Mini Laptop is a new category of notebooks created as secondary systems that you can throw in a bag and take with you anywhere. They weigh less than the standard 1.5 kg and are characterized by energy-efficient processors from Intel or VIA, 7 – and 10-inch displays, ranging from 512 MB to 1 GB of memory, the Intel SSD or traditional hard drive, and Windows operating systems or Linux.
Mini-notebooks lack of power compared to the big laptops. You will not find a dual-core CPU or discrete graphics in this class, but now for true mobility without shelling out big bucks on device. With a lot of manufacturers, leaning on the side of small laptops, selecting the best mini laptop that meets your needs can be quite difficult. We have selected the most important aspects that you should pay attention to make a reasonable choice.
Tips when buying best mini laptop
1. Mini Laptop keyboard and display size
Mini laptop are small in nature, so the choice of the machine with a screen size and resolution is essential. Displays of these systems range from 7 inches and up to 10 inches (both MSI Wind NB). Resolution on these small displays is a significant factor: mini laptop with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels will require horizontal scrolling to see all the content of Web sites. Fortunately, the latest generation of small laptop elected friendlier resolution 1024 x 600 pixels, making a browse pages comparable full-sized laptop.
2. Mini Laptop Operating System
LINUX: one of the best aspects of these mini laptop – freedom of choice, and we’re not just talking in terms of hardware. Multiple mini-laptops come with pre-installed with Linux, a free operating system, favorite of a considerable number of hackers. You will find different varieties, such as gOS V2 Rocket (Everex CloudBook), Linpus Linux (Acer Aspire one), and Xandros Linux (ASUS Eee PC).
WINDOWS: XP – the most common Windows based mini-notebooks, but HP has Vista on its 2133 Mini-Note (although we recommend XP; it is not as big a resource hog like Vista). Of course, Windows is compatible with virtually every utility program or a program on the market.
3. Mini Laptop Processor
Currently, the two companies produce processors suitable for speed and efficiency of the battery in the mini-notebook: Intel and VIA. Intel initially led mini laptops operated by a processor Intel Celeron M (900 MHz), but recently moved to faster chips and high-performance Atom (from 800 MHz to 1.8 GHz). Small laptops with Intel Atom CPU at 1.6 GHz, which we have tested showed duration of 4.5 to 5.5 hours on a single charge.
4. Mini Laptop Type of storage
Most mini notebooks offer a choice between traditional hard drives (HDD) and solid state drives SSD, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. HDD has a lot more power (MSI Wind NB sports has a hard disk of 80 GB, while the Mini-Note from Hewlett-Packard offers 120 GB of RAM), but at the same time they are more susceptible to falls and bumps, and generate more heat because the principle of operation of the internal parts. SSD is faster, more hardy (because they have no moving mechanism), and work without overheating, but since the SSD is still quite expensive, they are in much smaller containers. If the memory is more important to be leaning towards a system with a hard disk, if you want to protect your drive from potential data loss, bumps and falls, and strive for the best performance, SSD – for you the best option.
5. What is the number of ports I need?
If you are concerned about the ability to connect a digital camera, MP3-player, or even an external monitor, do not worry; mini laptops as standard include two or three USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, and memory card slot. However, you can always opt for a compact USB mobile broadband modem.
6. Best mini laptop must have quality webcams
Huge number of mini-notebook comes with a built-in webcam on 1.3 or 0.3 megapixels for video chatting with friends and colleagues. As a rule, the larger the number megapixels webcam, the sharper the image. But this is not always the determining factor. One of the best webcams belongs to Acer Aspire One only 0.3 megapixels. It is designed for low power consumption, however, it gives a brighter and sharper image than a lot of web cameras with 1.3 megapixels.
7. Mini Laptop Accessories
Relatively small touchpad and keyboard buttons are staples in the style of a mini laptop, but you can control your system to suit your taste by adding a mouse. If you need more storage for photos, music, videos, and documents than your little buddy can handle, buy an external hard drive.
However our pick as best mini laptop is Samsung Chromebook and here are some specs to consider why you should buy it:
