by Sangeeta Deogawanka

Created on: January 01, 2010   Last Updated: May 11, 2010

What would you look for when shopping for a netbook?  It is simple. It ought to have all the pluses while doing away with the flipside of a usual laptop.

The factors for buying a Netbook are governed by  size, layout of keys and battery life. The  screen size, processor speed and pricing become secondary considerations. The PURPOSE for which you want a netbook, becomes the benchmark of comparison while shopping for the ideal netbook.

Once you have decided to go for a netbook for your browsing and document writing while on the move, you need to know what to look for in the netbook you need.

#  Battery Life

Presumably, you want a netbook for working while on the move. So a long battery life makes for sense, when shopping for the netbook of your choice. Most netbooks use Li-ion batteries. The higher the battery, the longer is the battery life. Each 3 cell battery typically gives you a three hour usage. So look for netbooks that have a 6 cell battery.

To boost the battery life of your netbook, go for low powered hardware and an OS that give you maximum computing time.

# Processor Speed

Most netbooks come with the Dual Core Intel Atom processor, though some have the Via C7 or Via Nano, with speeds ranging between 1.33 to 1.6 GHz.  Choice of processor does not much affect price points, but speed.  So look out for a netbook that gives you a maximum CPU speed.

# Operating System

Netbooks offer a choice of Linux, Windows XP and Windows 7.  However, some latest models are also offering Google Android.  The best for a quick start-up is an OS that comes on instantly or is compatible with Google Android to make the best use of apps.

If you do not mind installing an antivirus, and are comfortable on Windows, the best option would be the Windows XP, for it supports most commercial software.  However, if you are keen to use an OS that is thrifty on resource usage, the Linux is the best bet. It does not require an antivirus and will leave you quiet some resources at your disposal. Although, you would need to be comfortable with a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Linux distributions like the Ubuntu netbook remix, can give you interfaces optimized for the small netbook screen and a bundle of media and net-friendly software.  On the other hand, Windows 7 manages energy consumption to give you better battery usage.  Windows XP is an absolute no-no for a netbook as it is a memory guzzler, leaving you

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