By Joann Pan
Special to Relocation.com
When moving to college, you will soon discover that a majority of your time will be spent with your computer. Of course, there will be hanging with friends, checking out new recreational clubs and discovering your new town, but let's face it: college is really about studying and getting good grades. Whether it's researching a paper, writing one or taking a break watching an instant movie on Netflix, a computer in a college must! One of the best options for college is a mini-laptop called a Netbook. These affordable little computers are available in a variety of styles and colors that are light (generally around two pounds)and compact enough to travel with you where ever you need to go. From stylish options to practical uses, check out Relocation.com's Top Five Netbook Picks for the upcoming school year.
1. Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) Netbook $279.99, 1 GB, 10.1 LCD Display, 2 pounds:
This stylish computer not only looks good, but comes with 9.5 hours of battery life, which is more than my current laptop [that I bought a year ago, mind you] can hold, and features an HD widescreen display option, HD video viewing capabilities, speakers, microphone [great for video chatting with friends from home], wireless Bluetooth internal mini-card, a digital memory card, a multi-media card and a memory stick. This is a great choice if you want to carry your Netbook around mainly for doing work at the library or taking notes in the classroom. Cons: a stiff touch pad makes it hard to make the mouse go round.
2. HP Mini 110-3030NR $279.99, 1 GB, 10.1’’ Netbook, 5.1 pounds:
We like these HP minis because of its lightning speed and its keyboard that is exceptionally easy to work with—we think it’s rare amongst Netbooks. This mini book comes backed with an Intel Atom 270 Processor, an anti-glare widescreen display and up to 6.75 hours of battery life. Cons: bulky battery that protrudes out that they don’t show in product photos.
3. Asus Eee PC 1018PB-BK801 $379.99 1 GB, 10.3’’ Netbook, 2.4 pounds:
Asus has always been a pioneer in the mini-laptops market and this new Asus Eee PC 1018PB-BK801 has been on tech editor's top 10 lists since it came out. It’s the new slim and sleek design that gets it recognized, but its working touch pad and quick Intel processor secures points for likeability and usability. Other cool features include its webcam, brushed aluminum exterior and estimated 8.3 hours of battery life. Con: shrunken shift key.
4. Toshiba Mini NB305-N410 $379, 1 GB, 10.1’’ Netbook, starting at 2.60 pounds:
We find this laptop very aesthetically pleasing with its crisp, bright screen and its wide keyboard. We love this feature because its awesome keyboard that makes typing on it for long hours very good. The long battery life also makes it very easy to work with. People love the brown/bronze color that this Netbook comes in. Con: low speaker volume.
5. Apple iPad Starts at $499, 9.56 inches, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 1.5 to 1.6 pounds:
We realize that the Apple iPad is not a Netbook per se, but this cool multi-touch device that can handle up to 64 GB might as well be. We would have loved to have with this us in classes because of its one-of-a-kind features such as a 9.7-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen multi-touch display, Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities, microphone, built-in speaker, up to 9 hours of battery life and access to all of the Apple software that will help you build projects, surf the web or read your textbooks without having to buy it in book form.
There you have it—Relocation.com’s list of top Netbooks for surfing the web for your downtime or doing work on-the-go.