What Do You Want In A Netbook?

Okay, so we may have been a little harsh on the netbooks lately. There has to be plenty of room for growth in the field and computers such as the Asus Eee have done a great job paving the way for the introduction of cheap, simple PCs to the mass market. However, just the bare minimums don't usually cut it these days.. we'd like to suggest a few changes to keep those PCs in high demand.

First, we'd like to see screens that are of high quality and resolution so people don't end up straining their eyes trying to read the tiny fonts on these little things. Websites may also face a challenge of keeping things scalable for such low resolution browsers in the future, so keeping the resolution high and screens a decent size (we say don't get anything lower than 11-inches) will definitely alleviate all that unnecessary squinting.

Secondly, while making them gaming computers seems a bit ridiculous, we'd suggest having a video card and processor that's strong enough to do a couple of common tasks without slowing down. For example, streaming YouTube video while chatting on AIM should not be an issue for this time in age. The ability to output to a high-definition television would be pushing it, but we'd welcome the addition nonetheless.

We're also suggesting Apple get into the game (although Steve Jobs did mention a thing or two, last time we heard...) soon and with more innovation than any of these PC makers have done so far. We're totally in love with HP's new Mini 1000, but the keyboard still feels cramped and the trackpad is a bit awkward to say the least. How about an upgraded iTouch+ tablet laptop model for $399.

Oh, we can only dream right...? Help us dream, readers! What do you want to see in the next killer netbook?

Not to be mean, but have you even used a netbook? Do you understand what they're supposed to be for? Have you read any reviews of them? Good reviews that don't just compare a $400 netbook to a $800 laptop?

I ask because between the previous thread(s) and this one you seem to be seriously misinformed.

First, your comments about the screen are way off base. The whole idea of the netbook is that it's an afforable ultraportable laptop! That's why you don't see 11" screens. True the MSI Wind, Lenova S10, and Eee 1000 have 10" screens, but from there they go smaller, not bigger. A bigger high quality screen is going to drive the cost past $4-500, which I think most people, especially netbook owners, will acknowledge is the pricing sweetspot and I'm not even mentioning possible weight increase as well. The displays I've seen are typically brightness adjustable, crisp and clean... Unless you squint when reading, you shouldn't have any problems. And if you do, I might question whether or not you need reading glasses before thinking it's an issue with the netbook.

Second, netbooks have proven to be very game friendly already. True, they're not going to run every graphics heavy new game, but if you check out the Acer Aspire forums (http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=21), you'll see that people have been succesfully running plenty of stuff (WoW even!). As for using youtube and aim at the same time... are you really having issues with that? Because my netbook will easily do those simultaneously and more. All I can think is that you have 512mb of RAM, in which case you can upgrade most netbooks to 1-2gb of RAM.

Netbooks, as I understand, are meant to be ultraportable, but afforable laptops meant for ultra mobile computing. That is to say, e-mail, Internet, and minor apps on the go weighing less than 2.5lbs and costing less than $500. I and many others (at least in the reviews I read pre purchase) have pleasantly found that you can throw a lot at them and they'll perform splendidly.

I'm a pretty big techie (obviously) and I honestly have to say that I think the netbook has the potential to really catch on and be the next big revolution in computing. There is a distinct need in the market for a product like this in a number of areas. I could see them being ideal for students (The Atom chipset being used generally doesn't need a fan, so most of the units out there are super quiet, great for class), business travellers, and possibly physicians too.

I reccommend wikipeida's write up on netbooks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netbook). They have a comparison section that is really helpful for anyone in the market.

posted by matsayswhat on October 31st 2008 at 12:16pm
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