Netbook computers are small computers that look very similar to laptops yet are actually much smaller than laptops. A netbook has completely different capabilities to the average laptop and is designed to be quick and mobile, and to connect primarily to the Internet and other networks. Therefore, storage space on a netbook is very limited. If you are used to working with desktops and laptops, the small amount of storage space on a netbook can seem outrageous. However in reality the space is enough. These computers rely on the data and information that they need to access to be stored in remote locations either online or on a business local area network (LAN).

A netbook is a fairly distinct-looking computer that you have probably already seen people using in airports, cafes and other places. They look like laptops, but they are in fact much smaller than laptops. The size of a netbook screen is usually around nine inches wide as opposed to the usual twelve to fourteen inches of an average laptop computer. They are light and easy to carry around and they are quick.

Netbooks are an alternative type of mobile computer. These days, people can get online with all types of devices: mobile phones offer Internet access via your cell phone provider, PDAs can gain access to the Internet via WIFI but none of these devices have a full QWERTY keyboard. For people that need mobile computing for more than simply checking their email, a netbook is great alternative. Word documents and other business applications can run on a netbook and you can engage with those programs using a full keypad and mouse. This makes typing into the document quick and convenient.

Laptops and netbooks differ significantly although their style is relatively similar. Most laptops are packed with a lot of power and can for all intents and purposes be used in the same way as a desktop computer. This is not true with a netbook. Netbooks run with very limited power under the hood. Although netbooks have lots of RAM memory which makes them quick, they do not hold much storage space at all. They rely on information being stored on networks.

The average netbook comes with several USB ports so that peripheral devices can be attached to them. However they do not come with any type of DVD or CD drive. Also many of the common ports that you are probably used to having included with a laptop will not come with a netbook, such as monitor ports, a PCMCIA port and others. There are many features that we take for granted when we buy any type of computer but a netbook will not necessarily have those features.

Netbooks are great computers to buy if you are on the move a lot but need regular access to the Internet. They are a great mobile alternative if PDA and mobile phone access to the Internet are too limiting for you. Also their full size keyboard can be more comfortable and quicker to use than what is found on other mobile devices. Personally speaking, I completely love my netbook computer. I find it much more convenient to carry around with me than my old laptop.