Portable Mini Laptops
When Asus launched its Eee PC low cost ultra portable notebook in June 2008, most other manufactures thought they were crazy. Yet, after just few months, they realized it was indeed a great idea, and now, nearly every manufacturer has - or is about to have – a similar low-priced mini laptop computer. Add to that an economy in turmoil, where many people who are looking to buy PCs are increasingly turning to inexpensive, low-power mini laptops.
The move to mini laptops is bolstering what otherwise would be a soft PC market, according to industry analysts at Gartner Inc. With a substantial push from the new slew of mini notebooks hitting the market, global PC shipments reached 80.6 million units in the third quarter of 2008, scoring a 15% increase from the third quarter of 2007.
So What Exactly Is A "Mini Laptop"?
The netbook or mini laptop is a highly portable, light and compact PC with everything one needs to do basic computing tasks and online browsing, minus the CD/DVD player. Originally geared towards a niche market that wanted a low-cost PC with basic functionality, its explosive popularity has recently resulted in the genre expanding to include heavier and more high-priced models, confusing the lines between the mini laptop and standard laptop markets.
A mini laptop can weigh less than two pounds (.91kg), and with an LCD screen measuring just 7-10 inches (177-254mm) diagonally depending on the model, thus they are genuinely portable. Models with a Linux® operating system typically feature a small but ultra-fast solid-state drive (SSD), which is in essence a large flash memory chip. An SSD not only makes the PC lighter, but also draws out battery life. Some models can survive as long as seven hours on a single charge.
The Linux desktop is uncluttered with a few large icons that lead the way to online services, work-type applications, games, or stored files. These netbooks come with Open Office®, an open-source, free productivity suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation application, graphics program and database. Built-in WiFi is standard (many cards only support "g" networks), and most models also carry a Webcam, mic and headphone jacks, flash card reader, and USB ports. All this for a price tag that starts as low as $250 US Dollars.
A Great Choice For Consumers On A Budget
Entry-level models can be ideal for students to do homework, exchange email, browse the net, and play games. Senior citizens with little or no computer experience to date might also find the Linux-based mini laptop with its simple desktop a good introduction to the Internet, email and basic computer activities. A mini laptop is also handy to have around the house when primary machines are busy and someone needs to get online, write a paper, or execute some other task. For those who dislike thumb typing on cell phones or personal digital assistants, a netbook can provide Internet on-the-go in a more convenient, yet extremely portable machine.
Yes, there are mini laptops with Windows Operating Systems. While the undemanding Linux system can contend with as little as a 4GB SSD (though mid-range models come with larger drives), XP netbooks tend to be beefier, many having a standard platter drive instead of an SSD. The trade-off is in weight, speed and battery life. A platter drive will use more power, will be heavier and moderately slower comparatively, but will also supply plenty of room for programs and storage. Some XP netbooks come with 160GB hard drives, while an XP mini laptop with an SSD might only offer 8GB. A few netbooks are also available with Vista, but this operating system is even more rigorous than its predecessor, making XP the better choice for Microsoft fans.
As of winter 2009, an XP mini laptop weighing in at 3.2 pounds (1.45kg), with a 10-inch (254mm) LCD screen, 160GB drive, 1GB RAM, card reader, Web cam and the rest can be had for just about $390 USD. For a model with wireless “n” capability (in addition to "g" capability), expect to pay closer to $420 USD, rivaling the cost of a low-end standard laptop. Some netbooks sell for as much as $600 USD or more, though it is debatable as to whether such pricey models should be classified as netbooks.
So, from no options at all, you now have to consider Asus Eee PC, MSI Wind, HP Mini note, and similar offerings from a number of other manufacturers. While these sub notebooks aren’t meant to replace a regular laptop or desktop computer, they do make for impressive little machines appropriate for computing on the go, or to serve as a first mini laptop for children. Portable mini laptops are perfect for while on the move, they're small and light, allow you to connect to an Internet Service, check your email messages, social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, use simple applications as well as light entertainment such as videos and games. They are the best, cheapest, travel laptops.