Netbooks: How to buy the best netbook Buying a netbook
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 machine 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 a larger, 10-inch netbook (with the benefit of a bigger keyboard) may be more suitable.
It’s important to do your research before buying. Start by reading Which? expert netbook reviews from brands including Acer, Compaq, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung, Sony Vaio and Toshiba.
Then use our price comparison service to track down the best deal on the cheapest netbooks.
Try out the netbook in a shop before you buy
Buying a netbook on the high street
The main advantage of heading to a shop when searching for the best netbook is that you can try out the model you're interested in and make sure you like the feel of the machine.
Features such as the keyboard and the touchpad can differ quite considerably between netbooks so, even if you end up buying your chosen model online, it’s worth going along to a shop to try it out first.
Buying a netbook by phone
Buying a netbook by phone – by calling a mail order retailer – means you can ask for advice and often get a more competitive price than from a shop.
Clearly, you don’t get to try out the netbook in advance, though.
Buying a netbook online
Online is where you'll find the real savings on netbooks, but the downside is you'll have to navigate the computer jargon yourself. Plus, you don't get to see your chosen netbook first hand.
If you’re going to buy your netbook online, we would always recommend popping along to your local PC retailer first to see if they have the model you’re looking for in stock.
This means that you can try out the keyboard and make sure you’re happy with the screen size before you buy. Even if the retailer doesn’t stock a netbook with identical specifications to the one you’re planning to buy, the chassis, keyboard and screen are all likely to be the same.
Netbook buying tips
Battery life
If you want to use your netbook on the move, you’ll need a model with good battery life. Some netbooks come with alternative, longer-life batteries, so you may wish to opt for this if battery life is important to you.
Weight and size
If portability is key, check the weight of each netbook. You’ll need to compromise on screen and keyboard size, though, if you opt for the lightest netbooks on the market.
Try the netbook's keyboard, as some are quite cramped
Comfort
Try out the netbook’s keyboard before you buy. Make sure you’re comfortable with the size and spacing of the keys, as some netbooks have very cramped keyboards.
Keys such as the right shift key and the cursor keys are often made smaller in order to fit everything in, so make sure you’re happy with the size of these keys if you use them frequently.
As netbooks are smaller than laptops, their touchpads are smaller, too.
If you’re choosing between netbooks in a shop, pay attention to the size and position of the touchpad. In some cases, manufacturers have really reduced its size – its height can get compromised, for example.
If you imagine how you would use the touchpad, it’s important that there’s enough space for you to make a nice, smooth motion with your finger rather than having to make a series of short strokes because of the lack of space.
More information in our individual netbook and laptop reviews
For more information on the best netbooks to buy, read the Which? netbook reviews, where you'll find full details of all the netbooks tested by Which?, including Best Buy netbooks. You can also read Which? laptop reviews if you need a portable computer with a bit more power and a larger screen.
Read more on choosing and using netbooks and other mobile devices in our book Laptops and Mobile Devices Made Easy.
