Laptop vs Netbook: Which one is your cup of tea?

I’m pretty sure most of you have familiar with the term ‘netbook’ for the past 2 years in the computer world. Ever since the emerges of ASUS EeePC701 in the market, netbook has quickly gained the popularity among PC users due to its three main selling points 1) portability, 2) power consumption, and 3) price.

ASUS Eee PC 701 - The first netbook out in the market

1) Portability

A netbook is consider a stripped down version of a laptop in terms of size and performance. It usually sits within 7-10 inch of size range (some of the netbook has 12 inch as well but quite rare as of now)and weighted around 1kg while laptops are normally in 14-15 inch range, weighted around 2.3kg (A lighter and smaller laptop also available but it comes with a heavy tag). The size of a netbook gave a huge advantage over laptop as it’s much easier to carry due to reduce of weight and space to carry the netbook around places.

2) Power Consumption

Most of the netbooks suppport at least 3 hours of battery hour (maximum performance) with a 3 cells Li-ion battery. A better model of netbooks will have 5-7 hours of battery life, giving you enough juice to finish your word documents (and some facebooks) before the lunch time.

3) Price

Range from just below RM1000 to RM1800, a netbook price is about the same compared to a decent old model laptop which consumed more power and carries extra weight. a lighter, newer laptop will cause you at least more than RM2000, which seemingly not worth the penny which you have a netbook as your choice (unless you are a heavy laptop gamer)

So to answer the question “Do you need a netbook or a laptop?”, the answer ;can be easily netbook.Here’s the list of reason to own a netbook

- no need to carry extra weights around (even the charger is as light as your handphone’s)

- it has every functions that you need. Bluetooth, WiFi, USB2.0, webcam, you name it. Whatever a laptop has, a netbook has it too. If you’re talking about a good graphic performance, there’s Ion platform for you (Ion is a netbook platfrom that uses Intel Atom CPU paired with NVidia 9400M chipset) as well (not enough to play hard core games but definitely better than platform with Intel 945). No worries, it can play facebook’s games as well as view Youtube’s videos without problem

- I must say it works great for a blogger ( I’m writing this using a netbook )

- why get a same performance’s laptop with much higher price than a cheaper netbook?

- How many times you actually play those graphic stressing games in a laptop anyway?

- What else you’ll need in a mobile platform that’s not in a netbook? If you need a large screen to see movies in HD mode, full sized keyboard and some high quality audio, you might as well opt for a Desktop system.

You will only buy a laptop if:

- Your job needs more graphic performance system
- You have the budget
- You have a big fingers that you cannot work in non-full sized keyboard

So, choose wisely guys about your need before you purchase a new toy for yourself. During this economic slowdown period, every dollar counts and it’s important to plan everything before buying something.

Feel free to drop any doubts and we’ll work it out together.