Netbooks: How to buy the best netbook Netbook keyboard and battery
Netbook keyboard
Netbook keyboards are much smaller than regular ones
Unsurprisingly, a netbook's keyboard is even smaller than the ones on laptops. And the smaller the netbook, the smaller the keyboard.
Some manufacturers make very good use of the limited space available, though, fitting the keyboard across the entire surface of the netbook’s chassis.
Because of the limited amount of space available, you're likely to find that the keys on a netbook’s keyboard are closer together.
Some keys may also have moved in order to fit everything in, while others – usually the cursor keys and the right shift key – may have been reduced in size.
As the keyboard is built into the body of the netbook, you'll find that it’s not as comfortable to use as desktop keyboards that you can move around.
It’s a good idea to try out a netbook’s keyboard before you buy, to ensure you get one you're comfortable with.
While their size and weight makes them ideal portable devices, there’s nothing to say that you can’t use your netbook at home. If this is the case, you always have the option to plug in a larger keyboard and a mouse to make things more comfortable.
Which? has expert netbook reviews from brands including Acer, Compaq, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung, Sony Vaio and Toshiba
Netbooks have a touchpad rather than a mouse
Netbook touchpad (trackpad)
Like laptops, netbooks come with a touchpad or trackpad rather than a mouse. This is a small, rectangular, touch-sensitive surface beneath the keyboard that’s used for moving the cursor across the screen and for issuing commands.
Typically, one or two clickable buttons beneath or beside the touchpad act like mouse buttons.
A touchpad is more fiddly to use than a mouse, and netbooks’ touchpads are particularly small, but it’s possible to attach a mouse instead if you prefer. You’ll need a USB port available for this, though.
Decent netbook battery life is very important
Netbook battery life
While all netbooks come with a power supply for connection to the mains, they also have an internal battery for use on the move. Netbook batteries are lasting longer and longer and you can expect the best of them to last around six to eight hours.
Using the netbook’s wireless connection will drain the battery more quickly than day-to-day office tasks.
See our netbook reviews to find out which models have the best battery life. If battery life is particularly important to you, check whether the manufacturer offers a long-life battery for your chosen model.
Netbook operating system
The operating system is the software that runs your computer. Netbooks tend to come with Windows XP, or more recently Windows 7, installed. However, some have a version of Linux (called Ubuntu), another type of operating system, instead.
Linux
Linux is less demanding than XP in terms of specifications, so you’re likely to find it on lower-spec netbooks.
It’s a user-friendly system, but you may experience some compatibility issues. For example, Linux users may have trouble using their netbook with a mobile broadband adaptor.
Security
If your netbook runs Windows, you’ll need to keep it secure. Make sure that the firewall is switched on and download free antivirus software and anti-spyware to keep your machine free of malware (malacious software that can have an adverse affect on your computer).
To find out more about the best free security programs available, see our security software reviews.
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 about choosing and using netbooks and other mobile devices in our book Laptops and Mobile Devices Made Easy.
