How to Buy A Mini Laptop PC

The mini laptop PC, or netbook, is a lightweight, compact computer. Mini laptop computers allow for internet browsing and document creation while on the go. They weigh less than a full-size laptop, but offer all the functionality of a larger computer. With less memory and smaller screens, they are not a good buy for gamers or anyone who does a lot of graphic design or editing. However, netbooks are ideal for students on the go who want to type in lecture notes or compile research without having to lug around a backpack. The mini laptop is a step up over PDAs; Web surfing is much better on the bigger screen and the keyboards are much larger.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Get a 6 cell battery. Most mini laptops are sold with a 3 or 4 cell battery that only offers a few hours of life. Upgrade to the 6 cell battery whenever possible which will provide up to 9 hours of use.

2. Check that you have enough memory. Most mini laptop computers come with 1 gigabyte of memory. Invest in expanded memory or flash-drives. Transfer files off the mini laptop PC to a desktop on a regular basis to keep memory free.

3. Look for a small screen size. The bigger the screen, the bigger the netbook and the more it weighs. Aim for a screen size between 8.9 and 10 inches, which will ensure that Web pages are fully viewable.

4. Try out the keyboard. In terms of versatility and usability, a good keyboard is essential on mini laptops. The larger the keyboard and more widely spaced the keys, the easier it is to type.

5. Know the available netbook features and which ones are important to you. Most netbooks comes with USB ports, built-in webcams and microphones, and Wi-Fi cards. Models may or may not have a dial-up modem and video output to allow projection of content on a screen.

6. Check the operating system. Some netbooks are sold without an operating system or any software. Some netbooks offer Windows XP or Windows Vista and Microsoft software. If it's important to have a specific operating system or software pre-installed, verify the software offered before you buy.

7. Read reviews to see what others think of the netbook you plan to buy.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't spend more than $500-$600 on a mini laptop. At that price point, you should be looking for a laptop instead.