Data Doctors: 'Netbooks' travel even lighter than laptops

Q: What exactly is a "netbook" and how is it different from a laptop computer? - Michael

A: A netbook is a small, inexpensive computer designed primarily as a communication device on the Internet.

To make sense of the netbook, it helps to understand the history of computing as it relates to the average user.

Most of us started using computers during the time when one of Microsoft's operating systems (DOS or Windows) and accompanying software programs were necessary to accomplish our computing tasks.

The introduction of the Internet as a means to access, process and store information reduced the importance of what we used as a computer and what operating system it was running.

The most common uses of a computer these days include browsing the Internet, e-mail and word processing, all of which can be done with virtually any computer of any age and completely online. There is no need for specific software on a specific computer to accomplish these tasks.

A netbook is a new way of accessing those online resources.

A traditional laptop has more features such as CD/DVD players and special video displays, has more processing power, is larger in size and weighs and costs significantly more than a netbook.

A netbook is designed to be a small (usually 8- to 10-inch screens), light (usually under 5 pounds) and inexpensive (usually under $500) alternative to traditional laptop computers. Netbooks tend to run on older or nontraditional operating systems such as Windows XP Home or Linux.

Think of a netbook as a device that is positioned between Smartphones such as the iPhone or Blackberry and traditional laptops. For a growing number of folks who are mobile users, having something more powerful and capable of more storage than a Smartphone, but less costly, smaller and lighter than a traditional laptop makes sense.

If you want to watch DVD movies, play today's most popular video games or need to install special software (like corporate VPN programs, etc.) to function while on the road, then a netbook is not likely a good fit. If you only want to surf the Net, check your Web-based e-mail or access other online-only services, a netbook may be the perfect solution.

Another upside to these smaller devices is that you have a shot at using them on an airplane if the person in front of you reclines their seat (nearly impossible with today's large-screen laptops in cramped coach airline seating).

Of course, because you won't have Internet access on your flight, you will have to download whatever it is you want to work with while on the flight before you lose your Internet connection.

The working netbook concept is only about a year old, so suffice it to say, many changes will occur in this genre of computing devices in the near future. Whatever is available today in the netbook world will likely change at lightning speed. So if you don't really need one right now, waiting will likely pay off.

In my opinion, the litmus test for whether a netbook is for you is based on how you use your computer. If very little of what you care about when you are on the road resides on your local computer, you're probably a good candidate for a netbook.

If you have a pile of programs that you will need to install to be effective while on the road, you're not likely to find a netbook a worthwhile investment. But stay tuned, because the Internet, operating system wars and something called "cloud computing" could change everything for everyone!

Ken Colburn is president of Data Doctors Computer Services and host of the "Computer Corner" radio show, which can be heard at www.datadoctors.com/radio. Readers may send questions to evtrib@datadoctors.com.