Netbook Review

Reviews and research on the smallest laptops

Netbooks are small, lightweight and (usually) inexpensive laptop computers. They have less power, less memory and fewer features than regular laptops. As a result, most netbooks still aren't the best choice for playing games, watching high-definition video and movies or working with photo and video files. However, all recent netbooks are fine for basic word processing, low-resolution video (hello, YouTube!) and web surfing. Most netbooks weigh less than 4 pounds, with screen sizes ranging between 10 and 12 inches. The fact that the screens are small is the whole point of this PC class -- a smaller screen means better battery life and lighter weight.

Though traditional netbooks remain fairly limited in computing power and versatility, the best netbooks are sporting more powerful processors for greater usability. Among those are AMD's dual-core E-350 and E-450 processors, called "Fusion" by the company because they include central processing and discrete-class graphics chips in the same unit. That allows netbooks equipped with them to do things that most previous models couldn't, including high-definition video viewing, image manipulation and basic gaming. No one is going to mistake a game of "Call of Duty: Black Ops" on a netbook for something you might see on a dedicated gaming laptop. However reviewers are starting to include scaled-down versions of games like "Call of Duty" and "World of Warcraft" as part of their tests of some netbooks with nary a hint of sarcasm.

The downside to these more powerful processors is cost. While they deliver improved performance without exacting too much of a battery life penalty or generating too much heat, they also push the price of a netbook to the higher end of the category, between $400 and $500. At that point, you start to see cheap laptops that might not be as portable but that use more powerful processors. See our report on cheap laptops for some options.

Most midlevel and bargain notebooks carry Intel's single- or dual-core Atom chip, which is capable of basic tasks but not the more-robust graphics uses. The upside is cost, with most machines powered with these processors costing less than $300. The difference between dual- and single-core Atom machines is largely in how well they handle multitasking.

Keyboards can also be an issue. Though a few netbooks have standard-size keyboards, most are no more than 92 or 93 percent of full size. The small displays can also be a challenge to use, requiring lots of scrolling and perhaps a bit of squinting. Many netbooks sport 10-inch screens, but larger, higher-resolution displays of up to 12 inches are becoming commonplace. Netbooks with screens as small as 8 inches were once commonplace, but they largely have been phased out.

A number of technology sources test and rate the latest netbooks. We find the best reviews at CNET, Laptop Magazine, ComputerShopper.com and PCMag.com. These sites offer strong single-product reviews and occasional roundups, as well as ratings that help users compare multiple netbooks. ConsumerReports.org, on the other hand, has excellent testing of netbooks, but discussion is thin, and the site has trouble keeping up with the latest models. You can also find solid reviews at sites like Engadget.com, TrustedReviews.com and PC World, but coverage isn't as comprehensive as the top-rated sources listed above. The user reviews at Amazon.com and Newegg.com are also helpful.