Netbook popularity continues to grow
What do you get when you build a laptop computer without the DVD drive? A small, lightweight (2 to 3 pound) computer called a netbook that does most of the things you want from a notebook computer.
You can get on the Web, do e-mail, and light word processing.
Just about all of the new models have a Web cam and come with WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
"They're terrific portable computers, if you travel a lot," says Jim Barry, the consumer electronics industry's Digital Answer Man
"And they start as little as $250. The highest-priced ones are only about $500."
This might explain why netbooks are growing in popularity.
"Just about all of the companies that make portable computers or desktops for that matter are now making Netbook computers."
Most netbooks have a Windows or Linux operating system. Some models come with Windows 7 Starter Edition.
Consumer Reports says netbooks have a few drawbacks: small displays (usually 10 to 12 inches), small keyboards and touchpads, and the performance can be slow when compared to a full-featured laptop.
For more information
Consumer Reports Computer Buying Guide
PC World: Top 10 Netbooks
CNET: Best Netbooks
You can get on the Web, do e-mail, and light word processing.
Just about all of the new models have a Web cam and come with WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
"They're terrific portable computers, if you travel a lot," says Jim Barry, the consumer electronics industry's Digital Answer Man
"And they start as little as $250. The highest-priced ones are only about $500."
This might explain why netbooks are growing in popularity.
"Just about all of the companies that make portable computers or desktops for that matter are now making Netbook computers."
Most netbooks have a Windows or Linux operating system. Some models come with Windows 7 Starter Edition.
Consumer Reports says netbooks have a few drawbacks: small displays (usually 10 to 12 inches), small keyboards and touchpads, and the performance can be slow when compared to a full-featured laptop.
For more information
Consumer Reports Computer Buying Guide
PC World: Top 10 Netbooks
CNET: Best Netbooks