Mini Notebook PC Info

The mini notebook PC has taken us by storm. Here's a few things you should know about them so you can make an informed choice and enjoy your mini notebook PC as it was intended.

Below is a list of 5 things to look out for when buying a mini notebook PC. They are: a smaller screen size, lack of a CD-ROM, different operating systems, solid state hard drives and smaller keyboards. Given these differences there are also very good mini notebook PC alternatives.

Screen Size

The two popular screen sizes that are available in mini notebooks are the 9-inch and 10-inch. Unless you are interested in a small footprint for your mini notebook PC it is much nicer to type on the 10-inch keyboard.

No CD-ROM

it doesn't have a CD-ROM drive but a portable External CD-ROM Drive can usually be purchase. They typically run between $50 and $100 depending on features.

Operating System

A lot of manufacturers sell the mini notebook PC with a version of Linux installed. One of the biggest advantages of Linux is that it's open source and free. If you aren't up for learning a new operating system you can stay with a version of Windows.

Hard Drive

Mini notebook PCs have drives similar to a USB flash drive, but with much larger space. All though they can be pricey, they use less power and take up lessspace.

Keyboard / Track Pad

They keyboards on a mini notebook PC are a little different then the ones found on full size notebooks. You may find the track pad buttons in a different place in order to make the keyboard fit the case.

Alternatives

By now you must realize that a mini notebook PC is not a bonafide laptop. You might be just as happy with a media player with WIFI capability or merely a smartphone.

Let's look at the Acer Aspire One.