The second generation: new netbooks boast more storage, Windows 7

Munich - The second generation of netbooks is here and they have brought more storage with them. The pint-sized mobile computers typically now come pre-loaded with Windows 7, but consumers should remember that not every netbook running Windows 7 is quicker than older models with Windows XP. Models released onto the market in the Christmas run-up are often running on the same hardware as their predecessors.

More powerful models are only now trickling onto the market. The newer devices typically have bigger hard drives, with 250 gigabytes (GB) as the new unofficial standard. Because netbooks are sold as highly affordable and mobile web-surfing machines with good battery life, Thomas Rau from Germany's PC Welt magazine doesn't anticipate any "exorbitant upgrades." "Most manufacturers want to keep the basic price below 400 dollars," Rau says.

While computer maker Acer hasn't revealed prices yet, it has indicated that new netbooks are on the way - and soon. The new models include the Aspire One 532 with a 10.1-inch display and, optionally, with WSVGA or WXGA resolution (16:9). The major difference from previous devices is the 250 GB hard drive. The processor once again is an Intel Atom chip from the N series.

The new Eee PC 1005PE netbook from Asus also has an Atom processor and a 250 GB hard drive. Yet Rau doesn't see netbooks suddenly mutating into multimedia machines. Manufacturers don't want to cannibalize the market for their bigger, more powerful - and somewhat more expensive - laptops with CULV energy-saving processors.

Netbooks continue to sell briskly around the world, reports the industry association BITKOM. And the trend is pointing upward. The experts anticipate that Windows 7 will bring another bump in 2010.

As usual, the new operating system comes in various versions. The starter edition is the one typically installed on new netbooks. It is not slower than the more expensive variants, but it does lack some of their functions. Switching between user accounts via hotkeys is not available, for example. Nor is the Aero user interface. It also does not support 64-bit systems. However, these features tend to play a secondary role on netbooks.

Most devices work with Atom chips from Intel. There are two series typically used here: N and the somewhat slower, but less power- thirsty Z series. Computerbild magazine recently tested a variety of netbooks and found that the differences in performance between different processors were less marked than on desktop PCs. The experts nevertheless recommend using the speediest model possible.

RAM size is another difference between current and older netbooks. Devices are even starting to show up with two gigabytes of RAM instead of just one. That makes a big difference with Windows 7. Yet that alone shouldn't make or break a purchase, since the memory on most netbooks is easily upgraded, although memory prices can fluctuate wildly.

One way or the other, netbooks remain a good choice as an affordable web-surfing device for use on the sofa, with long battery lives at low prices. Those who need processing power should probably look elsewhere, though. Many consumers seem to know this: BITKOM has not seen netbooks replacing full-sized laptops or desktop PCs. They tend to be used as backup computers instead.

For those who can afford to wait a bit, this year may bring even more interesting products, says Thomas Rau: netbooks with touch displays. Those devices would represent the real next generation.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305429,the-second-generation-new-netbooks-boast-more-storage-windows-7.html.