Netbooks

Netbooks are among the smallest laptops available. They are mainly characterised by their display size ranging from ten to twelve inches. Added to this is their consistently low weight. This is what makes netbooks particularly portable: you can take these small devices with you wherever you go and use them to surf the internet, watch films or write emails at any time. However, these handy devices are becoming increasingly rare. Since ultrabooks and laptops with narrow display edges have established themselves, there are only a few netbooks in the classic sense, but many successors that cover even more areas of application.

Small Display, Full Range of Functions
Netbooks with Windows
Chromebooks up to 12 Inches Large
Apple Netbooks?

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Small Display, Full Range of Functions

Even without a large display, netbooks are real powerhouses. They can fulfil all the tasks that would otherwise require larger laptops. The full functionality of Windows is particularly important for netbook users, but Google also offers a sensible alternative with its Chromebooks. Battery capacity is also an important factor when it comes to being ready to go at any time. To increase battery life, the processors are usually clocked slightly lower. A dedicated graphics card is not part of the equipment, the graphics performance is always provided by a graphics unit integrated in the processor. Apart from the battery life, this fortunately benefits the low weight.

With the further development of the touchscreen, the classic netbook category has evolved somewhat. There are now numerous models that support input by hand. This makes sense with the small display diagonal: you can navigate websites much faster and don't have to use the rather small touchpad below the keyboard. The netbook may soon be replaced by the tablet, as social media, internet and games are sometimes even more convenient to use without a keyboard. Nevertheless, the netbook has proven to be a brave companion in everyday life, a keyboard is simply indispensable for writing down longer texts or effectively completing some tasks.

However, the price of a netbook usually also plays a role, be it as a second device, as a first Windows model for children or as a surfing station on the couch - you don't want to feel too big a hole in your wallet. On the other hand, there are fully equipped Ultrabooks in netbook format with 12.5 inches, which in turn justify much higher prices with particularly high-resolution Full HD screens and more powerful processors. This is where the line between netbook and 2-in-1 convertible becomes blurred, as only 2-in-1 models can actually be found in this segment. A touch screen that can be detached from the keyboard, input via pen or finger, perhaps a fanless design, a razor-sharp resolution above Full HD - the prices here reach into the four-digit range.

A current netbook relies on an Intel dual-core or quad-core processor. It also has at least four gigabytes of RAM. The internal memory is usually not particularly large, only the operating system and a small amount of data can be stored on the built-in SSD (solid state drive). However, in the age of the cloud and the like, this is no longer a problem.

Netbooks with Windows

Windows has a long tradition with netbooks, but somehow felt out of place on screens smaller than 13 inches. The operating surfaces were too small and the hardware was rarely sufficient – fortunately, this has changed with Windows and the rise of convertibles. The 2-in-1 hybrids rely on energy-saving processors and small SSD storage units. A touchscreen is often also on board for little money, enabling input via finger or pen. In addition to the classic chip manufacturers AMD and Intel in this discipline, Microsoft is working with Qualcomm on a completely new generation of Windows netbooks.

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Chromebooks up to 12 Inches Large

As Chromebooks, i.e. laptops with Google's Chrome OS operating system, have always wanted to play in an affordable price range, there are some models with a particularly compact screen. All the hardware rules that would apply to a Windows laptop are thrown overboard here. The reduced operating system requires only a fraction of the power and scores particularly well in terms of battery life. The compact format and ease of use make it interesting in the educational environment, as it fits into even the smallest school bag. Unfortunately, the selection of small Chromebooks is no longer quite as large as it was in the heyday of their era.

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Apple Netbooks?

If you associate the term netbook with a low price, you probably don't associate a netbook with Apple. The devices in the MacBook Air series might not be directly labelled as netbooks either, but they should still be listed here. However, these mobile computers are undisputedly light and handy everyday companions that you can rely on. A battery-saving processor from Intel or Apple itself, a high Retina resolution, configurable SSD memory and an easy-to-type keyboard make the slim package perfect. However, the models start in the high three-digit price range.

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