Expert: Karl Zick - 9/30/2011

Question
I'm looking to buy a netbook to go online when I'm away from home to do light internet surfing. I found one with the following numbers. What is your opinion? Also, the Mcdonalds nearby has free wi fi. How do I use it with this netbook (or any computer for that matter), do I have to plug something in?

Processor Type: WMT ARM-WM8505 CPU
Processor Clock Speed: 300M MHz
Processor/Manufacturer: WM
Processor Model: VIA-ARM VT8500
RAM/Technology: DRAM
RAM Installed Size: 128 MB
Display Diagonal Size: 7" TFT HD
Max Resolution: 800x480
Display Technology: TFT
Graphics Type: Integrated Graphics


Storage and Expansion
Hard Drive Type: NAND Fast Flash
Hard Drive Capacity: Up To 2GB
Hard Drive Spindle Speed: NAND Fast Flash
PCMCIA Expansion: 1x SDCard slot


Input/Output Connectors
Ports: 3x USB 2.0, 1x SDCard slot, 1×RJ45
Audio/Video: Integrated Quadraphonic Speakers,1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/line-Out,1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Microphone, Input 1x Integrated Microphone


Communications
Networking/Data link Protocol: Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Wireless Connection: Wifi
Wireless Protocol: 802.11 a/b/g

Answer
Hi Al,

The 7 inch netbook technology is so new that not a lot of user reviews are available.  I did find one review though that said the operating system (Windows CE) was useless and he was looking for something better.

My first thought about the machine is that it will be hard to install any programs on it because of the size of the hard drive and non-standard operating system.  Also, the tiny screen will be hard to read and it will probably run very slow compared to the 9 and 10 inch netbooks.  On the other hand, you can't beat the price and having 3 USB ports will allow you to access data from a flash drive, operate a USB mouse, and run an external USB hard drive (if the computer is powerful enough).

It all depends on what you plan to do with it.  If, like you say, you just want to do light surfing and email, it will probably work fine.  It doesn't say anything about what software comes on it but it must have some kind of browser to let you surf and access things like Gmail for your email.

You asked about wireless internet connection (wi fi).  You do not have to plug anything in - your computer has a receiver like a radio that understands the wi fi signal - and it has a transmitter that sends a signal back to the wi fi source.  On most computers it is all automatic and all you have to do is turn it on.

If you want something a little more powerful, suggest you look at a Lenovo (IBM) or Toshiba 10 inch netbook.  They will do anything and you can usually find one for around $250.