Ask a Geek: With Netbooks So Cheap, Why Buy a Laptop?

By Mark Spoonauer Posted 09.03.2009 at 10:47 am 5 Comments

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One word: performance. If you’re a gamer, a designer or a movie lover, you’ll need a full-fledged laptop. Even low-end models like the $550 Gateway MD have large screens and feature fast processors and lots of memory that let you easily run multiple programs or powerful apps like Photoshop. To get fast enough graphics for Blu-ray movies or games, though, your starting price will go up.

Netbooks have slower processors and less RAM, so they take a long time to convert and play video clips, and stutter when you try to do multiple things at once. On the other hand, typical $300 netbooks weigh less than three pounds and sport a 10-inch display, so they’re perfect for Web surfing, e-mail and word processing on the go. Plus, models like the Acer Aspire One D250 come with batteries that can last 6.5 hours, twice as long as a notebook.

Still can’t decide? Check out the new class of affordable ultraportable notebooks, such as the Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T. These light machines, starting at $600, come with Intel’s ultra-low-voltage processors, which provide a bit more oomph than netbooks yet can deliver up to eight hours of run time—making them, in many ways, the best buy of all.

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5 Comments

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Timemachine

09/04/09 at 12:46 am

I've got to get me one I am tired of those big bulky laptops.

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pcgeek36

09/04/09 at 9:41 am

Totally agree!!! I just bought a great and very slick netbook at www.slicknetbooks.com and I can't believe how inexpensive and great the netbook is! I absolutely love the mobility and functionality it provides.

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Qenupve

09/06/09 at 12:39 am

Agreed, it boils down to portability for me. I practically have my netbook with me wherever I go, and usually only plug it in at night, as it has an outstanding battery and efficiency.

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steven-tp

09/08/09 at 6:59 pm

Netbooks are great for professionals http://hintcafe.com who want to give a quick presentation and check their emails. However, if you want to want to "work" on your device, laptop is the way to go. Netbook doesn't even sit properly in the lap.

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