While mini portable computers are not new, it was in 2007 with the introduction of the Asus Eee PC that the term "netbook" took hold on the particular niche that now is represented by this veteran machine. Netbooks are essentially mini-notebooks that:
come without an optical drive (CD/DVD), have a small amount of memory (generally 250 GB or less), have small amount of RAM (generally 1-2 GB), are light weight (generally under 3 lbs, 1.4 kilos), and are relatively inexpensive (generally 0 - 0).
The specifications of a netbook computer make it ideal for those who wish to have a very portable computing option to connect to the internet, but less ideal for those who need any complex programs or are producing a lot of data. Let's look at each of the main points of a netbook and understand why.
Netbook Processors
In order to keep netbooks light weight and cheap, the processors that are used are not as powerful as the processors in your desktop computer. This means they are a little slower to do computing jobs. That is not a problem if all you want to do is check email, browse the internet, or Skype home. However, if you want to process databases, edit high resolution images or video, then the weaker processor may mean either too much time or even an inability to do the job.
No Optical Drive
Not having a CD-ROM or a DVD drive takes a lot of weight out of the machine. To view standard definition videos, you can load them on a USB drive or download them to the hard drive.
1-2 GB RAM memory
Currently this is primarily a limitation imposed by Microsoft on netbooks with their operating systems. Again, for basic netbook uses it is not a problem. Pushing the limits of netbook use to a lot of multi-tasking could bring you to a point of realizing just how little memory that is these days.
160-250 GB hard drives
Only a few years ago many desktops had less storage space than this, so it's really not such a small amount of disk space. However, remember that without an optical drive you will need to download directly to your hard drive programs you want to install, music, and videos. Again, if you stick to basic netbook functions of connecting to the internet, this shouldn't be a problem. You can work on and store documents online "in the cloud" and save yourself storage space for videos for trans-Atlantic flights.
In conclusion, a netbook is a light weight computer with light weight capabilities. It is most useful for connecting to the internet. Netbook computers take advantage of lighter, cheaper technologies that are perfect for that use. Trying to make a netbook computer do tasks of larger computers might not be as successful, since they are not built for those tasks.
