How to Compare 10-Inch Laptops

Portable 10-inch laptops are a favorite among college students.

Ten-inch laptops, commonly known as netbooks or mini laptops, provide portable, lightweight computing solutions for just about anyone on the go, including students, telecommuters, and travelers. Commonly equipped with a 10-inch screen, netbooks come loaded with operating systems and wireless Internet for immediate use.

Benefits

Netbooks can be stored in backpacks, handbags, and briefcases. Because they are lightweight, they are easy to transport on trips and to school. Owners can use mini laptops to quickly access the Internet at Wi-Fi hot-spots or purchase mini laptops with built-in 3G mobile broadband capability.

Features

Before purchasing a mini laptop, review features such as processor speed, RAM, hard drive size, battery life, wireless, Webcam, and Bluetooth capabilities. Read reviews in magazines such as "PC World" and "Wired" for expert opinions about how well the Windows operating system works on various models. Visit computer retailers to try out keyboards for comfort and ease of use.

Considerations

Price is often the most important consideration when comparing consumer products. Major brands producing 10-inch mini laptops include Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, and Sony, as of mid-2010. Generally speaking, when it comes to mini laptop pricing, more features and upgraded hardware yield a higher cost.

References

• CNET Reviews: Best Netbooks
• CompUSA: Laptops & Notebooks, 11" and Under
• Amazon: HP Mini 1151NR Mobile Broadband 10.1-Inch Netbook