What is netbook?

Netbook is small, low cost portable computer, that emerge since the debut of ASUS EEE PC. Netbook are highly portable, very long battery life but low CPU performance.

Netbook are ideal for casual web browsing and basic task, But not really suitable for programs that need fast CPU such as playing high definition video, advance image editing and video editing.

Netbook use scaled down version of ordinary CPU, most of the netbook comes with Intel Atom processor. Such processor are designed to use less power and generate less heat, but only give performance just enough for basic task. Because the processor use much lesser power than a ordinary laptop CPU, Usually a netbook can last 5~8 hours. Compare to laptop 2~4 hours.

Task suitable for netbook

• Normal web browsing.
• Internet banking.
• Office work (Word processing, small to medium spreadsheet and basic presentation).
• Standard definition video that doesn’t exceed DVD definition.
• Instant Messaging
• Youtube standard definition video

Task not suitable for netbook

Task that need high speed CPU will go very slow on netbook, high definition video will get choppy when playing on netbook. Application that require CPU processing will take long time on netbook.

• High definition video (more than 576*480)
• Video editing
• Advance graphic design
• Complex flash advertisement / game / video (Such as Youtube HD)
• Modern 3D game
• Some Facebook game such as cafe world
• Web sites that use complex javascript and flash

Recent improvement in hardware and software give more capability to a netbook. Some new netbook comes with HD decoder so it can play High definition video. The new adobe flash plugin (still in beta phase) allow the GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) to assist in playing high definition flash video. Recent model of netbook comes with processor integrate with chipset together. Such platform use lesser power and have smaller footprint.

Most netbook are loaded with basic version of Windows operating system. Windows XP home edition and Windows 7 Starter edition. Windows 7 starter edition is the most basic version of Windows 7. It has several limitation, such as no Aero Glass interface, changing scheme color and desktop background not allowed, no multi monitor support, no DVD play back and more. It’s a basic operating system that designed for basic task, just like a netbook does. Windows XP home edition on netbook however have more capabilities only it doesn’t have advance feature such as joining a domain network.

credit to=> http://laptopmalaysia.my/2010/03/what-is-netbook/