Mini Laptop Computers

One thing you really need to consider is exactly what you want to use your new computer for. Mini laptop computers are great for those who want to surf the web and do some word processing, but they do not have the functionality of a full size laptop. They use a less powerful microprocessor in order to make it so that the battery stays charged longer while you are using it. You can use the types of programs that come in Microsoft Office, but you can't use this type of computer for things like gaming, editing videos, or other multimedia type applications. You will need a regular laptop for that.

You should also really consider the screen size. Although you can get mini laptop computers with tiny seven inch screens, these might not be the best option. With a screen that small you will have to do a lot of scrolling from side to side and top to bottom just to see an entire web page. It is best to stick with screens that are at least 8.9 inches since that makes this less of an issue, while still keeping the size and the weight of the computer to a minimum.

If you want your battery charge to last longer than a couple hours at a time, you also want to make sure that the mini laptop computers you are considering have six cell batteries. It will add approximately $50 to the price, and the computer will weigh a little bit more, but this will at least double the amount of battery time you will have. If you get Asustek Computer's Eee PC 1000 or Eee PC 901, the battery will last up to eight hours.

Since these computers are meant to be very mobile, the life of the battery is very important. Otherwise you will have to stick to using your computer places where you have access to a plug. A lot of companies have realized how important this is, and many, including Micro-Star International and Acer, are now designing mini laptops around these batteries like Asustek does. Most models can be purchased with this size of battery, but they are not usually standard, so you have to specifically request it.

Another advantage to getting mini laptop computers with the larger batteries is that these batteries will raise up the back of the computer slightly and make it easier to type on the smaller than standard keyboards that these computers come with.

Due to the smaller keyboards, it is also important that you make sure to try typing on whichever laptop you are considering. One option that might be worth trying is Intel's ClassMate PC since the keyboard, even though smaller than those on some other options, has raised keys that have spaces between them. Keyboards on computers like the Elitegroup Computer Systems' G10IL, the Eee PCs, and Wind series' have flat keyboards, which might look nice, but aren't as easy to use for those who touch type. Other options with decent keyboards include Hewlett-Packard's Mini-Note and Acer's Aspire One.

Besides the keyboard, you also need to consider the type of software that comes with these mini laptop computers. Some of the manufacturers are selling them with virtually no software and saying that you can just download it for free from the internet. However, this takes a lot more time and effort on your part, and doesn't make a lot of sense since there are lots of netbooks that do come with a decent amount of software already loaded onto them. Some good options include the Eee PCs from Asustek (1000, 1000H, and 901 include software) and netbooks from Acer. Many of these computers use some version of Linux as an operating system, so you should try out a computer with Linux to see if you like it. Most people don't have a problem switching from using Windows to Linux.

Finally, you really need to consider the price of the mini laptop computers you are considering. Part of the reason for buying these netbooks is to save money, so if the price is above $500 you might as well get a regular laptop since it would come with more features for the same price. A laptop has a DVD drive, more components, and much more powerful microprocessors, so you can do more with them. Remember, netbooks don't come with DVD drives. If you are just looking for something small and light, there are laptop options which fit the bill while still having all the features of a laptop computer. Look into the Apple MacBook Air, the Lenovo Ideapad, and the Sony Vaio PCs. Any of these would give you more for your money than the higher priced netbook options that are on the market these days.