Expert: Bobbert - 4/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I believe I understand that a LapTop, a NoteBook and a Netbook,are all the same, except for size with the last one, is that correct?

I am searching for a Netbook, being that it is more portable and does the same as a laptop, but a lot less expensive, please correct me if this is not correct.

I have a home computer that was “built” for me by my brother several years ago, and he had the opportunity to update it until he left home. I currently have XP Pro, and my Microsoft Office is 2003.

I’m currently in school (returned to study another career) and I feel the need for a portable PC where I can work on my reports using MS-Word and PPS (PowerPoint) presentations, hopefully more current version.

I don’t have great knowledge in computers, much less laptops.
Would you please help me to find which one is best or what features I should look for?

Here are a few things I absolutely would like it to have and questions I have on laptops:

Will I be able to watch DVD movies?
Listen to regular music CD’s?
Will I need to purchase something to keep it from overheating?

I need it to have MS-Word and Power Point would be helpful.

I need to be able to go online to check email and/or chat with messengers, at home PC, I occasionally use my modem but we have Broadband (fast Internet).
I’ve heard of WiFi, I’m not too sure what it is or how to use it but I believe I heard laptops have it to connect away from home?

I need it to be able to be connected to my printer and print my documents and if possible fax (I have a 4 in 1 that enables print, copy, scan, fax).

Most likely I may purchase a small mouse for the laptop if I find the little square is difficult to maneuver. 

I don’t care to have a web cam nor mic. though it seems I’ve seen they are now coming “built in”?  Built in speakers would be something I would definitely like.

Another reason why I would like to buy one of these is b/c after long hours sitting at my computer desk at home, I wish I could finish up while laying in bed, save my work (on a USB, flash, memory), transfer it, then continue on next day. It would be most comfortable and I’m sure I’d have less fatigue on neck upper shoulder area.

I have purchased a keyboard light for the netbook (mini-laptop) already. What else would I need?

When I go to the stores, I see so many different brands of laptops and a few for netbooks, and all the specs. I don’t know where to begin. One thing I do know is that I like to shop around first to take a good look at everything available before I make a decision and buy.
So I’m truly hoping you are able to help me by informing me on what the specs. mean and which is best for my needs/use.

Here, I saw netbooks for about $300, which is more inexpensive than the larger laptop, which is at the very least…double that amount. Does brand name really matter?

Thank you for your time and expertise and volunteer help. 



ANSWER: Your question is quite long, so if you don't mind, I'm going to touch on individual points briefly, and if you need further clarification please feel free to ask.

The deliniation between netbook and laptop/notebook is correct, and netbooks are generally regarded as lighter, less expensive, and more mobile (due to the lower weight, and longer battery life). For your listed needs, a netbook should be appropriate, although I would suggest trying out the keyboard and screen size for your needs before commiting (some users with larger hands have issues with the keyboard size, and most users find the screen a bit smaller than expected. If these aren't problems for you, the other advantages of a netbook are "prime" based on your needs.

Regarding "Wifi", this is a wireless networking technology, it allows a device (such as a portable computer, PDA, or desktop computer) with a capable adapter, to connect wirelessly to a network. In order for the system to work, both the wireless adapter and wireless "base" (called a Wireless Receiver or Access Point) to be present, for a home installation you would need a capable wireless router to establish a network (which would share the broadband internet connection between your existing desktop, and new laptop, the desktop will not require new hardware, as wired connection is also possible). As far as coverage range, generally around 100 ft is the maximum you'll be capable of with any wireless access point (with the exception of very expensive commerical solutions). This would essentially allow you to "work from bed", but you could not access the home network "away from home" via wireless.

The 4-in-1 unit will likely be somewhat sharable via a network, in that you will be able to print from any system, although using other features may or may not be possible (depends on the specific unit, its software, the software being used on the network, and configuration settings).

Finally on DVDs/CDs, you will need a system with a capable drive for this (don't worry, the days of CD only capability are a thing of the past), something all current netbooks lack, although something most all laptops feature. External drives are available (just like an external hard-drive, you can purchase an external DVD drive), for a minimal cost.

The overheating note is variable system to system, most netbooks do not have an issue with heat, although this depends on the usage scenario, for example if you're resting the system on a pillow, it will run warmer than resting on a desk. Laptops are a different beast, some of them run warmer than others, and "cooling pads" are available for around $20.

On brands, I wouldn't worry too heavily on the issue, although I would stick to "major" vendors (such as Dell, Asus, Acer, HP, and similar) while avoiding "online" type vendors (such as "cyberpower.com" computers), mostly as having some form of end-user warranty support is valuable, and many major vendors will include extras (be it a discount, free upgrades, free case, software package, etc).

-bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Bob,
Thank you for your reply. It was very, very helpful.
I think a netbook is what I'd enjoy, the size is just perfect and sometimes I like to study out in the park or even in my car when it's too loud at home.
I had a question on the WIFI, at home I have a fast Internet, I believe it's Broadband. So I'm not certain how WiFi will work there, but I suppose it doesnt matter as I will use it more for HOMEWORK and I can use my HOME PC for Internet and finish up on the homework. Wifi is only helpful for example going to....Starbucks Coffee shops?Next, I'd like to know more on what specs. I should look for....an example I got from one store was the processor and GB hard drive, GH memory,  pixels 1024 x 600, USB ports, Ethernet???    Anymore you can recommend?

Answer
I'm thinking theres some misunderstanding on the capabilities of "wifi" here, the general range limit will be around 100 ft from the "base station", in other words if you purchased a wireless router for home use, you could connect to your home network (and thus your home internet connection) within roughly 100 ft (this will vary based on the geometry of your home and other factors, such as atmospheric conditions).

You can use other hotspots at locations, such as a coffee shop, but this is not the same as your own home network, its connected separately and independently. Although many locations do provide this service for free, or free to customers.

As far as specifications go, most netbooks will be roughly the same, based around the Intel Atom processor, in the 1.6GHZ speedrange, we will probably see a few VIA C7 based models over the next year (and either solution would be perfectly fine for your needs). Regarding memory, also called RAM, I would suggest purchasing a system with 2GB installed, or installing an upgrade to bring you to 2GB (this should cost no more than $40 including shipping and handling, any service "tech" willing to charge you $130+ for this service is looking for a handout), mostly because memory is cheap, and it will benefit you to have more (don't take this as an absolute rule, but do take from this that having at least 2GB of memory is a good feature).

Regarding storage, or hard disk/hard drive space, this is measured in GB (or TB, 1TB = 1000GB), and you'll really need to determine the capacity you need, most netbooks come with something around 80GB installed, which is anemic for most users, although depending on your needs, it may be just fine (some users have music libraries easily doubling this capacity, for example).

Ethernet and USB should be standard across the board, one ethernet port, and as many USB ports as possible (on a netbook, two to four is looking normal, on a desktop, as many as 16), USB will be used for peripherals (such as external hard-drives, mice, keyboards, non-networked printers, and so on), while Ethernet will be used for wired networking.

The screen resolution, stated in pixels, tells you the display size (from the software/"computer" perspective), for example a 1024x600 pixel screen is 1024 pixels wide, and 600 pixels tall, this is roughly normal for a netbook, and somewhat small compared to modern laptops (often in the 1280x800 to 1680x1050 range) or desktops (1680x1050 and higher), although still very workable. Generally a higher resolution screen is "better", in that more display space is available, and images and video content are more likely to display at their native resolution, than being compressed down to the smaller display (for example a frame from a 720p HD broadcast is 1280x720 pixels, on a 1024x600 screen, this image would be scaled down to fit, while on a 1680x1050 screen, this image would fit natively, or could be scaled larger to fill the entire display).

I'm hoping this answers your questions, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

-bob