How to choose a netbook

A netbook is a special type of notebook oriented to work on the Internet. Therefore, it is necessary to choose it for the most enjoyable web surfing.

How to choose a netbook: characteristics that need attention

When choosing a netbook, it is advisable to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. The amount of RAM (in GB);

2. The amount and type of internal storage or hard disk (in GB);

3. Operating system;

4. Type, frequency and processor generation;

5. Battery capacity.

It is worth considering that the actual netbooks are now practically not available. They were replaced by ultra-compact hybrid computers, functionally being a tablet with a keyboard. Such devices are also great for working on the Internet and editing documents.

RAM size

This is one of the most important parameters to consider when choosing a netbook. This is due to the fact that the resource intensity of web applications and sites is constantly increasing. Therefore, so that the netbook does not “slow down”, it is necessary that it be equipped with at least 2 GB of RAM.

But this is true only for those cases when the operating system uses Windows 7, 8 or 10 (in any edition), as well as the Google Chrome browser or another based on Chromium. For less resource-intensive software, you can use less RAM. So, if Opera 12.18, PoleMoon or K-Meleon is used as a browser, then you can use a configuration with 1 GB of RAM. But these programs are not very functional.

Thus, netbooks with a minimum of 2 GB of RAM are suitable for optimal performance on the Internet.

Volume and type of internal storage

Most netbooks, if used for their intended purpose (web surfing), do not need a large built-in drive or hard drive. For computers that run on Windows 10, 32 GB is sufficient. At the same time, the space available for user files and programs will be about 16-18 GB, which is enough to install most of the necessary software (browser, office suite, service applications) and download a couple of movies.

However, if you plan to store more information on a netbook or install large programs (for example, games), then 32 GB will definitely not be enough. The optimal hard disk capacity for such devices is 200-500 GB. It is impractical to use a larger volume, especially since it significantly increases the cost of a computer.

It is important to consider the type of drive. In modern hybrid computers, a flash or SSD drive is usually installed. Such devices provide high speed and save battery power. However, they are somewhat expensive and not replaced.

In addition, flash drives usually have a fairly small amount of 16, 32 or 64 GB. And the more it is, the higher the cost of the computer. In the "hybrids", equipped with SSD-drives, the memory can be up to 200 GB.

Netbooks that have a capacity of more than 200 GB, most likely equipped with a hard disk type HDD. It does not work as fast as an SSD or flash drive, but it costs much less.

operating system

The vast majority of modern netbooks or hybrid computers come with Windows 10 preinstalled versions of Home or Single Language. It is enough for everyday tasks. However, Windows 10 has a couple of critical flaws that can spoil the user experience:

1. A huge number of running in the background processes that load computer resources;

2. Large volume distribution, occupying 9-12 GB hard drive.

Therefore, you can use alternative operating systems such as Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Elementary OS, Remix OS and the like. However, they will have to be installed independently. In addition, the necessary drivers may be missing for these operating systems, as a result of which the computer will work inadequately (or will not work at all). Especially often this problem occurs in budget "hybrids." In addition, many familiar programs like Microsoft Office do not work on alternative operating systems.

Type, frequency and processor generation

The characteristics of the processor for netbooks are not of overwhelming importance. Thus, such computers can even work on weak chips from the Intel Atom series and at the same time show sufficient performance, including in some browser games.

But it is desirable to take into account the generation of the processor. This is due to the fact that netbooks are rarely equipped with a sufficiently productive cooling system, and in most hybrids it is completely passive. Therefore, the problems of throttling (reducing the clock frequency with increasing temperature) and overheating are particularly acute.

The best solution would be to buy a netbook or a hybrid on a not too powerful processor of the latest generations. For Intel, it is Haswell, Skylake and Kabu Lake - fourth, sixth and seventh, respectively. These processors are characterized by low resource consumption and, as a result, a low degree of heating.

Battery capacity

For the netbook is very important battery life. The higher it is, the better. And it also depends on the capacity of the internal battery.

If it is necessary for the netbook to work throughout the day without connecting to a power outlet, it should be equipped with a battery of at least 8000 mAh or 40-50 W / h. Unfortunately, the latest models are very rare. But the battery at 8000 mAh or slightly less can be found in most modern hybrid computers.

Manufacturers

One of the best manufacturers of netbooks are Acer, Samsung and Lenovo.

1. Acer is known for its "universal" devices. So, hybrid computers that are part of the Transformer lineup are equipped with both flash drives and a hard disk, so they can be used for data storage.

2. Samsung produces the most powerful netbooks, which due to its technical characteristics can be classified as “subnotebooks”. It is this company that produces ultra mobile computers with Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering about the features of the cooling system in such configurations.

3. Lenovo is interesting models from the Yoga series. They are equipped with capacious batteries and the original design of the hinge, so that computers can be used as netbooks, and as tablets, and as very original devices for watching movies or presentations.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.