Netbook reviews: FAQs
What is the best netbook for me?
The type of netbook you choose will depend entirely on what you plan to use it for.
You might feel that lightweight portability is more important that screen size, for example, in which case you may prefer one of the smaller netbooks with an 8-inch screen.
Alternatively, you might simply prefer a basic, additional home computer for surfing the net – something that can be easily folded up and put away when it’s not in use.
In this case, weight is less of an issue and the larger, 10-inch netbook (with the benefit of a bigger keyboard) may be more suitable.
Netbooks are more portable and cheaper than laptops
Should I go for a netbook or a laptop?
Netbook advantages
The main advantages of a netbook over a laptop are portability and price.
Small enough to fit in a bag and light enough that your back won’t feel the strain, netbooks really are a great way to get that little bit of work done on the train or stay connected on holiday without blowing your baggage allowance.
Head for a wireless hotspot or attach a mobile broadband dongle and you can get online in most places.
Laptops also give you this freedom, but they're heavier and generally more expensive.
Netbooks are well-priced and as their name suggests, they're ideal for surfing the net as well as basic office tasks.
Some of the slightly higher spec netbooks should also be capable of carrying out slightly more demanding tasks such as editing photos.
Netbook disadvantages
There are some disadvantages to netbooks, though. As is reflected in their price, netbooks are relatively low spec compared with laptops.
While you can pay around £500 for a laptop and get 3GB of Ram, the few hundred pounds you spend on a netbook will get you 1GB.
In addition, you can now get laptops with separate graphics cards for around £500. Netbooks have built-in graphics.
To find out how you can use your netbook to get online when you're on the go, see our review of mobile broadband.
I’m on a limited budget. Which components of a netbook should I spend more money on?
If you're on a budget, but want to spend a bit more making sure that you get the best netbook you can, aim to spend as much as you can afford on buying a netbook with more Ram.
Can I attach my netbook to my home wireless network?
Yes, you can. Netbooks have built in wireless connectivity so, once you’ve entered the password for your wireless network, you’ll be able to connect.
To find out how to set up a wireless network, read the Which? guide to home networking and check out the Which? reviews of wireless routers.
Can I listen to music on my netbook?
You can listen to music on your netbook. Don’t expect the netbook's speakers to be very good, though. However, you can attach headphones to your netbook using the headphone socket and listen to music on the move.
Do I need to buy security software for my netbook?
If your netbook runs Windows, you’ll need to keep it secure. Make sure that XP’s firewall is switched on and download free anti-virus software and anti-spyware to keep your machine free of malware.
To find out more about the best free security programs available, see the Which? security software reviews.