When a laptop’s too much, try a netbook
Smaller computers let you take your work with you without whistles and bells - or high price tags
Netbooks are all the rage these days. For half the price of a regular laptop, you can buy an ultra portable, ultra small netbook that does the job nicely.
A netbook is marked by its small size and lower power requirements. They are aptly named. They’re great for surfing the Web, typing documents, and checking e-mail, but you’re not going to play any modern computer games or edit video on one. Netbooks also don’t usually come with optical drives like a CD- or DVD-ROM.
The Globe tested three of the latest netbooks and found varying results. We tested the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 for $349, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 for $449, and the Asus Eee PC 1000HE at $399.
The first thing we noticed about all three netbooks is that they run Windows XP and not the newer Windows Vista. The Dell model comes in Windows XP by default, but you can also get it with Ubuntu, a form of the Linux operating system. Netbooks, by design, are not as powerful as regular laptops and are much less powerful than desktop computers. Windows XP and Linux are both faster and better choices than the more robust Vista.
Our favorite, by far, was the Asus Eee PC 1000HE. On the downside, it has a very low-resolution screen, but it gets more than nine hours of battery life. That alone makes it amazingly attractive. You can work all day without stopping to plug in.
The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 comes in second. It’s bigger than most netbooks, with a 12-inch screen and about half the battery life. It also has a bigger keyboard, which is much more comfortable. Netbooks have smaller-than-normal keyboards, which can be frustrating for those with big hands.
The IdeaPad’s bigger screen is easy on the eyes, and the keyboard is easier on the fingers, but its size almost goes against the point of buying a netbook. It’s also the most expensive of the group.
The Dell has a glossy screen and some radical features like a TV tuner with HD-antenna and a high-definition video port. Both features are great, but the Inspiron Mini has only about three hours of battery life from its 3-cell battery. That’s less than some conventional laptops. That’s a deal-breaker, plain and simple.
Dell does have an optional 6-cell battery: You can add it to your order for $30 more when you’re buying the laptop or purchase it separately for $150. We highly recommend the $30 upgrade. The 6-cell battery will be well worth it.
“The rule of thumb is, if you added the 6-cell battery to the system, it would double the battery,’’ said Anne Camden a Dell spokeswoman.
The Asus runs for more than nine hours, and the Lenovo has a 6-cell battery. Even without something as fun as television on the go, we’d rather have the battery life.
$399
Pros: The Eee PC has more than nine hours of battery life.
Cons: The screen resolution is very small, which limits your ability to multitask and may mess up some Web pages.
The final word: You won’t complain much about the screen when the computer is still powered up at 5 p.m. after the workday is done.
DELL INSPIRON MINI 10
$349
Pros: The Inspiron is inexpensive and has a crisp, vibrant display, an on-board TV tuner, and an HDMI port.
Cons: It’s designed for three hours of battery life, which goes against the spirit of buying a netbook.
The final word: The battery is a deal-breaker in this relationship. We highly recommend upgrading for $30 to the optional 6-cell battery.
LENOVO IDEAPAD S12
$449
Pros: The IdeaPad has a sharp screen and very comfortable keyboard. Battery life is average for a netbook, even with a bigger-than-normal screen to power.
Cons: It’s a little big for a netbook. It’s also the most expensive on the list.
The final word: It’s up to you. If you want a slightly larger netbook that’s easier on the eyes and hands, look here.
John M Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com. 
