The Growing Popularity of Netbook Computers
Nowhere is the popularity of netbooks easier to spot than on Amazon.com. As of February 2009, viewing the top selling laptops on the online shopping giant's website reveals that most of the five best selling laptops are netbook computers. Cost conscious computer shoppers have made netbooks an overwhelming success.
Perhaps you are considering buying a netbook and would like to know more about them. Or maybe you are curious as to why they have become such a major hit with consumers. The following is a brief overview of netbooks and a discussion of the factors that have led to their popularity.
The first thing you notice about netbooks is that they are far more compact than the laptops you are likely used to seeing. Their small footprint allows for an extremely portable computer, but one that sacrifices power and functionality. Netbook owners typically are not able to run resource intensive such as office suites directly on the netbook. Netbooks usually use Windows XP or Linux for their operating system.
In terms of pricing, one can currently expect to pay between $350 and $500 for a netbook. Most major notebook computer manufacturers including Dell, HP and Lenovo have added a netbook or a series of netbooks to their product line so availability is not generally an issue unless you require a specific make and model.
With WiFi support standard on netbook computers, the lack of processing power can be somewhat mitigated. For example, netbook users can still keep in touch via email, use Web based applications such as Google Docs in place of desktop equivalents and still enjoy most of what the Internet has to offer. Netbooks are not intended to replace desktops, but for the more casual computer user they afford access to many useful features with less complexity.
The popularity of netbook computers stems from their portability and affordability. Computer users wanting an inexpensive laptop that traveled well and was capable of fulfilling their basic needs were a segment of the market that had traditionally been underserved. Netbooks resonate with the user who does not need the latest bells and whistles or the fastest processor and does not want to have to pay for such.
As the technology evolves and more power can be packed into smaller spaces, it is reasonable to expect to see netbooks appearing on the market with more and more features. For now, netbooks fill what was once a large gap in the marketplace: affordable laptops for more casual computer users.
Presently, netbook users are forced to trade performance and functionality for cost and convenience. The success of netbooks indicates, however, that consumers are more than willing to make this tradeoff. Price and ease of use are likely always going to be a key factor in the purchasing decisions of a large number of potential laptop buyers. It stands to reason that while their popularity may dip, a strong market consisting of those with less performance requirements and who aren't willing to pay for features they don't need should continue to develop.
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Laptops All-in-One For DummiesThe all-in-one guide to buying, using, securing, and transporting a laptop—it's ten books in one! If you want to take a computer with you on a trip, to a coffee shop, or into the kitchen when you're cooking, laptops are just the ticket. They're portable, powerful, and popular—but they're not desktops, so you’ll want to know what you’re doing from the get-go. This terrific, ten-minibooks-in-one book covers all the bases: how to choose the best laptop for you, what you need to know when you’re on the road, how to get more productive and more.
- Shows you how to keep your laptop running smoothly and safely at home, at work, in the classroom, and on the road
- Includes ten books in one: Choosing the Best Laptop, Setting Up Your Laptop, Running Basic Windows Operations, Using Common Applications, Playing with Multimedia, Managing Your Power Supply, Upgrading Your Laptop, Networking and Linking to the Internet, Protecting Your Laptop, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Offers advice and tips on using your laptop safely and efficiently, including what accessories you need
- Reflects the very latest technologies, including Windows 7 and the new Microsoft Office 2010
This easy-to-follow For Dummies guide tells you everything you need to know about laptops!
Laptops For Seniors For DummiesNow's the time! Learn to pick a laptop, use Windows, and take advantage of the Internet
Tired of wondering what all the fuss is about? This book is written for people like you, who may not know much about computers but are ready to learn. In plain English, it tells you how to use a computer, the Windows operating system, and basic software; what to look for in a laptop; and how to get online to shop, e-mail, and chat — safely.
Compare — understand the differences between standard "notebook" laptops, netbooks, mids or minis, and tablet PCs
Choose wisely — consider weight, monitor size, price, how you'll connect to the Internet, processor speed, and memory
All the details — charge the battery, set up user accounts, adjust settings, and manage power
Learn what you can do — manage your finances, watch movies, research topics of interest, organize your photos, and create family newsletters
Do Windows — log on and off, manage files and folders, and use accessibility features
Communicate — set up an e-mail account and join a social networking site
Be careful — learn about online risks, how to protect yourself, and how to recognize fraud and scams
Simplify your life — shop, bank, and pay bills online
Open the book and find:
How to keep your laptop running smoothly
What you can do with built-in applications
Advice on searching the Web
Tips for protecting your privacy
How to access the Internet when you travel
How to use accessibility features for vision or hearing challenges
Where to find help
How to connect printers and other devices
Learn to:
? Choose the right laptop for you
? Work with the built-in touchpad or attach a wireless mouse
? Use Windows® 7 to manage files and optimize performance
? Safely send and receive e-mail and explore the Web
Laptops For DummiesGet a move on! Learn to roam free with this guide to choosing and using a laptop
Laptops come with everything you need to get going — everything, that is, except a guide to buying and using one. This book covers portable computers from laptop to lap-bottom, with useful advice on picking one, setting it up, managing power and peripherals, going online, and hitting the road.
Which one fits your lap? — learn what to look for, what to ignore, and how to find the laptop you'll love
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Bells and whistles, anyone? — add a portable printer, PC Card, or USB gizmo to make your laptop more versatile
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Open the book and find:
Translations of laptop buzzwords
Regular maintenance and troubleshooting tips
Steps for safely unpacking your laptop
Advice on maximizing power, memory, and hard drive space
Tips for strong passwords you can actually remember
What the differences are between netbooks and laptops
How to make phone calls and video-chat from your laptop
Descriptions of ten cool laptop accessories
Learn to:
Make the most of the latest laptop features and capabilities
Synchronize your laptop with your desktop and cellphone
Set up security for mobility and social networking
Beef up your laptop's memory and hard drive capacity
