Mobile Computing News

Photo: Samsung

Now more than ever, technology needs to be mobile, and there is an increased need to be able to perform computing tasks away from desks and devoid of wires. As processors, hard drives, and other computer components become smaller, the devices they’re used in also shed more than just a few centimetres. The last few years have seen the rise of a variety of ultra-portable computers.

Nothin’ but net

Currently dominating the ultra-mobile PC market are netbooks: scaled-down laptop computers sharing many attributes with conventionally-sized laptop computers but housed in smaller and lighter casings. Most netbooks are 12 inches or less in size (measured diagonally). Netbooks are typically much less expensive than traditional laptops, and because of their small form factor, are highly portable.

Netbooks offer almost all of the same features as their larger cousins, with the main distinction being that most are not equipped with optical (CD/DVD) drives. While in the past this may have proven problematic, as most software applications could only be installed via optical disc, a most applications can now be downloaded directly from the Internet. Netbooks also often come pre-installed with some of the most common productivity and media management software. Netbooks usually feature either full versions of Windows XP, or slimmed-down versions of Windows 7 or Linux specifically developed for netbooks.

Take your tablets

Photo: Apple

But netbooks are not the only entrants into the world of mobile ‘mini’ computers. Tablet PCs have also gained a fair share of popularity in recent years. Tablets PCs are also fashioned from and based on traditional laptops, but utilise touch screens as their primary input tool. Tablet PCs are sold in two main forms: one-piece slates (such as Apple’s iPad) and convertibles, built similarly to traditional laptops and equipped with traditional keyboards, but with swivelling touch screens that when in place mimic slates.

Tablet PCs prove convenient in situations where typing on a keyboard is not ideal, and their touch screens allow for easy use and navigation. Most offer software that is able to understand handwritten notes, sketches, mathematical formulas, and symbols input by users via an included stylus. Tablet PCs such as Amazon’s Kindle device also allow for e-book reading.

The verdict

To be fair, netbooks and tablets both share some characteristics: both are extremely portable, both provide easy access to the Internet, and both can handle most basic tasks with ease. But while innovative, as far as today’s average user is concerned, tablet PCs remain novelty items only. They’re often equipped with slower, less powerful processors, and don’t always allow for quick and easy data entry. Additionally, tablet PCs are at high risk of damage to their delicate designs.

In contrast, cheap netbooks – which present very few differences to full-sized laptop computers – are more versatile and easier to use throughout the day. They are increasingly popular with university students, business people, and those who travel often, and long battery life guarantees longer productivity times. They carry many of the same features, including high-quality screens and audio output – many even include webcams and built-in microphones that make videoconferencing a breeze. While extremely mobile and lightweight, netbooks don’t skimp on power, and are equipped with powerful processors and hard drives.

Above all, netbooks provide the same features as most laptops at half the size and, for the time being, emerge as the clear winner over tablet PCs.