With 7 to 12 inches of screen and less features and processing power, a netbook is a smaller, more energy-efficient alternative to the conventional notebook. Their weight ranges from 2 to 3 pounds and they have a keyboard that is only 80-95 percent in size of a standard notebook keyboard.

Since netbooks were developed solely for the simple use of the internet and to navigate standard information, they lack certain features and power advantages that the notebook traditionally have. They cannot run processor tolling applications like photo and video editing software or run too many applications at any one time. Notebooks, however, can run multiple applications, edit content, and run more processor strenuous technologies, giving it a shorter battery life.

While they do not have a standard telephone port for dialup users or wifi cards to connect to a wireless network, they do have an ethernet port for high speed internet to connect to a DSL or cable modem by way of an ethernet cord. To accommodate the portability and low cost power solution, along with the smaller features and processor, there are no CD/DVD drives on board. In doing so, they have longer battery life than notebooks and require a charge less frequently.

While running Vista requires more energy than the netbook holds, it can run Windows XP Home and Linux without a problem. In regards to any future software updates, Microsoft has recently confirmed that the next step up from Windows XP will be Windows 7 for the netbook, instead of changing its simplicity to make it capable to run Vista. Much like standard computers and notebooks, advanced users may also install other operating systems, such as personalized versions of Linux, Mac OS or Windows XP Professional.

Netbooks can range from $400 to $800, depending on your preference of Windows or Linux, making it a cost efficient solution to fit anyone’s budget. Netbooks are especially great as a child or a teens first computer, it maintains the simple portability for someone who is on the run, or the bare-bone features that you may require when purchasing a low cost computer for your home or office. Since the netbook can also run Microsoft Office, it is a wonderful solution for writers, editors or teachers. For someone who is looking for a computer than will fluently run video or picture editing software, games, making personal CDs or DVDs, or to use as a main, multi-purpose computer, they may prefer the notebook over the netbook.

Here is a list of some Netbooks :

• Apricot Picobook Pro
• Asus Eee PC 700
• Dell Inspiron Mini 9
• Eee PC 901
• HP Mini 1000
• Samsung NC10
• Acer Aspire One
• Eee PC 1000
• MSI Wind U120
• Eee PC S101