So, there sure is a lot of buzz around the recent release of netbooks.  And the price certainly is attractive.  You may be asking yourself, “What is a netbook?  And do I want a one?”

First of all, a netbook is laptop that is designed with the Internet in mind.  Basically, it’s designed to wirelessy access the internet and use the resources of the Internet.  So, it’s about browsing, using Web-based applications, and storing your files “in the cloud” (not locally on your hard drive, but on the internet).   The average netbook has the following features/functions as compared to a conventional laptop:

• Less processing power than a laptop
• Less storage (sometimes not even a conventional hard drive, but solid-state storage)
• Smaller size (usually 2 - 3 pounds)
• Smaller keyboard (80 - 95% of normal)
• Lower price tag

So, back to the original question - do I want a netbook?  If you are asking yourself this question, it really all comes down to what you will be doing with your netbook?  Compared to conventional laptops, netbooks are underpowered (read: slower), have smaller screens and a slightly undersized keyboard.  But, it may be enough to do what you need.  With a netbook, you can access the Internet and all its applications.   Applications you can get to and use include software for browsing the Web, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, music, contact management, calendars, task management, posting to your blogs, sending email and more.  But, because of the smaller, lower resolution screens and decrease in processing power, there are some things that may be better left to your higher-powered laptop or desktop, such as high-end video or photo editing.

One thing’s for sure, if you have a netbook, you will need to access your files in the cloud.     Of course, if you are a divShare user you have that covered, and it may just be a matter of uploading more of the files you’ll want to access from your netbook.  Either way, netbooks are here, and there are more models for us to choose from each day.

Comparison of Netbooks: http://www.netbookgrid.com/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netbook
What is a Netbook?  http://news.cnet.com/what-is-a-netbook-computer/?tag=mncol