Competing with their laptop predecessors, netbooks are a relatively new computer device that has emerged recently in early 2008 and are storming markets everywhere. Consumers now have an inexpensive alternative to laptops and notebooks, as netbooks meet the needs of consumers with dulled down features at a fraction of the cost.
Utilizing the Internet to perform the majority of computing needs such as spreadsheets, word processing, storage, presentations, and a multitude of applications, netbooks utilize the Internet as their primary function. The majority of netbooks infrequently exceed 250 GB of storage, which has increased from the previous average of 160 GB. Some netbooks even offer solid-state drives for storage that range from 8 GB to 32 GB, but are smaller, shock-resistant, and faster as they are not disk shaped, but are actually a series of tiny chips like a USB drive.
As storage space remains predominantly low on netbooks, so does memory and processing speeds. Processors are, on average, at about 1.6 GHz. Additionally, a traditional netbook provides about 1 GB of memory, while 512 MB is not uncommon. After all, these machines are not designed to run much more than an Internet browser, which ultimately keeps cost down.
Netbooks are smaller than traditional 13" to 17" laptops, as they range in size between 7" to 10". Smaller computers amount for less space for traditional computer components such as an optical drive. Netbooks usually do not come with a place for CD's or DVD's, but do provide USB ports to hook up that external hard drive or optical drive; however, with such a demand for netbooks do not be surprised if manufacturers start offering netbooks with optical drives as an option.
At the beginning of their development, manufacturers of netbooks tried to keep features and specifications at the minimum to keep pricing low, as not to deter laptop and notebooks sales; the profit margin for more expensive laptops and notebooks yields more than low cost netbooks. This concept was later altered when netbooks began to impact the mobile computing market, lowering the sales of laptops and notebooks. Now companies are beginning to invest more into their netbook product lines with such high consumer demand.
Microsoft and Intel have joined the netbook bandwagon as well, offering less expensive products to fit the netbook philosophy. Microsoft has claimed that their minimized version of Windows XP has fulfilled 96% of netbook users' operating system needs. Conversely, Linux, who was originally the predominate operating system supplier for netbooks, fills the remaining 4 to 5%. Intel has introduced a line of processors entitled Atom that have about half the power of their Celeron line, but are much smaller and use less energy. Overall, these original equipment manufacturers have noticed the netbook trend and have adapted to the minimalistic computer culture.
Priced, on average, around $300, netbooks are not only revolutionizing the computer industry, but are also allowing consumers who never owned a computer to be able to afford one. Netbooks offer a gateway to online computing, reducing the purchase cost with dulled features compared to laptop alternatives.
Utilizing the Internet to perform the majority of computing needs such as spreadsheets, word processing, storage, presentations, and a multitude of applications, netbooks utilize the Internet as their primary function. The majority of netbooks infrequently exceed 250 GB of storage, which has increased from the previous average of 160 GB. Some netbooks even offer solid-state drives for storage that range from 8 GB to 32 GB, but are smaller, shock-resistant, and faster as they are not disk shaped, but are actually a series of tiny chips like a USB drive.
As storage space remains predominantly low on netbooks, so does memory and processing speeds. Processors are, on average, at about 1.6 GHz. Additionally, a traditional netbook provides about 1 GB of memory, while 512 MB is not uncommon. After all, these machines are not designed to run much more than an Internet browser, which ultimately keeps cost down.
Netbooks are smaller than traditional 13" to 17" laptops, as they range in size between 7" to 10". Smaller computers amount for less space for traditional computer components such as an optical drive. Netbooks usually do not come with a place for CD's or DVD's, but do provide USB ports to hook up that external hard drive or optical drive; however, with such a demand for netbooks do not be surprised if manufacturers start offering netbooks with optical drives as an option.
At the beginning of their development, manufacturers of netbooks tried to keep features and specifications at the minimum to keep pricing low, as not to deter laptop and notebooks sales; the profit margin for more expensive laptops and notebooks yields more than low cost netbooks. This concept was later altered when netbooks began to impact the mobile computing market, lowering the sales of laptops and notebooks. Now companies are beginning to invest more into their netbook product lines with such high consumer demand.
Microsoft and Intel have joined the netbook bandwagon as well, offering less expensive products to fit the netbook philosophy. Microsoft has claimed that their minimized version of Windows XP has fulfilled 96% of netbook users' operating system needs. Conversely, Linux, who was originally the predominate operating system supplier for netbooks, fills the remaining 4 to 5%. Intel has introduced a line of processors entitled Atom that have about half the power of their Celeron line, but are much smaller and use less energy. Overall, these original equipment manufacturers have noticed the netbook trend and have adapted to the minimalistic computer culture.
Priced, on average, around $300, netbooks are not only revolutionizing the computer industry, but are also allowing consumers who never owned a computer to be able to afford one. Netbooks offer a gateway to online computing, reducing the purchase cost with dulled features compared to laptop alternatives.
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an fan of conusmer electronics. If you would like more information about varieties of netbook or are searching for a reputable netbook retailer please viasit http://www.ebuyer.com