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Table of Contents
- A Petite Powerhouse
- Netbook or Notebook Computer? What’s the Diff?
- What is a Netbook? Is it A Budget-Friendly Computing Option
- Heydey in the Late 2000s
- What Netbooks Typically Offer
- The First Mainstream Netbook: Asus Eee PC
- Netbook Offerings Expand
- The Tablet Effect and Declining Interest
- Today’s Netbook Landscape
- What About Netbook Gaming Capabilities?
- The Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions About Netbooks
So, what is a Netbook? Netbooks burst onto the scene around 2008 as a new category of small, affordable, portable laptops. Let’s dive into understanding these pint-sized companions.
A Petite Powerhouse
Netbooks made waves for packing decent computing punch into petite packages no larger than a paper notebook.
- Weighing 2-3 pounds with 7-12 inch screens, they easily slip into backpacks, purses and briefcases.
- Unlike chunkier laptops, netbooks won’t weigh you down on the go. Their compact bodies are ideal for travel near and far.
With smaller keyboards and screens, netbooks do entail ergonomic tradeoffs. But their extreme portability fuels netbooks’ popularity among students, business travelers, and anyone who moves around yet needs access to email, documents, social media or other basics.
Netbook or Notebook Computer? What’s the Diff?
The “net” in netbook highlights their zeal for internet connectivity. Netbooks are intended for web-based apps and light computing rather than resource-intensive programs.
- Spec-wise, netbooks have less processing power, storage space and memory than standard notebook computers.
- Nonetheless, today’s models can still tackle email, documents, audio, video and other everyday tasks with aplomb. It’s all about understanding netbooks’ intended use case as ultraportable devices for web access and light computing.
What is a Netbook? Is it A Budget-Friendly Computing Option
Part of netbooks’ appeal has always been their wallet-friendly price tags. Models typically run $200-400. Combine that with their compact size, and netbooks deliver a lot of computing value per square inch!
Of course with lower costs come some tradeoffs:
- Smaller, less powerful components
- Lack of optical drives
- Limited storage space
But for users with basic needs focused on web browsing, communication and document editing, netbooks certainly do the trick. Their affordability makes computing accessible for students, seniors, children and others on tight budgets too.
Heydey in the Late 2000s
Netbooks saw a surge of popularity around 2008-2010 as major manufacturers like Acer, Asus, HP, Dell and Lenovo rolled out models. The recession likely fueled interest in their budget price points. And early adopters enjoyed netbooks’ go-anywhere sizes for newfound work flexibility.
But the emergence of tablets and large smartphones has curbed netbook demand over the last decade. With more mobile options now available, fewer consumers opt for basic netbooks when more powerful ultraportables are comparably priced.
That said, some manufacturers still produce netbooks for niche audiences wanting extreme portability or affordability. So while not as ubiquitous as their heydey, netbooks still occupy a space in today’s computer landscape.
What Netbooks Typically Offer
While specific components differ by model, here’s a general rundown of what to expect with most netbooks:
Processing & Memory
- Intel Atom or Celeron processors
- 2-4GB RAM
- 32-128GB solid state or hard disk drives
Display & Graphics
- 7-12” LCD screens
- Integrated graphics
Connectivity
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- USB ports
- Audio jack
Battery Life
- Up to 8 hours video playback
| Operating Systems | Windows 10 or 11 Home, Linux |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2-3 pounds |
Of course capabilities and components can vary, but this gives a general picture. Let’s explore popular netbook models through the years next.
The First Mainstream Netbook: Asus Eee PC
The Asus Eee PC launched in 2007 is credited with kicking off mainstream netbook popularity.
Weighing just 2 pounds with a 7 inch screen, the Eee PC showed what was possible by condensing laptop components into an ultraportable body. It came preloaded with Linux or Xandros software tailored for its limited storage and processing capabilities.
With a $399 price tag, the nimble Eee PC found fans among students, business travelers and early tech adopters taken by its extreme portability. Asus still manufacturers Eee PC netbooks today, but the original model sparked wider market interest.
Netbook Offerings Expand
Seeing the Eee PC’s warm reception, other manufactures like HP, Dell, Acer and Lenovo rolled out their own netbooks from 2008-2010. Improved Atom processors and Windows XP software expanded netbooks’ capabilities too.
Popular early models included:
- Acer Aspire One
- Asus Eee PC 900
- Dell Inspiron Mini Series
- HP Mini 1000
- Lenovo IdeaPad S10
- MSI Wind Netbook
More powerful processing, storage and memory came later with models like:
- Asus Eee PC 1215N
- Dell Inspiron Duo
- Lenovo ThinkPad X120e
These netbooks edged closer to ultraportables, but retained compact footprint.
The Tablet Effect and Declining Interest
The emergence of tablets like the iPad in 2010 and improving smartphone screens over the next few years affected netbook demand.
While netbooks boasted more storage and keyboard access over these mobile devices, tablets and phablets matched or exceeded other capabilities in sleek touchscreen packages.
With more portable options available by the early 2010s, mass market interest in basic netbooks dropped.today you still find some niche fans drawn to netbooks’ budget prices, compact sizes and light computing, but they are no longer the hot items they were in 2008-2010.
Today’s Netbook Landscape
Netbooks may lack their former glory, but a few manufacturers still cater to fans wanting extreme portability or affordability.
Asus continues producing Eee PC models with 11 inch screens, 8 hour batter life, USB-C charging and Windows 10. The 2020 Asus Eee PC 11.6 even adds a touchscreen.
A few other current choices include:
- HP Stream 11 – $219 new for students
- Lenovo Ideapad 100S 11″ – $150 refurbished
- Medion Akoya E1222 – £180 new in UK
So while far from the days when netbooks were flying off shelves, you can still find affordable, pint-sized options from select brands today catering to niche demand.
What About Netbook Gaming Capabilities?
Between small screens, integrated graphics and limited storage, today’s netbooks do not make good primary gaming devices. That said here are some possibilities:
- Play older or less graphics-intensive game titles
- Use game streaming services like Google Stadia
- Connect to gaming PC/consoles via Steam Link or Moonlight app
- Cloud gaming platforms like Facebook Gaming, Microsoft xCloud
For on-the-go entertainment, today’s netbooks can stream video and music just fine. But their hardware is not suited for modern 3D gaming. Accessing games via cloud streaming services is your best bet there.
The Bottom Line
While their heydey has passed, netbooks still deliver ultra portable computing to students, budget-focused shoppers and travelers not needing cutting edge performance. Less capable than laptops but more versatile than many tablets or smartphones, netbooks occupy a unique niche for undemanding web browsing, communication and document editing.
If seeking a second portable device strictly for web access and travel, today’s netbooks remain viable options worth considering from the few still manufacturing these mighty mites. Just size up capabilities to ensure they will meet your needs before purchasing.
With their continuing evolution, maybe netbooks still have some new tricks up their petite sleeves too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Netbooks
Q: What size are most netbook screens?
A: Typically between 7 and 12 inches diagonally. Popular sizes include 10, 11 and 12 inches.
Q: How much does a netbook usually cost?
A: Most netbooks range from around $200 to $400+. Lower costs are a major part of their appeal.
Q: Can I play PC games on a netbook?
A: Modern 3D games likely won’t run well given limited processing power. Best options are cloud gaming services, older titles, or less demand games.
Q: How portable are netbooks?
A: Extremely – most weigh just 2 to 3 pounds, perfect for stuffing in bags and carrying anywhere.
Q: What operating systems do netbooks use?
A: Primarily Windows 10 or 11 Home editions. Some manufacturers offer Linux options too.
Q: Do netbooks come with SIM card slots?
A: A few models support cellular connections via SIM, but most just use WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless. Check specs.
Q: Can I video chat on a netbook?
A: Yes, their webcams, mics and speakers allow video calling through apps like Skype or FaceTime.
Q: How long do netbook batteries last?
A: Expect between 5 to 9 hours of runtime depending on model. Enough for most of a workday without recharging.
Q: What processors do netbooks use?
A: Low-power chips like Intel Atom, Celeron or AMD Athlon. Fine for basic use but not intensive programs.
Q: Do people still buy netbooks in 2023?
A: Some – students, kids, seniors and budget shoppers may value compact sizes and low costs over peak performance.
Leave me a comment to let me know if you need any clarification or have additional netbook questions!
