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Netbook vs. Laptop: A netbook is cute new term for "small laptop." They typically have a 10-inch or smaller screen and weigh 3 pounds or less. With their small size, there isn’t room for a DVD drive, so you’ll have to get an external one as an accessory. On the other hand, Wi-Fi for networking and Internet access is generally included. A netbook is a great choice for someone who travels, or someone older who wants a lightweight computer. Asus pioneered the field, with products like the neat $375 Eee PC 1000HE.![HP Mini 110]()
Batteries: The ratings specified by most laptop manufacturers are almost always too optimistic. If you need to work for long periods on battery power, it’s a good idea to buy a spare battery so that you have more power if the first one runs down. Each battery is more or less unique to each model of laptop, so in general you’ll have to buy the manufacturer’s battery. The HP Mini 110 packs a bigger-than-average battery, though it's somewhat bulky.![Toshiba L455]()
CPU: This cyberbabble acronym stands for central processing unit, which simply means the brains of the device. You’ll sometimes see it referred to as simply "the processor." Like the engine of a car, processors vary in power, which in turn means how much work they can do and how quickly they can do it. If all you’re doing is email and Web surfing and writing papers and such, any processor from Intel or AMD will do just fine, be it a Celeron like in the Toshiba L455 or something else. If you want to do more, like some fancy photo or video editing, you’ll want a "dual-core" processor, which simply means it has two brains in one chip.![Acer Aspire One]()
Memory Card Slots: These are often called "memory readers" and can be very handy. They let you take the memory card out of your camera or MP3 player and transfer files directly to the computer. It’s much faster and easier than connecting the two devices with a cable. Some laptops only support the SD card format, which is the most commonly used card format. If your devices uses some other form of memory card, either make the laptop can support it or plan on getting an accessory device for memory cards. Look for a multicard reader, like the one in the Acer Aspire One D250.![Lenovo S10]()
Screen Size: Some mini-laptops have screens that are 10 inches (diagonal) or smaller. This can be a bit cramped for office applications, but is still plenty for email and Web surfing and other tasks (provided you sit close enough and your eyesight is good or you have good glasses). One added benefit of a 10-inch screen, like the one on the Lenovo IdeaPad S10: you can use it on an airplane tray table in coach, even if the seat in front of you is cranked all the way back. Read moreHoliday Gift Guide: Super-Cheap Laptops
The laptop is a digital Swiss Army knife, and today they hardly cost much more. Here's how to find a good one.
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- Holiday Gift Guide: Super-Cheap Laptops
