Netbooks Archives - Page 3 of 3

Buying New Computers – A Better Computer for 8 Cents an Hour

Is it time to buy new a computer? Unsure how much to spend on your new computer so that it meets your needs today as well as in the future? A common question in buying new computers is when does spending a little extra money actually get you a noticeably better computer. An important factor in answering that question is how long you expect to use the computer or what the effective lifespan of the computer will be.

Lifespan of Your New Computer

The planned lifespan of your new computer is a key factor because 1) it determines what the payback period will be for investing a bit extra cash up front, and 2) it provides an idea of how your new computer will stack up to the performance of new computers 3, 4 or 5 years from now. While you don’t want to throw money away unnecessarily, having a computer that has sufficient performance and features will be important as your computer ages. Having a two year old underpowered computer that feels outdated is not a good position to be in.

A Better Computer for 8 Cents an Hour.

Here is an example that may help you visualize the benefits of spending a bit more on your new computer than initially planned. Let’s say you are considering an $800 laptop computer. But for an additional expenditure of $200 you can get an extra level of performance (CPU, RAM, HDD) and features (screen size, battery life, ports) that would really provide additional value when you use your computer.

For this example let’s also assume you plan on using your laptop computer for 4 years and that you spend two hours a day on your computer six days a week. An extra $200 over 4 years is actually $50 per year for whatever enhancements you decide to include with the expanded budget. In terms of the time you use the computer this example would calculate out to:

2 hours of computer use/day

X 6 days/week

X 50 weeks per year

= 600 hrs. of computer use per year

Which means that you will spend:

$50 extra per year for 600 hrs. of computer use

which equals: $.083/hr. or 8 cents per hour of computer use

On a monthly basis this would be $4 per month

The Question: Is it worth $4 per month to buy a “better” computer?

What Do You Get By Spending a Bit More?

Is the example a worthwhile investment? It will likely depend on your needs and budget. Your extra expenditure may allow you to buy a computer with more RAM, a faster CPU, a better graphics adapter, a larger hard disk drive, a battery with a longer life, more ports, a larger screen, a smaller screen, or a lighter weight computer.

More Is Not Always More
Sometimes spending more may not get you more of the features you want. For instance if you want a netbook computer because you really want a portable computer that has a 10 hour battery life then spending more money may still not get you that type of battery life on a laptop or notebook computer. Prioritize which features are most important to you and focus on enhancing those features.

When deciding on your budget focus on whether spending a bit more than you initially planned will get you components that will actually enhance the performance, capacity, battery life, size or weight of your system. Spending a bit more today may just make for a more functional and enjoyable time when using your computer now, as well as in 3 or 4 years.

Netbook Computer Sales Continue to Explode

By Mike McEvoy

Netbook computer sales are the current driving force in PC sales growth. Recent reports on netbooks show that consumer demand for these low cost, lightweight computers continues to explode with new models and new CPUs being introduced. Netbooks are a relatively new and interesting segment of the PC market and I’ve written about them previous tech tips including the Netbook Computer Primer and a post on the appeal of netbook computers for students. The speed and scope of the netbook’s acceptance has been a surprised to many and current sales numbers for netbook computers show no signs of slowing down.

Netbook Computer Sales Reports

Recent reports on netbook computer sales including one from DisplaySearch in its Q3 2009 Quarterly Advanced Notebook PC Shipment and Forecast Report, provide insights on netbook computer acceptance by consumers. The data on netbook sales show:

Netbook computer worldwide sales grew 264% year-to-year from Q2 08 – Q2 09.
During the Q2 08 – Q2 09 period netbook computer sales revenue grew from $845M to $3.07B worldwide.
The sales of other portable PC segments fell up to 31% during same time period.
Average sales price of portable computers decreased between 10% and 29% depending on category during the same period.
Netbooks accounted for over 22 percent of all portable computer sales worldwide in Q3 2009 although only 11% of sales revenue.
All major PC manufacturers are making netbook computers with the exception of Apple.

In a shift in worldwide computer sales rankings netbook sales by Acer, including their popular Aspire One model, have help the company leap into the number two position in worldwide computer sales, overtaking Dell. Worldwide, HP remains the top selling computer manufacturer although in the US Dell leads in sales but is in very close competition with HP for the top spot.

Netbook Computer Growth Dampens Laptop Computer Demand

Part of the growth in netbook computer sales has come at the expense of the more established laptop and notebook segments. As part of this shift low-cost netbooks are putting increased downward pressure on the pricing of other types of portable PCs. All of this is good news for consumers. Rather than spending $500 or more on a laptop, price sensitive shoppers can view netbooks as a less expensive way to buy a portable computer or replace an old one for only $250 – $350. While there are definite limitations on what a netbook can do compared to a laptop computer, netbooks can do enough to effectively meet the needs (and budgets) of many people.

7 Reasons Netbook Computers are great for students

By Mike McEvoy

Is a new portable computer on your back-to-school shopping list? Netbook computers are great for students. If you are looking for a lightweight and relatively inexpensive portable computer for school or home be sure to take a look at netbook computers as a potential option.

Netbook computers are great for students because they are small, lightweight, cost effective, connected, easy to use, and focused on essential tasks. This post examines the benefits of netbook computers for students and parents. For additional in-depth information on netbook computers be sure to see our previous post, Netbook Computer Primer.

What is a Netbook Computer?

Netbook computers continue to evolve at a rapid rate. As a starting point, a netbook currently is an ultraportable computer that:

Typically weighs 2.5 pounds.
Has a screen size between 7” and 10”.
Includes a built-in wireless networking adapter (g/n).
Has no internal optical (CD or DVD) drive.
Typically runs Windows XP Home operating system.
Utilizes a lower powered processor such as the Intel Atom CPU.

Netbook Computers are a great option for Students

As computers become more and more essential for students from grade school through college parents and students need to weigh a range of factors when purchasing a system. One of the last things a parent wants to hear from their child is that they left their $1,500 laptop “on the bus.” Here are seven reasons why a netbook computer may be a good fit:

Lightweight – With a weight between 2 – 3 pounds, a netbook computer is a very manageable load for kids and is easy to transport. The netbook’s weight is a fraction of a bulky 15” or 17” laptop computer.

Small size – Netbooks have a screen size of between 7” and 11” and are less than 1” thick. This makes for a good fit when carrying in a backpack, yet even with a small footprint netbook computers are still quite usable and functional.

Low cost – Most netbook computers cost between $300 and $400. Accessories such as an external CD/DVD drive or an extended life battery can add to the cost and some top of the line netbooks can range up to $700. This is still quite a bit less expensive than the $1,000 – $1,500 price point of some laptop computers. At $300 a netbook computer costs only a bit more than some smartphones.

Wireless networking included as standard – All netbook computers include a built-in wireless network adapter for speedy connections to wireless networks at school and home. Many netbooks also include a built-in wired Ethernet connector.

Smaller keyboard – Due to the smaller overall size of a netbook computer the keyboards are also slightly smaller than a standard laptop keyboard. While this may be a drawback for some adults with large hands, this smaller keyboard may actually fit a child’s hands better than a full sized keyboard. The relative size of netbook computer keyboards range from 85% to 92% of the size of a standard laptop computer keyboard.

Focused on essential tasks – Netbook computers utilize lower power CPUs that also have less computing power than those found on most laptop computers. Some people will consider this a negative since it limits the processing power of the netbook and more complex tasks such a photo editing or video viewing/editing will be slow or not feasible on a netbook. However, this also means that a netbook is not particularly good for computer gaming, thus making the system’s use much more focused on schoolwork.

Increased battery life – Most net book computers have a battery life of 3 – 4 hours per charge under normal usage. Many manufacturers offer an extended life battery that may increase the battery life to a range of 5 – 9 hours per charge. These larger batteries also add about half-a-pound to the computer weight as well as increase the system cost.

Netbooks and Laptops

Given their low price netbook computer sales have put significant downward pressure on the price of traditional laptop computers. Netbook computer sales have jumped dramatically since Asus introduced the first netbook (the ASUS Eee PC) in 2007 and netbook sales are projected to continue to climb rapidly. As newer technologies come to market and manufacturers evolve their product lines the differences between laptops and netbooks sometimes begin to blur. On occasion when some laptops are on sale they can be priced very close to the cost of some netbook computers. However even when a laptop computer is on sale a netbook computer will still retain an advantage in terms of size, weight battery life and cost over a laptop.

Specific Net book Computer Models and Recommendations

Given the rapid changes and evolution with netbook computers I refrain from citing specific models. The product lines change too quickly and fluctuating price discounts can vary significantly. Most of the traditional laptop manufacturers now produce netbooks, with Toshiba recently introducing its first netbook computer to a very positive response. One manufacturer that you may not be as familiar with is ASUS or ASUSTek Computers, the developer of the first successful netbook computer. ASUS makes quality systems and is well worth considering.

For direct unvarnished reviews, comments and feedback on specific netbook computers, I find Amazon.com to be an excellent source. Below are several links to a representative sample of current netbook computers that will provide you with a good starting point for comparing costs and features:

HP Mini 110-1030NR 10.1-Inch Netbook – 6 Cell Battery

Toshiba Mini NB205-N210 10.1-Inch Black Netbook – 9 Hour Battery Life

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook – 10.5 Hour Battery Life

Acer Aspire One AOD250-1580 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook – 7.5 Hour Battery Life

Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2-Inch Blue Netbook – 6 Cell Battery

Netbook Computers – Try before you Buy

For a more detailed look at a netbook computer be sure to read our Netbook Computer Primer which is an even-handed look at netbooks, including a look at potential drawbacks. Remember: Netbook computers are different than laptop computers so it is always good to spend a bit of “hands on” time with a netbook prior to purchase to make sure the model is a good fit.

Ten Downsides of an Aging Computer

By MikeM

An increasingly common question is how long to stick with an aging computer? Frequently it becomes a question of continuing to use an older computer that “sort of” meets your needs, or upgrading to a new computer with its many potential benefits. Having the budget to buy a new computer is a key starting point. Transferring documents, data, programs, favorites/bookmarks and settings are other considerations for a computer migration. As part of the keep it or replace it question this post will examine Ten Downsides of an aging computer system. Also be sure to see my tech tip on Why a Five Year Old Computer Is Slower Than a New Computer,

Too Slow — The current computer is too slow, especially with several programs open at the same time. Everything takes longer and you sometimes don’t do certain tasks, including maintenance, because they just take too long.
Too Unreliable — There are too many quirky or weird behaviors that sap your productivity or enjoyment when using the computer.
Too Long — The computer takes longer and longer to boot up and to shut down.
Too Little RAM — The computer does not have enough RAM (memory) and it makes the system run significantly slower than it would with a greater amount of RAM installed.
Upgrading Components Won’t Help – There are various component upgrades that can be done such as adding RAM, upgrading to a faster graphics adapter, or upgrading to a faster network adapter, but the CPU and bus speed will still be the same – Slow.
Repairs May Be A Bad Investment – It may be necessary to repair a component (CD-ROM drive, graphics card, hard disk drive, or network adapter), but is it worthwhile to pour money for components and labor into an aging computer that may crash completely in six months?
Software Confusion – There is uncertainty about all the programs and processes that are loading every time the computer boots up. Which ones are necessary, which ones just bog the system down and which ones are safe to deactivate or turn off?
More Software Confusion – Over the years you have installed numerous programs, utilities, add-ons, plug-ins, and widgets. This creates lots of software clutter and more uncertainty about what can be uninstalled cleanly.
Version Confusion — Not sure what programs, drivers, upgrades, add-ins, plug-ins or widgets are up to date or if they can all work together without causing strange behavior or intermittent problems.
Tune Up Needed — The computer hasn’t been tuned up or cleaned up effectively in years. For desktop computers in particular this can lead to accumulations of dust, cobwebs or possibly pet hair in the vents, filters or interior of the computer.

Aging Computer – Ten Downsides Versus A Budget

There are always good reasons for sticking with the computer you currently own and use. And if you don’t have a budget for a new computer then replacement becomes a non-issue. However, sometimes the decision to replace a computer becomes more urgent when a serious problem with an aging computer doesn’t leave much choice but to replace it. In the meantime be sure to keep your computer tuned up and your data backed up because there are a whole set of Murphy’s Laws that apply to computers.

Netbook Computer Primer

By Mike McEvoy

The Netbook computer has made quite a splash in a computer world driven by smaller, lighter, stronger, faster, and easier. Netbooks are the latest version of the portable computer. Similar to laptop computers in many ways except that Netbook computers are smaller, lighter, less expensive and less powerful. They are great for portability but less functional for computing intensive tasks. This Netbook Computer Primer examines just what a Netbook computer is and explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of this new breed of portable computer.

What is a Netbook Computer?

Let’s start at the beginning. Based on current technology a Netbook computer is an ultraportable computer:

- typically weighing 2.5 pounds
- having a screen size between 7” and 10”
- including a wireless networking adapter (g/n)
- having no internal optical (CD or DVD) drive
- typically running Windows XP Home
- utilizing a lower powered CPU such as the Intel Atom CPU.

Netbook computers are designed for less computing intensive tasks such as receiving and sending email and accessing the Internet. Netbooks are basic computing devices that are suited for basic computing tasks. Leading manufacturers include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI and Toshiba.

The Net book computer has captured many people’s interest for two main reasons – size and price. Based on size and weight a Netbook fits somewhere in between the smartphone and the laptop computer. Key factors that differentiate a Netbook computer from other portable computers are:

Size — Most Netbook computers have a screen size between 7” and 10” measured diagonally. They are larger than a smartphone, which have screens not much bigger than 3” diagonally, and smaller than a laptop computer which range between 12” and 17”.

Price – Netbook computer prices range from $250 to $800 with an average price in the $350 range. This price can increase if you add an external CD/DVD drive or a larger, extended life battery. Most Netbooks come with 1GB of RAM. Upgrading to 2GB if needed will also add to the cost.

Weight – The other aspect of a Netbook computer being “smaller” is weight. Most Netbooks weigh in at around 2.5 pounds. A smaller screen means a lighter screen and a smaller and lighter battery to power the smaller screen. The weight of most Netbooks falls in the 2 – 3 pounds range however adding a larger, extended life battery can add as much as half a pound to the overall weight.

CPU or Computing Power – Most Net book computers use a CPU from the Intel Atom CPU line. These “brains” are less powerful than the Intel P4, Core, or Core 2 CPUs or the AMD CPUs that are in most laptop computers. While these CPUs provide less computing power they also require much less electrical power resulting in smaller, lighter weight batteries and cooler running Netbooks. UPDATE: Intel released its latest versions of the Atom CPU in early 2010. Be sure to check out the post on “New Intel Processor for Netbook Computers”

Optical Storage (CD/DVD) – Internal CD or DVD drives are not included in a netbook computer. External drives can be connected through USB ports for loading software or transferring data to another computer. External optical drives are not included in the base cost of most Netbook computers.

Mass Storage (hard disk drive) – Netbooks offer either a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) that have a capacity between 60 GB and 160 GB, or lower capacity solid state drives (SSD) with capacities ranging from 16 GB to 64 GB of flash memory.

netbook-computer-primer-dell

Potential Drawbacks with A Netbook Computer

Size, weight and price provide some real benefits with Netbook computers. There are also a number of trade-offs with the reduced size and weight.

Keyboard size — A Netbook computer’s keyboard is usually about 85 to 95 percent of a full-size QWERTY keyboard. The layout and arrangement of the keys can also vary. Netbooks that have 10-inch screens tend to offer the larger keyboards. Well worth a test drive to determine if the smaller keyboard is a good fit for you.
Computing power – As explained earlier a Netbook computer is not designed for computing intensive tasks such as editing videos or large photos or playing modern video games. Loading programs and saving documents may also be a bit slower than a laptop.
Expandability and Ports – Some netbook computer models may have only two USB ports and may lack a PC-Card slot.
Limited hard disk storage – Some models offer only a 16GB or 32GB solid state drive. After the space required for Windows and your program files these smaller capacity drives may not leave sufficient space for all your other files in the long term. Especially if you are considering copying your 30GB music and photo library onto the computer.
No internal optical drive – as noted above Netbook computers do not have internal CD or DVD drives by definition. It is relatively easy to connect an external drive via USB but it will cost extra.
Battery life – These rating can vary significantly, ranging from 2.5 hours to over 8 hours depending on the model. Many netbook computer manufacturers also offer an extended life battery as an extra cost option.
RAM – Most Netbooks come with 1GB of RAM and can accept a maximum of 2GB. The higher amount will provide better performance but is an added cost.
Mouse buttons and touchpad – The smaller amount of keyboard real estate can also impact the mouse buttons and the touchpad. As with laptops the configuration of these important elements can vary. Another area where a test drive will be beneficial.

Netbook computers provide some very interesting options. As the technology continues to evolve in this hot product area the capabilities are only going to get better and some of the trade offs, such as performance, may decrease significantly. The popularity of Netbooks is also putting additional pressure the price and performance of conventional, fully sized ultralight laptops. The distinctions between these two categories will probably continue to blur. Be sure to check out “Laptops – Netbooks – 8 Key Differences” for more insights on how these two types of portable computers compare.

For students and parents looking for a portable computer for school be sure to see the post on 7 Reasons Netbook Computers are Great for Students

For many people the main decision point between a Netbook computer and a laptop will be size and weight. If you are looking for a very small footprint, very lightweight basic computing device you should seriously consider one these. If you will need more computing power (bigger applications or having many applications open at once), an internal CD/DVD drive, a big, fast hard disk drive, or lots of ports, the laptop will probably be the better option.

Hard to Beat the Price of a Net book Computer

Netbook computers are a relatively new market and in a significant state of flux. In an era of high performance quad-core CPUs and terabyte hard disk drives many people have been surprised by the popularity of these relatively low horsepower devices. A key factor that makes a Netbook computer so interesting is their low price. At $350 they almost become a throw away device – keep it for 18 to 24 months and dispose of it. At a time where you can spend $500 on a Smartphone not including the significant costs of the monthly service contract, a Netbook computer looks like quite a bargain.