Friday, August 31, 2012

Test Mini Notebooks

Choose your mini notebook carefully.


Notebook computers are known for their portability, and mini notebooks take that concept a step further. These devices are as lightweight and easy to carry around as a tablet, and they fit easily into a purse or briefcase, making them an excellent choice for travel. But whether you are in the market for a small notebook or an ultra-portable netbook, it is best to test each machine in person before making a final buying decision.


Instructions


1. Go to the store and look at the mini notebooks and netbooks on display. Note the different sizes available, from small notebooks with 12-inch and 13-inch screens, to tiny netbooks with screen sizes of 10 inches and smaller.


2. Type on the keyboard of each computer to see how the keyboard feels as you work. Try to mimic your daily work as closely as possible to make sure the keyboard will be comfortable enough to use on a regular basis. Some netbook owners complain that the small keyboard feels cramped, and that it is easy to hit two keys at once by mistake.


3. Check the display on each unit to make sure it is bright enough to read. The brightness of the screen is another common complaint among owners of small notebooks and netbooks. Right-click on the desktop and choose "Properties" to see the display settings. Adjust the settings and see how the change affects the brightness and readability of the display.


4. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon and choose "Properties" to see the amount of memory installed and the speed of the processor. Netbooks tend to have less powerful chips and lower amounts of memory than traditional notebooks, but it is still a good idea to look for a unit with at least 2GB of memory.


5. Click the "Start" button and choose "Programs." Look at the programs that come standard with the netbook or mini notebook. A more expensive computer might be a better bargain if it comes preloaded with the software you need for home or work.







Tags: choose Properties, keyboard feels, make sure, mini notebook, mini notebooks