you pay for portability).

 Should You Buy The Motorola Atrix 4G

As you can see, the only real drawback of this device is the price – but it’s a big drawback given just how much this will cost compared to buying a more traditional laptop. However, the Motorola Atrix 4G will run faster than just about anything you’ve ever seen before, it has the top speed 4G internet connectivity option, and has the potential to become one of the bestselling smartphones out there.

The Aspire One AOD270 is a budget price netbook that attempts to combine the power and functionality of a good quality laptop with the small price and convenience of a netbook. Acer claim that the Aspire One AOD270-1410 is perfect as a starter computer, or as a secondary computer for those who need one. Can the product live up to the claims?

Key Specs for Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 10.1 Inch Netbook

RRP: $279.99

Release Year: 2012

Operating System: Windows 7 Starter

Dimensions: 10.17 x 1.01 x 7.28 inches

Screen Size: 10.1 inches

Battery Life: 8 hours

Storage Space: 320 GB

RAM: 1 GB

Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 10.1 Inch Netbook: The Pros

Price: With prices starting around the $300 mark, this is a real bargain price netbook. The Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 comes with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, 1 GB of RAM, a 320GB 5400RPM hard drive and the Intel Atom N2600 1.6GHz processor. With many low cost netbooks, the technical specifications can be a reflection of the cheap price.

With the Aspire One, this is not the case. The RAM is on the low side, but the Windows 7 Starter operating system works excellently, video and graphics are shown in high quality, and the 320GB hard drive is more than enough for the casual to moderate user. This really is a great price for powerful little machine.

Travel Friendly: The Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 is lightweight, durable, and fitted with the necessary software and hardware for on-the-go usage. It features a built in 0.3MP webcam and microphone which is ideal for people looking for a netbook traveling companion.

Many travelers purchase netbooks for the convenience of being able to stay in contact with family and friends when they are away from home, and with the popularity of messaging systems like Skype, a webcam is a must have feature. All too often people make the assumption that all netbooks come with built in webcams these days. Fortunately, the Acer Aspire One is one of the few in this price range that does.

Functionality: With the exception of being slightly sluggish when performing certain actions, the Aspire One is capable of performing most of the tasks you would expect from a high spec laptop. The Windows 7 Starter operating system is smooth if not quick while the digital media card reader performs standard tasks with ease; a pleasant surprise compared to some other netbooks in this range.

The Acer Aspire One also features 3 USB 2.0 ports and one HDMI port. The USB ports are to be expected, but the HDMI port is by no means standard in netbooks, both in this price range and above.

Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 10.1 Inch Netbook: The Cons

Battery Life/ RAM: The Acer Aspire One has an advertised battery life of up to 8 hours, with actual performance on moderate usage coming in at around 6 hours. While this doesn’t sound too bad for the price, there are other netbooks in the market that improve on this by several hours.

By their very nature, netbooks are designed for convenience and value, and their more compact design allows for superior battery life over larger laptops. However, this can sometimes come at a price. In the Acer Aspire One’s case, the limited RAM of 1GB will not be enough for many users. If you do manage to install additional RAM (no easy feat), you can expect to see the battery life fall even further. This is by no means the worst battery performance that you can get, but it is also far from the best.

Processing Speed: As mentioned above, the Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 comes with 1GB of RAM. This is standard for many netbooks, but the real difference here is when it comes to adding additional RAM to your Acer Aspire One. Acer do not recommend upgrading your RAM, and the process is far from straightforward. The problem with this is that the Acer Aspire One is not particularly fast at completing tasks. While this is not a problem for people who use their netbook as a back-up computer for travel or on-the-go use, anyone who wishes to use their netbook as their main computer will be left frustrated.

The processing speed is somewhat sluggish, and simple requests like opening a file or starting up a program take far longer than they should. The Aspire One comes with many pre-installed programs from Acer, and it is recommended that you have a look through them and remove any that you have no need for. This small action will noticeably improve your processing speed.

Is the Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 10.1 Inch Netbook Worth Buying?

The Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 is perfectly decent netbook. When you are spending around the $300 mark for a netbook, you know that you are not going to get a top of the range computer, but you have a right to expect certain things. The battery life is average, and the processing speed is not something to boast about.

Ultimately, the Aspire One AOD270-1410 is let down by not having an easy process to add to the standard 1GB RAM. If they simply had a slot for additional RAM, this would go from being perfectly decent to top quality. As it is, users looking a cheap netbook for simple tasks and light usage will find the Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 ideally suited to their needs.

LG Vu Plus Phone

even better is the option to view any show you want in widescreen. This is a benefit that provides the ultimate viewing enjoyment. This mobile device also features a channel guide that is very simple to use. Buffering is a thing of the past with the LG Vu Plus Phone, giving users the freedom to surf through channels without worrying about interruptions of buffering.

This cell phone allows the benefit of easily being able to subscribe to time-shifted programming and full-length simulcast from FLO TV. This is a feature that is available around the clock and it includes a wide variety of channels like ESPN, CBS, NBC, Comedy Central, FOX, and even the movie channel ‘Crackle’.

The Internet and All Your Social Connections Stay in Easy Reach

The mobile phone is enabled to use the HSPDA 3G network, which is as fast as lightning. This means you will always have easy access to the web. Downloading movies, music, and more is fast and simple on the LG Vu Plus Phone. The AT&T Social Net app puts you in easy reach of all your favorite social networks. Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and other social networks can be managed and viewed at the touch of a fingertip. What many users to find even better is the fact that you can simultaneously make calls while you are viewing pages on the web, or receiving e-mail, text, or picture messages.

Other Popular Features of the LG Vu Plus Phone

The AT&T Navigator service is easy to access, as the phone is GPS-enabled. This is advantage that supplies directions in turn-by-turn ease, making it simple to travel anywhere you want. There is also video sharing capability that allows users to send self-videos to other phones that are also compatible, while voice calls are being made.

Pictures, videos, movies, and web pages you view are of the clearest quality in crisp viewing pleasure on a 3 inch touchscreen display. It has a QWERTY keyboard that slides out smoothly, making it a breeze to send text messages. To list a few of the other enjoyed features of the LG Vu Plus Phone include the following:

3 mega pixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus and flash and 2X zoom – This feature stays ready at all times to quickly record video and take pictures

Handy widget Menu – There are quite a few handy features that are easily accessible on the widget menu and they include multiple time zone setting, an alarm clock, and even the ability to add notes and music.

Bluetooth connectivity – Convenient for hands-free functioning

Multi-format digital audio player – Allows playlist creation and music enjoyment that is in formats that include MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+. Multi-tasking is simply while listening to your favorite songs, and it also features a customizable equalizer that is preset.

While each of these are great reasons to try the LG Vu Plus Phone by AT&T, you will find there are several other great features that are provided as well.

Key Specs For The Acer AC700-1099

RRP: $299.99

Release Year: 2011

Operating System: Google OS

Dimensions: 11.2 x 1 x 8.1 inches

Screen Size: 11.6

Battery Life: 6 hours

Storage Space: 16 GB SSD

RAM: 2 GB

Acer AC700-1099: The Pros

Chrome OS: It’s clear that the main reason for purchasing the Acer AC700 is for Chrome OS. There are plenty of other netbooks to choose from that run Windows and are of a decent standard. However, only the Acer AC700 and Samsung Series 5 offer Google’s Chrome OS.

For those who aren’t familiar with Chrome OS, it’s a new operating system designed by Google that specializes in web browsing, and integrated online computing. One of its major innovations is moving virtually all of its software, as well as your file storage, into the cloud. More on that shortly though. Let’s start with the most obvious things first.

- Speed: When you first start up your Acer AC700 you’ll immediately notice how quickly it’s loaded and ready to roll. This isn’t really to do with the hardware in the machine. It’s primarily due to Chrome OS. Google designed Chrome OS to load up fast, and that means in 9 seconds or less from off. Windows machines generally take anywhere from 1 minute and up to start, and although Macs are fast, they don’t match the Chrome OS’s super-speedy start-ups.

Aside from start-up, the machine is also able to wake from sleep mode in around 1 second. That’s incredibly fast – just like a Mac. This really makes it feel so easy to log on and browse whenever the mood, or need, takes you.

- Storage: Earlier, we mentioned storage in the cloud, or “cloud storage”. Cloud storage is a technology that’s been on the increase over the last few years as internet connections speed up. What cloud storage means is that your files (videos, images, documents etc.) aren’t stored physically on your computer’s hard drive. Instead they are uploaded to the internet and stored entirely online.

- Apps: Where Chrome OS really takes advantage of this technology though is in “apps” concept. Whilst most computers have a whole range of software installed onto them for various uses, Chrome OS simply runs apps directly through the browser. You don’t download or install anything, you just click on an app and away you go.

The web apps store gives you instant access to tens of millions of different apps, allowing you to do pretty much anything you want whenever you want. Some apps are free, and some are paid for, but you can find software for virtually any need whether it’s gaming or photo editing.

- Viruses: Another major Chrome OS advantage is its resilience to viruses and other malware. It’s been designed with virus protection in mind, and it’s almost impossible to get a virus on your laptop when surfing through chrome.

HDMI Port: A great feature of the Acer AC700 is its HDMI port. Not many netbooks feature these, but they’re great for users who like to make the most of their HDTVs. Using the HDMI port it’s possible to view your photos and videos on an HDTV.

Battery: Not only does the battery last a good 6 hours when in use, but on standby it can last for a couple of days without running low. This is a great energy saver, and saves the hassle of having to worry about charging up every time you leave your laptop on sleep mode.

Software Updates: On Windows and Mac software updates can be time consuming and annoying to deal with. Chrome OS makes the process infinitely more straightforward. Not only do updates happen automatically, but they don’t take time or ask you to reboot your computer. It’s kept quick and easy, and out of sight.

Replaceable Battery: The battery on the Acer AC700 is replaceable. This means you can buy a spare, charge it up, and carry it with you on long journeys to provide you with extra juice when you may not have access to a power point.

Acer AC700-1099: The Cons

Screen: Although the 11.6″ screen is bigger than many netbooks, it’s noticeably smaller than the Samsung Series 5’s 12.1″ display. This isn’t exactly a huge deal for a portable device like this, but it does make browsing the web a little less comfortable, and also makes movie viewing slightly less enjoyable.

16GB SSD: Because Chrome OS has been designed to utilize cloud technology for all storage needs, the hard drive on this computer is really lacking. It’s only 16GB. If you need a device to store lots of videos, photos and music, you’ll either need to invest in an external hard drive to connect to your Chromebook, or otherwise you’ll need to consider an alternative device.

Web-Apps only: As a computer running Chrome OS, there are some software limitations which could affect your decision to buy this product. Basically, if you need to use Microsoft or Mac-specific software, like Microsoft Word for example, you won’t be able to work on a Chromebook. Chrome OS only supports web apps designed specifically for Chrome, and cannot run complete software packages from rival companies.

No Skype: Sadly, if you’re a Skype user you won’t be able to talk to your family and friends with a Chromebook. The Chrome OS currently doesn’t offer any form of Skype, and this isn’t likely to change any time soon. Skype is owned by Microsoft, one of Google’s main rivals, and they don’t want to share the ever-popular Skype with a rival.

Security: Although in many ways security is fantastic on a Chromebook, the login system does leave you vulnerable. If someone gets hold of your Chrome OS account logic details, they’ll also have access to your Gmail account, web apps store account etc. It’s possible to protect yourself from this sort of threat by regularly changing your password, but this is a risk that Google should look to address in future.

Is The Acer AC700-1099 Worth Buying?

The question of whether you should buy the Acer AC700, or any other Chromebook, primarily revolves around whether Chrome OS meets your needs. In terms of hardware, the Acer AC700 can match most other netbooks, and certainly zips along at a decent speed. However, limitations on software available through the web apps store may mean you need to look elsewhere. If you’ll just be browsing the web and sending emails then the Acer AC700 might be for you – providing you’re ready to learn how to use the new operating system.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet

Product Overview:

This is a 7 inch tablet device powered by Android 2.2 and is equipped with Samsung TouchWiz UI upgrade. Thus, any application that is available in the android market can be easily accessed through this device. It has a TFT display, ARM Cortex A8 processor running at a 1GHz processor. These are some of the impressive features available in this device.

The built in user interface of this tablet is also very user friendly which ensure that most people will have no issues navigating the device. At first glance, this device looks similar to the Apple iPad, but in fact, this tab has several advantages over the iPad. Apart from supporting Flash while browsing, it also enables easy video calling. This is an aesthetically pleasing device, and is designed to suit a wide variety of requirements; from photography to reading, listening to music, games, surfing, and many other functions that can be performed with this tablet.

The design, the style, the finishing touch and the overall display is indeed stylish, and thus, the user will be pleased to showcase it to their friends and colleagues. The tablet is priced at approximately $499, though it can be found cheaper than that on a few websites. The retail value is estimated to be $799, but it certainly proves to be worth its value.

In the tablet market it has established itself as a major player and competitor to the iPad 2 which has been dominant. It has taken a small piece of the market share from the Apple iPad 2, and time will tell if it continues to increase its market share or if Apple releases a new version to their device to limit further growth of this device.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Compact and light weight
• Both Front and Rear View Cameras
• 3G Network Capability
• Integrated GPS

Cons

• The power cord is short
• No Voice Calling In US Version
• Two year contract to get reduced price version

Personal Thoughts:

The Samsung Galaxy Tablet is indeed a wonderful device loaded with wide variety of features. Though the price is certainly higher for the version without a data contract, it is worth the value of the money of the user based on the options available with the device.

Buyer Description:

Both new and existing customers of android can consider purchasing this tablet device from Samsung because it offers all the apps within the market place and functionalities that are available in the android market.

What do customers say at Amazon.com:

At Amazon, it is currently maintaining a rating of 4 ½ stars which is perhaps the highest rated tablet on Amazon. I’ve yet to find a tablet that is rated higher, so indeed it appears this is a solid buy. The few negative reviews were based on customer support or having issues with being shipped a defective device. Overall it’s definitely a solid buy based on the reviews at Amazon.

Netbooks are a sub-category of laptops. A netbook is intended for less heavy-duty tasks than a laptop, fulfilling standard user requirements such as browsing the web, and sending emails. Some netbooks are capable of doing light photo editing work.

The principle difference between a laptop and netbook is size. Netbooks are intended to be highly portable, and so are designed for easy transportation. A netbook will also be much lighter than the average laptop, making them more convenient to travel with.

The user group for netbooks varies, but is composed largely of casual internet users, and those who travel a lot for work. The small size usually means a reduction in the amount of computing power over full-size laptops, but prices for netbooks are also usually lower than standard laptops.

What Are Chromebooks?

Chromebooks differ a little from standard netbooks. Technologically speaking, Chromebooks are very similar to netbooks. The main difference between the two lies not in hardware, but in software. Chromebooks are a relatively new development by Google. They are designed from the ground up to run the new Google operating system, called Chrome.

The main selling points of Chromebooks are start-up speed, resume from sleep speed, and Google’s Chrome OS. Chrome is very different from Windows and Apple’s Lion OS, and offers a distinct user experience. Some may prefer it, though others might not like the change.

In other respects, Chromebooks are meant to fulfill similar functions to standard netbooks. They are primarily intended for casual users who like to browse the web and send emails, as well as some workers who travel a lot.

Key Netbook And Chromebook Features

When purchasing a netbook or Chromebook, there are a number of key features to think about. These include: size and weight, price, operating system, battery life, keyboard, optical drive, ports, RAM, processor, storage space, cloud storage, webcam and microphone, screen size and connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these things is, and why you need to consider them.

Operating System

Netbooks almost always come with Windows as their operating system. Windows is a time-tested and proven OS that most people are at least vaguely familiar with. It may or may not be the best operating system out there, but at least you’ll know how to use it from the off.

The big question over operating system comes with Chromebooks. If you’re thinking about buying a Chromebook rather than a standard netbook, then you’ll also be buying into a different, and relatively new, operating system. Google has designed the Chrome OS with web use in mind, as well as other technologies such as cloud storage. If you’re not sure whether Chrome OS is for you, then here’s a brief explanation of what it does, and what some of its core features are.

As mentioned, Chrome OS has been designed specifically with browsing in mind. In fact, Chrome OS is literally a browser. There is no desktop on a Chromebook, just a menu homepage from which you can access all of your files and meet your software needs. Chrome OS has also been designed to be fast. It’s meant to be at least as fast on start-up as an Apple Mac computer, but preferably faster.

The start-up times and resume from sleep times on Chrome OS are very impressive. Start-up takes just under 9 seconds. After that, you’ll be able to browse and run any apps you want. It’s that quick. Resume from sleep takes around 1 second, which makes it just as fast as a Mac and greatly improves the overall usability of the product.

Speed isn’t only measured by the time it takes to boot and resume from sleep. The Chromebook is also very fast when browsing and running applications. This speed has been achieved by keeping the operating system’s design as simple as possible. Things are streamlined, and this makes for a more enjoyable user experience. In particular when browsing, Chromebooks really shine.

Chrome OS isn’t just about speed though. It has a number of other core features that mark it apart from rival operating systems like Windows. The first one to mention is security. When using a portable device all over the world, or for extensive browsing, security can be a threat. The biggest threat to any computer is viruses, and Chrome OS has been designed in such a way as to make it virtually immune to all computer viruses and other forms of malware.

Another core feature of Chrome OS is its apps system. This system does away with traditional software almost entirely. In the past, it was necessary to either download a program and then install it, or install it from a disc. This took time, as well as meaning that you had to manage your disc space.

In place of such traditional software, apps run directly through the Chrome OS browser. This is a near-instant process, and all you have to do to access an app is log onto the web apps store and search out an app that suits you. Some apps need to be paid for, but a great many are completely free. Perhaps the best thing about the apps store is that it puts tens of millions of apps right at your fingertips. This makes Chrome OS a very versatile operating system, but not in the same way as Windows that’ll let you run traditional software.

The other defining feature of Chrome OS is its cloud storage system. Rather than store files on the computer’s hard drive the old fashioned way, Chrome OS stores them on the internet. This means that you don’t need to manage file space on your computer, and also keeps your Chromebook running fast as it’s free of any clutter. As a result Chromebooks are able to do away with almost all traditional storage hardware, using just a tiny 16GB SSD (solid state disc).

The biggest benefit of cloud storage is that, if your computer is “lost, stolen or damaged” you don’t lose all of your files. As it’s all stored in the internet, all you need to do to get it back is log onto another Chromebook and, hey presto, you’ll have access to everything you would normally have lost. That said, storing your files online does come with its own security risks.

While these are most of Chrome OS’s core features, there are numerous other secondary features – almost too many to list. But when considering the purchase of a Chromebook, the features listed above are the ones you’ll really want to think about. Each have their pros and cons, depending on the way you prefer to use a computer and access files.

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• HP Mini 210-4150NR 10.1-Inch Netbook
• HP DM1-4170US 11.6-Inch Laptop Review
• Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Netbook Review
• ASUS X101CH-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook
• ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK
• Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 Netbook
• Acer AC700-1099 Chromebook Review

Size and Weight

Although all netbooks are designed to be portable, they do differ in size and weight. The size is usually determined, at least in part, by the size of the screen and the keyboard. The computing power of the unit may also impact upon size.

Weight also plays an important part in portability. Weight is determined not only by the overall size of the product, but also by the components inside. If a product is very high-powered it’s more likely to weigh more. The reason that standard laptops are so much heavier than netbooks isn’t just because they’re physically bigger, but because they have more components inside them (more RAM, more processors, bigger hard drives, graphics cards etc.).

Looking for lower weight is always a plus if you plan to carry your netbook or Chromebook with you a lot. Size, by contrast, can have advantages and disadvantages. For example, the keyboard’s size may alter the total size of the netbook. If you would like a full-size keyboard, you may be willing to trade off on having a slightly larger unit. A larger keyboard is usually more comfortable to use.

Another factor that impacts upon total unit size is screen size. Some are content with very small screens, but for others it’s not comfortable to use a small screen for long time periods. Small screens are less suited to watching movies or browsing web pages (although they do the job well enough) and can also give some people eyestrain.

Price

Obviously price will be a big factor in any decision you make when buying a netbook or Chromebook. The prices of netbooks and Chromebooks range from two or three hundred dollars up to around five hundred dollars. Chromebooks fall nearer the top end of that price range.

If you’re looking to stay on a tight budget, then you may have to make some sacrifices. However, you’ll still be able to buy a netbook that covers all the basics and does the job well enough.

Battery Life

For any device that’s meant to be portable, battery life is a key issue. There are two aspects to battery life. The first is how long the battery lasts for when the computer is in use. The second is how long the computer can remain on standby when not connected to a power source.

If you want to take your netbook or Chromebook out and about with you, especially if you’ll be somewhere a bit remote where you’re unlikely to be able to recharge, then the longer the in-use battery life is, the better.

There is one other thing you might want to check out that’s related to battery life. That is whether or not it’s possible to buy a spare battery and switch your batteries out. It’s not all that common to use spare laptop batteries, but if you know you’ll be needing to use a netbook for extended periods without any power source, a spare battery could really make a big difference.

The best battery life extends up to around 11 hours, with an average of 6-8 hours.

Keyboard

Most users don’t stop to consider the keyboard on the netbook they’re about to purchase. However, this can be a big mistake. There are a number of differences that a keyboard can make to your overall satisfaction with the product, some of which depend on how you intend to use the device, while others may have an effect whatever way you use it.

Keyboards on netbooks come in a variety of sizes. While small keyboards may look good and save on space, they are usually harder to type on. The smallest keyboards can become quite uncomfortable to use after a while, and people with larger hands/ fingers may also struggle when using such a keyboard.

Users who intend to use their netbook for extended periods of time, and for lots of typing, will likely prefer to have a larger keyboard. Not only are they generally more comfortable to use than their compact counterparts, but they also reduce the amount of errors made when typing.

The type of keyboard may also impact upon your experience of using the product. Chiclet keyboards are the most popular keyboard type for netbooks, and remain comfortable while affording a bit more compactness. The keys themselves also make a difference. Some keyboards are more responsive than others, and some keys just feel better to press. The best way to check this out is first-hand in a technology store. Failing that, look through user reviews online and seek out comments on the keyboard.

Optical Drive

Most, if not all, netbooks lack an optical drive. Optical drives are the devices used to play CDs and DVDs on a computer. If a netbook doesn’t have an optical drive then it means you won’t be able to listen to music or watch movies from physical discs on your netbook without using an external optical drive purchased separately.

If you really want to watch DVDs and play CDs on your computer, but need to travel a lot and keep the amount of stuff you carry with you to a minimum, then you might actually be better off purchasing a laptop rather than having to carry a netbook plus external optical drive. It’s really a question of a user’s needs.

Not having an internal optical drive doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to watch films and listen to music though. There are a number of online services that allow users to watch streaming movies and play streaming music without having to go anywhere near a disc. Websites such as Netflix allow you to watch tens of thousands of movies and TV shows, and music services such as Napster and Spotify give you access to almost all the music you could want.

Ports

Most netbooks features USB 2.0 ports (the standard at this time) though some may offer a USB 3.0 port. Other ports that may concern you include Ethernet ports for wired internet access and networking, ports allowing you to hook your netbook up to a computer monitor, and even HDMI ports which can connect out to HDTVs.

For most users, standard USB ports are all that’s really necessary. These allow you to plug in USB memory sticks, dongles for Wi-Fi access and other things like wireless mouse signal receivers. However, some users may want more options, and a greater flexibility in their product. If that’s the case, then HDMI ports etc. are worth looking out for.

RAM

RAM is an important measure of a computer’s potential performance. More RAM generally means faster computing, as well as increased capacity for multitasking. Netbooks typically offer either 1GB or 2GB of RAM. If you have a choice between the two always go with 2GB over 1GB. This is especially useful if you’ll be running Windows 7 on your computer.

There are also several kinds of RAM used. Different RAM types perform differently. If you have a choice between DDR2 RAM and DDR3 RAM, then DDR3 RAM is better. But if you’ve got a choice between 1 GB or DDR3 RAM and 2GB of DDR2 RAM, then you’re better off with the 2GB option.

In some cases it’s also possible to upgrade the amount of RAM in the netbook. Most netbooks can’t take more than 2GB of RAM. But if you purchase a netbook with only 1GB of RAM which it says can be upgraded, it’s usually possible to buy a RAM upgrade very cheaply and install it for yourself.

Most manuals that come with a netbook will include instructions on how to insert a RAM upgrade into the machine. If they don’t, it’s usually possible to look it up online. If you’re really not sure, you can take it to a computer repair shop where they’ll be able to help, but the cost of labor will likely outweigh any savings you initially made on the product.

Processor

The processor is the second measure of a netbook’s potential computing power. Netbook processors are fairly standard, but you can usually rely on the basic concept that a higher number of GHz is better than a lower number.

There are exceptions to this. One of the most common exceptions is with dual- and quad-core processors. A dual-core 1.66GHz processor is likely to be better than a single-core 2GHz processor. Again, there are some exceptions to this, and it’s beyond the scope of this guide to explain them, but in general this is a rule that works.

If you have any doubts or questions about the effectiveness of one processor over another, a quick Google search will usually provide you with an answer. Otherwise you can probably seek advice at your local computer store.

Storage Space

Storage space is the room you have available on your computer to keep documents, music etc. Storage may not necessarily matter to you, but that depends on what you want to use your netbook for. If you like to store lots of music and videos on your computer then you’ll need a decent sized hard drive. If you’ll only use your computer for emailing and web browsing then you won’t need to worry so much about storage space.

There are two main kinds of storage on a netbook. These are standard hard drive storage, and SSD storage. SSD stands for “solid state disc”, and is usually more expensive and smaller in size than hard drive storage. What it lacks in size it makes up for in speed and security though. SSD hard drives access information very fast. And an SSD drive doesn’t suffer from the same risks that a standard drive does when in a portable device.

A standard hard drive is active on and off throughout the time your netbook is switched on. If the hard drive is in action and you accidentally bump your computer, there is a risk that the hard drive will be damaged. This can result in loss of information (losing your documents or photos for example) or sometimes a complete computer failure.

With SSD this doesn’t happen. For portable devices that are likely to be bumped around a lot, this makes SSD a great choice. However, it certainly isn’t essential, and the increased price and smaller size may not be for you.

The other kind of storage, mentioned in the section on Chrome OS, is cloud storage. This serves a similar purpose to SSD, which is that there is no risk of hard drive failure and the corresponding loss of data. Some people don’t feel comfortable storing their stuff entirely online, though. Cloud storage is available on most operating systems in some form, but only Chrome OS has it as the fundamental form of storage for the device.

Webcam / Microphone

Most netbooks now come with integrated webcams and microphones. However, that’s not always the case. If you want webcam or microphone functionality, then you’ll want to check this out.

Integrated webcam and microphone is a nice feature on any device if you play to keep in touch through Skype or a similar service. With a webcam it’s possible for your family to see you no matter how far away you are, provided you have a reasonable internet connection.

Screen

There are a couple of aspects to the screen that you might want to take into consideration when purchasing a netbook. Firstly, the size of the screen is important. Secondly, the screen finish is important. Some screens are glossy and some are matte.

With screen size, the issue is really one of size versus portability. A large screen will be better for watching movies, editing photos, and browsing the web. It may also make it easier when doing word processing jobs to some extent. If you want to view a lot of movies and photos on your laptop, then a larger screen may suit you better. However, if portability is really what matters to you most, then a smaller screen will probably mean a smaller and lighter machine.

The screen finish affects its visibility in different light conditions. The most challenging light conditions for any screen are outside in the sun. In that sort of light it can be very difficult to see anything on a screen at all. So, if you want to use your netbook in the garden or outside at cafes, you’ll want to find one with an appropriate screen.

Generally matte screens are better in these sorts of light conditions. They are a lot less reflective, meaning you can focus on what’s on the screen rather than on the reflections that it picks up. There are some screens that claim to be especially anti-reflective, and these may be a further improvement over the standard matt screens.

Connectivity

Connectivity describes the ways in which the netbook can interface with the internet and other networks. Key connectivity features include Wi-Fi, 3G, Ethernet and Bluetooth.

• Wi-Fi is the most common form of internet connection for netbooks and other portable devices. All netbooks will include Wi-Fi of one kind or another.

• 3G is useful to have, although far from essential. It lets you connect to a service provider wirelessly, in a similar fashion to older smartphones.

• Ethernet allows you to connect to the internet, or to a computer network, through an Ethernet cable. The cable isn’t usually included in the box, but they can be bought fairly cheaply. If you don’t want to use a Wi-Fi connection in your home then you’ll need an Ethernet port on your netbook.

Bluetooth is a built in wireless networking technology that’s been around for years. Using Bluetooth it’s possible for two computers to connect to each other and transfer files and other information. This is useful if you don’t have Wi-Fi access and want to get information from one computer onto another.

Is A Netbook Right For You?

Netbooks vs. Chromebooks

Netbooks and Chromebooks offer two slightly different things. Deciding which is right for you can be a difficult decision, but there are a number of factors which will help to narrow the decision down a bit.

The biggest question is, are you ready for a change of operating system? Other questions include; are you happy to store your files in the cloud?; can you do everything you want using only apps for Chrome OS and how important is speed to you?

1)      Are you ready for a change of operating system? The Chromebook will mean using Chrome OS, not Windows.

This may seem like an unimportant question, but for many it could make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a challenging and frustrating one.

We’re almost all familiar with Windows as our usual computer interface. Most of us can find our way the Start Menu, and know intuitively if we should left- or right-click. These things seem straight forward to us and obvious. However, this isn’t because they actually are straight forward, but just because we’re used to doing them.

When confronted with something new, it can take time to get used to it. Mobile phone interfaces are one thing, but computers have even more options and things tend only to be more complex at this level.

For this reason, you may seriously want to think about whether you’re ready to change to a new operating system. It means taking your time to learn and understand how to do everything that you once did without a second thought. It’s a process that can take time and be frustrating.

If in any doubt, the best thing to do would be to find a shop with test-machines available. Then you can try out Chrome OS for yourself and see what you think. It’s better to have a bit of first-hand experience before making a decision.

2)      Are you happy to store your files in the cloud? If you go for a Chromebook you’ll be doing this whether you like it or not.

Most of us probably wouldn’t think too much about it. But if you’re just storing your files in the cloud and nowhere else, how are you going to keep track of all your files. You’ll also only be able to access those files on computers that also have cloud access. If a computer has no internet access, then you’ll not be able to get to your files. Finally, what if something goes wrong with your cloud service and your files are lost? It’s unlikely to happen, but it is possible.

Cloud does save space on your computer and allow it to run more smoothly, and these are good points in its favor. It also reduces the chance of you losing all the data that you’d normally have stored on your hard drive. So it’s a toss-up and not an easy one.

3)      Can you do everything you want using Chrome apps? If you go for a Chromebook, you won’t be able to use all your old familiar programs. Goodbye MS Word, goodbye Excel, goodbye Photoshop etc. etc.

The question is, can you do without these? For some people this won’t be a problem. The web apps store on Chrome OS offers a host of alternative programs that may do an adequate job of replacing these programs for the average user. However, if you use specialist features that are offered by these old programs then you’ll be stuck if you’re using a Chromebook.

Only buy a Chromebook if you don’t need to worry about running specialist programs.

4)      How important is speed to you? The Chromebook is very fast, and there aren’t any netbook rivals when it comes to boot times and waking from sleep times. However, this speed does come at a price. The Chromebook only uses cloud storage, and also costs a fair bit more than many mid-range netbooks.

If you’re not yet sure whether or not to go for a Chromebook or an ordinary netbook, don’t forget to take these factors into consideration.

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• Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Review
• HP Mini 210-4150NR 10.1-Inch Netbook
• HP DM1-4170US 11.6-Inch Laptop Review
• Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Netbook Review
• ASUS X101CH-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook
• ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK
• Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 Netbook
• Acer AC700-1099 Chromebook Review

Netbooks vs. Ultrabooks

Netbooks and Ultrabooks share some key similarities. They are both intended as highly portable devices, suitable for travel and work. The difference between a netbook and an Ultrabook, more than anything else, is simply computing power. Ultrabooks are essentially high-end netbooks, designed for those with deeper pockets, and those who really do need high performance that remains portable. Here are some key factors in deciding whether a netbook or Ultrabook may be better suited for you.

1)      Cost is almost certainly the key factor in whether you’d go for an Ultrabook over a netbook. Those looking to pay netbook prices are probably not going to be able to afford an Ultrabook. The price of an Ultrabook varies largely, falling anywhere from around $800 – $2000 depending on just how high spec it is.

Netbooks, by contrast, range between around $200 and $500. That means even the cheapest Ultrabook is over $300 more than the top-end of netbooks. If you’re on a budget, then Ultrabooks are pretty much out of the question.

2)      If you need serious computing power then an Ultrabook is certainly a better choice than a netbook. Netbooks were never meant to be powerful. Instead, they are highly functional portable devices at a reasonable price. They are able to fulfill most standard user’s needs, such as web browsing, emailing, and viewing photos.

However, if you want to play high-end computer games on your laptop, or do some serious photo editing or video editing, you’ll have no choice but to opt for something more powerful than a netbook. There are several Ultrabooks that can cater to the needs of both gamers and video editors who want to play or work while on the move.

3)      Speed isn’t a huge deal for everyone. As long as you can get things done, like checking emails and Facebook, and searching on Google, then that’s enough for most average users. However, some really want something that can get things done more quickly, and even do multiple resource-intensive tasks at once.

If it’s just speed, then the higher end netbooks and the Chromebooks may fulfill your needs. Saying that, Ultrabooks still outperform netbooks for speed, so if you really want to get the fastest speeds possible you’ll need to take the step up.

Chromebooks can match many Ultrabooks on speed when it comes to boot times and general usage, but for multitasking Ultrabooks are far and away the better choice.

Most Ultrabooks look pretty classy, and at the prices they go for you wouldn’t expect less. However, if your needs aren’t that great, or you simply don’t have the cash, then a netbook would be a better choice.

Netbooks vs. Tablets

Though it may seem surprising in some ways, it’s worth comparing netbooks with tablets. They weigh in at comparable prices, and depending on a user’s requirements it’s possible that a tablet may do the job just as well. Here are some key points in considering whether a netbook or tablet would suit you better.

1)      A tablet is very portable. In fact, a tablet is more portable than even the most portable netbook or Ultrabook. The thin builds of tablets ensures that they fit into bags very easily. They’re also usually a little smaller in length and width than any netbooks, and weigh less too. If portability is the only thing that matters to you, then a tablet could be a better choice.

2)      One major problem with tablets is the keyboard. Touch-screen keyboards just aren’t as convenient as conventional keyboards. It is possible to buy keyboard add-on devices that go with tablets, but doing so reduces the portability and convenience of a tablet a fair bit. As tablets really aren’t great for any kind of extensive typing, you’d be better off with a netbook if you want to send lots of emails or do word processing.

3)      Tablets have touch screen functionality as their main selling point, and it really is nice to use. It’s simple and intuitive, doing away with the trackpads on netbooks. However, touch screens are prone to grease smears. This can spoil the screen unless you take the time to clean it regularly.

4)      Screen size may be an issue, as tablet screens are even smaller than nearly all netbooks. If you find that a 10.1” netbook screen is already pushing it for size, then a tablet should be avoided if you plan on using it for similar things. Movies are better watched on netbooks.

5)      Browsing is a key element in any discussion of netbooks and tablets. While opinions differ, on the whole browsing on an old-fashioned netbook still seems more convenient and enjoyable than on a tablet. Not all websites are designed with tablet-type screens in mind, and searching is easier when a full keyboard is available.

6)      If you’re big on tablet apps, then you might also find the Chromebook interesting. Before buying a tablet think about whether a Chromebook might suit you better. Chromebooks offer a huge range of apps through the Chrome web apps store, giving you a similar user experience to a tablet but with increased power and functionality. The full keyboard, larger screen, and faster browsing all make for an enhanced experience.

If you’re really into the touch-screen flashiness of tablets, then that may be enough to sway you over in that direction. But for flexibility and comfort, a netbook is probably the better choice.

• Toshiba NB505 Review
• Sony VAIO YB Series Laptop Review
• Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Review
• HP Mini 210-4150NR 10.1-Inch Netbook
• HP DM1-4170US 11.6-Inch Laptop Review
• Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Netbook Review
• ASUS X101CH-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook
• ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1016PT-BU37-BK
• Acer Aspire One AOD270-1410 Netbook
• Acer AC700-1099 Chromebook Review

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