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Hardware Purchase

student discounts - specifications - laptops - netbooks - tablets

Netbooks

Doug in the Learning Commons uses a netbook - and loves it. Read his review here.

The hottest trend in computing hardware is the netbook - mini laptops that are light to carry and light on the wallet. Some models start at just $200! Most of the big manufacturers are getting into this market fast. Rumor has it there will even be a mini Apple soon.

Most of the same questions you'd ask yourself about buying a laptop are relevant for netbooks as well, with a few twists.

• Hard drive space is often small or non-existant - especially in the low-priced options - so make sure you can live with using jump drives and online back-up options if you decide to go ultra-stripped down.
• Many don't have DVD drives, so you won't be able to load software or watch media content through disks.
• Smaller is not always better - if you have large hands or have trouble operating in small spaces, an 8" keyboard might prove problematic.

PC World has rated the Top Ten Netbooks (as of August 31, 2009) so take a look at their recommendations for specific suggestions and other considerations to think about.