Using a Netbook as a PC

A dream with computers has always been to be able to use the smallest possible computer that runs silently while allowing you to do everything you want with it – and moreover do it cheaply.

The netbook format portable computer has proven without a shadow of a doubt that you don’t need a powerful computer to get things done. Most netbooks only have a 1.6GHz CPU with 1 to 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive. They also have a standard RJ-45 network port, a VGA port for external monitor, two to three USB ports and built-in wifi that can even do wireless N in addition to G.

Best of all, a netbook is below the $300 price point. These things are cheap.

As a netbook owner myself, I can say with absolute certainty that a netbook runs flawlessly. It’s whisper quiet and does everything you want it to do without complaint.

Before continuing, the only thing a netbook truly cannot do is anything that requires intensive graphics, such as games. It also hiccups slightly when dealing with heavy Flash content – but it does not crash.

Something that not many people have thought about – but should – is the idea of using a netbook as a regular "basic" PC.

What you need to run a netbook as a PC is a very short, cheap list of items:

1. A monitor that can plugged in via the blue VGA connector (and if yours is a DVI, the DVI-to-VGA adapter is cheap – you might even have one lying around).
2. A USB mouse
3. A USB keyboard
4. PC speakers (to route the netbook’s 1/8th-inch audio out to something that sounds better)
5. A USB-based optical drive.
6. A USB 2.0 hub.

The USB-based optical drive is optional. Were you to buy one, they’re under $40 new. Cheap. And most of the time you won’t even need it.

The hub is also optional, although it’s probably a good idea to have one so you can have your USB ports within easy reach.

Consider that with a setup like this, you’ve traded the big bulky tower for a super-small, super-slim and super-silent computer. It’s so small you could put the computer in a desk drawer while in use and it would not come anywhere near to overheating.

In this fashion, you don’t have to even worry about the smaller keyboard or touchpad because you’re using standard-sized peripherals that feel good to your hands. You also don’t have to worry about the resolution because you have a standard monitor for that.

Even if you never decide to use the netbook as a regular laptop and dedicate it as a desktop-use-only, go ahead.

Advantages and disadvantages of netbook-as-PC

Advantage: It’s your only option for Windows XP with a new computer.

If you want a brand new computer with XP and not 7, the netbook is more or less your only choice. Bear in mind however the XP offering won’t be around forever.

Advantage: Silent.

Netbooks by nature are silent runners. The Dells in particular are so quiet you have to look at the power light just to make sure you turned the thing on – and that’s a good thing.

Disadvantage: Limited or no upgrade options.

This is the biggest tradeoff. What you get is what you get. Laptops are usually always like this regardless of their size, but you should be aware of it.

Remember however that the hardware configuration of a netbook does truly maximize XP’s capabilities. It is speedy given the fact XP has been around so long and the netbook has well above the minimum requirements to run that OS.

Disadvantage: Not very good for graphic-intensive applications.

This was mentioned already but is mentioned again because it is truly something to take into consideration.

Which netbook should you buy?

Brand is not important since you’re not going to be using it for traditional laptop purposes. What is important is the hard drive, USB ports and RAM more than anything else. It must have at least 160GB for the HDD, 2GB RAM and at least two USB which almost all of them do.

A netbook is a truly enjoyable computer to use. When used as a desktop it can fill that role equally well.