- Top 5 Tips When Buying A New Netbook
- Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Netbook
- Why use a Netbook?
Top 5 Tips When Buying A New Netbook
Just because you know how to use a computer, it's doesn't mean that you know what to look for when you're buying a new one. Here is a quick and simple buying guide that will teach you everything need to know about buying a netbook, whilst helping you avoid the same old mistakes most folks make.
1) How much do you have to spend?
Like most things in life, the price of netbooks varies wildly, and you can pay anything from a few hundred pounds to many many thousands. But, don't worry. No matter how small you budget is, you'll find plenty of netbooks that fall within your price range and offer your everything you need.
The important thing is to try and stick to your original budget. They may come in pretty colours and come with must-have extras, but do you really need them? Try to stick to what you need, and don't pay over the odds for some gadget or piece of software you'll never end up using anyway.
2) Operating systems and software
Most folks have heard of Windows by now, but this isn't the only operating system out there. Linux is another popular operating system that'll you'll also find on netbooks. If you're used to using a Windows based system be sure to check that your netbook is running this before you buy it. You don't want to end up with an operating system and netbook you can't use.
You should look and see if you get any kind of free software with your new netbook. Some new netbooks come with bonus software, and will also come with an anti-virus program. Check this out, as you may be able to get something for nothing.
3) Battery life
If you're buying a netbook to use outside of the house, then you're going to need one with good battery life. If you keep having to find a plug, and you're always running out of battery, then your netbook simply isn't doing it's job. These computers allow you to be mobile, and you need a battery that will last. Try to go for a netbook that can guarantee around 8 hours of battery life. Choosing anything less simply won't do, and you'll forever be topping it up, and worrying that you won't have enough juice left. How annoying!
4) Getting on-line
You want a long battery life to ensure that you can use your netbook anywhere, and you need the same when it comes to getting on-line. If you want to be able to use your netbook to jump on-line then you'll need to ensure that your netbook can connect to the net wirelessly. This way you'll be able to jump on any network or broadband signal you like, and surf the net on the go.
Mobile phone based internet connection are increasingly popular, and many folks are using their mobile dongles to connect to the net everywhere they go. You may find that at some point you simply can't find a network, and that's where your truly 3G technology will help you out, and get you on-line instantly.
5) Your guarantee and support
When you're parting with a large chunk of change, you want to make sure that you're covered if anything goes wrong with your new netbook. For this reason, it's always a good idea to grab a netbook that comes with a guarantee. This way if anything goes wrong with it, you can always send it back. You don't have to worry about paying for any repairs, and the manufactures will take care of it all for you. Some makes will come with support too. This is great if you're not 100% sure on how to use your new netbook, and you can get support whenever you need it.
