A small portable computing device, similar to a notebook. However, it has a smaller form factor and comes with more limited features. What differentiates a netbook from a notebook is its physical size and computing power.
A netbook typically has a small display, ranging from 7 to 10 inches. It weighs under 3 pounds, and support a keyboard that is reduced in size from 75 to 80 percent when compared to a standard keyboard. Netbooks have build-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB ports and slots for flash memory cards. To keep the devices small and compact, netbooks do not have a CD or DVD drive, and most use solid-state disks (SSD) for storage. Netbooks commonly run Linux or Windows XP Home edition operating systems. Prices for netbooks range from $200 to $350 USD.
One of the first netbooks, and most well-known brand name is the ASUS Eee PC. Netbook are a type of a subnotebook computer.
See “Technology Terms to Know for 2009” in the Did You Know…? section of Webopedia.
See also “Netbooks: Small Laptops With Big Issues” in the Did You Know…? section of Webopedia.
