Netbook Vs. Notebook

Is 2009 a Netbook year? will Netbooks kill PC and notebook sales eventaully?

It is a question to be answered by consumers.

Netbook has been a hot item for Year 2009, from road traveller to college, high school students or even stay at home mom are buying netbooks either as a supplement to a traditional PC system or Notebook. But is it a trend to stay?

Will Netbook eventaully replace PC or Notebook and become a popular household electronics?

According to review on cnet, “consumers will ultimately decide the fate of the Netbook of course–though it remains problematic whether PC suppliers will really push Netbooks in front of consumers that aggressively if Netbooks are eating into their laptop sales. Advanced Micro Devices or Via Technologies, however, could change this by aggressively promoting their newest silicon  for slick, upscale Netbook-like designs.”

Difference Between a Netbook and a Notebook / Laptop

Netbooks are primarily used for surfing the web and running light applications, while laptops can run more heavy duty applications and tackle more challenging programs.

Netbooks typically run either Windows XP or Linux operating systems rather than more resource-intensive operating systems like Windows Vista. However the latest Windows 7 operating system released from Microsoft has seen some promising features that have been shown to run very well on the newer generation of Netbooks.

Netbooks range in screen size from below 5 inches to over 13, typically weigh 2 to 3 pounds and are often significantly cheaper than general purpose laptops, you can find a decent Netbook less than $300 on the market.

To reduce the size and weight, all the consumer level Netbooks do not come with internal CD or DVD drives, no upgrade path and the following maximum memory limits:

For Linux based Netbooks: 512 MBs
For XP based Netbook: 1 GB (some rare exceptions have 1.5 GBs)

The newer  high-end Netbooks that come with more but they are generally cost more than laptops.

Most Netbooks come with hard drives of 80 GB to 160 GB.

Some Netbook models use SSD – Solid State Drive, with no moving parts , it is good when you take the Netbook for travel, but these are smaller in GBs and higher in cost.

Laptops are meant as desktop replacements, are not so portable because of that but can do much more, have bigger internal hard drives, bigger screens (from 15.6″ to 18″ at the moment), bigger memory (RAM), a CD/DVD/BlueRay drive or burner and some provision for upgrade  depending on manufacturer.

Laptops are becoming more affordable comparing with traditional desktop PCs for what they offer !

In essence, Netbooks are just smaller, which means slower processors and less storage and RAM. If your main purpose is to check email, surf Internet, and run some light weight applications, Netbook is a good choose for its low price and good performance. Don’t forget, it deliver super portability that neither Laptop nor PC can compete.

Replace a Broken or Cracked Netbook Screen

If Netbook screen is broken or cracked screen, you would want to know if it can be replaced.

The answer is Yes, it can be fixed, but it will probably cost so much that you’d be better off just buying a new Netbook. Buying a new one would probably cost the same if not less than repairing it with another screen. The screens are very expensive to repair.  In some cases, replacing the screen may be more expensive than simply replacing the entire computer.

If the problem was caused by a defect from the manufacturer and the Netbook is still under warranty, you will be able to get it replaced by contacting the store you bought it from or contact the manufacturer directly. But if it is broke by an accident in which is not covered under warranty, or the purchase has passed the warranty period, you can take it to a computer repair center. The technician may be able to find a replacement screen for you.

To save on the part cost, you can also try to go to Ebay.com and search for the screen display for your specific model, and check out if somebody may have the screen available for sell. Then take the screen you acquire and the Netbook to a repair facility and have them to replace for you. The technician should take no more than 1-2 hours worth of labor.

Here is the step by step DIY guide on repairing a broken Netbook screen:

Turn the power off and unplug the power cord.

Disassemble the laptop head with a screen driver.

Disconnect any cables and remove the old screen

Replace it with a new screen and connect the cables.

Reassemble the laptop head.

If you need more specific instructions to your specific model, check up the manual or call up the manufacture for help.

You send it back to the manufacturer for repair too. Screens for portable computers are typically specific to the computer and can not readily be replaced by off-the-shelf components.

Another way to continue to use the Netbook with a broken screen is to hook it up to a normal desktop monitor and use it as a desktop, you will lose the portability but at least you are not wasting the entire hardware.