If you’re buying a portable computer for school or college use this fall, one of the decisions you’ll face is whether to get a larger laptop or a pint-sized netbook. As we’ve noted previously, each has its pros and cons—laptops being more powerful with bigger keyboards and mousepads; netbooks being smaller, lighter, and typically cheaper.
The best primary computer for most students is unquestionably a laptop. But it will likely cost you hundreds more than a netbook, especially if you opt for a lighter laptop, which is typically pricier than a comparably-powered, heavier one. However, the benefits outweigh the extra cost. A laptop’s superior ergonomics are better suited for extended typing than a netbook’s and its greater processing power is essential if you need to crunch a lot of data—in spreadsheets, for example.
However, if you already have a laptop or a desktop and don’t own a smart phone with Web access, a netbook might be worth considering as a highly portable secondary computer. Given the ubiquity of free Wi-Fi on college campuses, a netbook can serve nicely as a mobile connection to the internet and e-mail, as well as a note-taking device. If you do plan to take notes on a netbook, get a model that we rated better on ergonomics; models in our netbook Ratings (available to subscribers) range considerably in the ease of use of their keyboards, mousepads, and other features.
If you’re prepared to buy two computers for school or college, there are other options. For example, you might buy a desktop for maximum power at minimal cost in the dorm, and a netbook for when you’re on the go. A full-size desktop, with its separate tower, might be too bulky for a bedroom or dorm. An all-in-one desktop—which crams all the computer’s circuitry into the monitor—is a better fit and costs less. And, as our desktop Ratings (available to subscribers) show, it should perform comparably to a full-size model.
Using two computers can complicate life a bit. For example, the latest versions of files might be split among the two computers. One way to cope with that is to back up all new files to a single external device, either a USB thumb drive or hard drive. A 16GB memory stick runs about $30 to $40; a 250GB hard drive can run $100 to $200. Even if you don’t need to keep all your files on a single device, backing up all your computers regularly is important; see our advice on backup options.
Students and parents: Share back-to-school computer plans, tips, and strategies below.
Related: Laptop Ratings (available to subscribers)
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