What to Look for in a Mini Laptop

Mini laptops are scaled-down versions of standard laptops for enhanced portability.

Mini laptops, also known as netbooks, are compact computers that are ideal for traveling professionals or students, because of their lightweight and portable design.

Processor

The processor of a mini laptop will determine how quickly the computer will respond to requests, as well as what type of applications the computer can support. Most netbooks feature the Intel Atom single-core processor. This processor is designed to extend battery life and provide ample processing speeds for standard use. For enhanced performance, the Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor is available. This processor does not extend the battery life of the laptop, but it will provide upgraded functionality and performance speeds.

Size

The average dimension of a mini laptop is 10 inches long and 7 inches wide with a depth of 1 inch. Most netbooks weigh less than three pounds. The size of a mini laptop is dependent on the screen size. Screen sizes for mini laptops range from 8 inches to 12 inches.

Cost

The cost for a netbook depends on its design, processor, hard drive space and configuration. As of September 2010, a mini laptop can be found for as little as $275, for the Acer AO532h-2588 computer, or for close to $600, for the Dell Inspiron Mini 10.

Considerations

When purchasing a mini laptop, consider what you will be using the computer to do. If the computer will be used to mainly check email, create Word documents and lightly surf the Internet, a smaller and cheaper computer will be sufficient; however, users who need to use a mini laptop to run applications, perform research and sustain their digital life may need a larger and feature-rich mini laptop.

References

• Geek: Netbook Processors
• Dimensions Guide: Netbook Dimensions
• Laptops Matrix: Netbooks