The newest addition to the Laptop market is the Mini PC. Usually these are about 1/2 the size (if not smaller) than a normal laptop, have 2-3 times the battery life, and are quite a bit lighter. These PC run Intel Atom processors which require far less power to operate, however, they are not very fast. But are the worth the money?
The short answer is that it depends on your use. If you are an avid user who likes speed and always has the power adaptor in tow, a mini pc is PROBALLY not for you or at least shouldn’t be your primary pc. These machines are slower and wouldn’t have the graphic preformance you’d be used to, even from a low end laptop. Graphic artists and gamers also should shy away from these machines, unless you need a smaller Machine for basic tasks
Now, as for the average casual user: These machines are great. Check your email and surf the web, they are perfect. Some of them even have 3G Cell cards built in so you have internet access anywhere (although plans can cost 20-50 a month). These things are super portable (they fit in women’s purses) and they are quite cheap when compared to a low end laptop. Most cost between 200-500 dollars and can be purchased over the web, or at most retailers.
Imagine this, you are sitting at dinner and need to send an email. If you are like me, your laptop is a monster (Dell M1710) and I wouldn’t want to bring it along with me all the time (although I usually do). Regardless, pulling it out at a moment’s notice would make quite a headache. Instead I whip out a tiny pc that can do what I needed and I’m on my way. Check detailed stats while’st sitting in the stands of your favorite sports team, surf the web while standing in line at the dmv, hook it to your car for a internet radio streamer.
These things really are versitile. While I won’t review any specific models, CNET does a great job of that.
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-netbooks
Again, these machines aren’t for everyone, but evaluate your needs and you may find that a mini-pc, netbook or tablet pc fits you lifestyle
