Some of the coolest new tech out there is the new class of notebook computers, known as netbooks. As in, “internet notebook.”

Netbooks are much smaller than their older siblings. Average screen size is only about 9-10″ and they’re widescreen. They are also less powerful, but this is for a reason. Netbooks are designed specifically for web/email and other less processor-intensive jobs. This allows for easy portability and battery life that is usually superior to a full-size notebook. Most netbooks also have built-in webcams, so video chats are as simple as a click of the mouse.

Then there’s the screen resolution… The small screens cut down on real estate. Most likely your looking at this page at 768 pixels high on a square monitor or 800px high in widescreen. Our new friend, the netbook, is in about 600px high. Meaning your homepage now has 200 pixels less above the fold! Or maybe your banner ad now requires scrolling to see the bottom! Something you may want to check if you have must-see content.

At the moment, most people are opting for a netbook as an additional computer. The average price of less than $500 make this choice a little easier. The great price also means some features are a bit lacking. Most netbooks are shipping with only 1GB of RAM and Windows XP. This is surprising since Microsoft is preparing to launch Windows 7, the successor to the much lamented Vista. Essentially, buying a netbook with XP will put you two operating systems behind. There is hope if you can wait, since Microsoft is planning to release a scaled down version of Windows 7 specifically for netbooks. Also, netbooks often lack CD/DVD optical drives, so you’ll need to use an external if the need arises.

So as netbooks mature, be sure to keep up. We may all be migrating away to a soon-to-be-available über-netbook that has all the portability, battery life, and horsepower we could want! And all for a handful of benjamins!

1. Web Usage Stats – August 2009 – IE6 Refuses to Die Says:
   August 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm

   [...] the last web usage stats post, an industry point to note is the favorable market response to netbooks. This response, while not showing much influence in the stats today, may have some impact in the [...]

2. Windows 7 will arrive in October! So what? Says:
   October 2nd, 2009 at 9:32 am

   [...] rest, so I will be one of the first in line for a shiny, new Windows 7 based notebook (maybe even a netbook!). But I’m one of the lucky ones who simply skipped Vista and that’s the only reason [...]