| In recent years laptop computers have become | | | | and e-mail, but not for "graphics-heavy" tasks like |
| more and more popular as prices have dropped and | | | | video gaming or image editing or any tasks involving |
| their computing power has increased to where they | | | | video, including watching YouTube videos. |
| are as powerful as desktop models were just a few | | | | On the plus side, mini notebook computers typically |
| years ago. Netbook computers, which are smaller | | | | weigh under three pounds and are about the size of |
| than regular laptops and have certain features missing | | | | a hardcover textbook, so you can take one almost |
| such as a cd drive because they are designed | | | | anywhere. In addition, unlike a Smartphone such as |
| primarily for using the Internet, have also been | | | | the iPhone, they are fully functional with a physical |
| gaining ground, mostly because you can get a new | | | | keyboard, Ethernet, and USB and other ports for |
| one for under $300. These models, also known as | | | | peripherals. Moreover, there is the low cost. The |
| mini notebook computers, are a good choice for | | | | most expensive ones will set you back only about |
| many people such as students who are on a tight | | | | $700, while the cheapest are around $250 or less. For |
| budget, as long as you can live with their limitations. | | | | an even cheaper option, you could rent a laptop of |
| The recent rise of the mini notebook computer has | | | | this size for as little as around $100 for one month, |
| its roots in a drive from a few years ago to develop | | | | but this option only makes sense for people who are |
| laptops for schoolchildren in poor countries. The XO | | | | sure they will only want to use a Netbook computer |
| laptop was the first mass-produced computer to | | | | for a short time, such as on a vacation. Another |
| result from this development drive and sold for about | | | | option for those who are primarily interested in |
| $200. Competing models quickly emerged, typically | | | | saving money is to buy a laptop notebook computer |
| having a screen less than 9 inches wide and storage | | | | on an installment plan. |
| of less than 10 GB. | | | | Some good mini notebook computers to consider |
| As a general rule, laptop notebooks of this size are | | | | buying or renting are the Eee PC 900 from Asus, the |
| suitable for "text-heavy" tasks like word processing | | | | 2133 Mini-Note from Hewlett-Packard, the Wind NB |
| and using spreadsheets, as well as internet browsing | | | | U100 from MSI, and the Aspire One from Acer. |