In general, netbooks are best used as secondary computing devices and travel laptops. Their small size and weight are great for mobility, but netbooks' lower processing capabilities means working on them can be more difficult: opening applications on a netbook takes more patience than on more robust systems, multi-tasking can cripple your system, and processor-intensive applications like graphics editing aren't really compatible with netbooks. Netbooks' small screen sizes and less-than-full-sized keyboards may also make working on them for long periods of time less comfortable compared to working on full-sized laptops or desktop PCs.
Still, netbooks are becoming mainstream due to their long battery lives, multiple connectivity options (wireless-n and, often, mobile broadband), and great portability.
Some netbooks are considered business-class and a few offer customizable or above-average specs (higher resolution display, solid state hard drive (SSD), Windows 7 Home Premium instead of Windows 7 Starter, more memory, etc.). These higher-end netbooks can outshine an outdated laptop or desktop PC, depending on the kind of work you plan to do on it.
If you add a second or external monitor for when you are at home and an external DVD drive if needed for your work, you may not even notice any limitations in the netbook model type.
Netbooks are ideal for activities like surfing the Web and using programs that don't require a lot of processing power, such as office applications. If you have a job that primarily involves the following types of tasks, a netbook may well be enough for your business needs:
Doing online researchChecking and responding to emailsWorking on basic office documents: spreadsheets, word processing documents, and presentationsUsing web-based applications for collaborating on documents, CRM, appointment scheduling, and moreAttending virtual meetings via video conferencing and IM solutionsPretty much any web-based or cloud computing purposeTemper your expectations for what you can do on a netbook and how they work. Programs are a little slower to open than you may be used to, and you may not be able to open more than a handful of programs at the same time without slowing your system down.If you have an operating system choice, go for Windows 7 (and preferrably Windows 7 Home Premium). Windows 7 is faster (and loads more quickly) than previous Windows versions and new features like the program dock in the taskbar make working on a small computer easier.Customize your program toolbars to save screen real estate. Netbook screens aren't very tall, so for more vertical space, tweak your toolbar buttons and select to display only those toolbars you need for your work task (toolbar options are usually found in the View menu). You might not need the Bookmarks Toolbar, for example, in Firefox.Follow important mobile security precautions. Netbooks are prime targets for thieves and also very easy to lose.
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