Netbooks are convenient for those who love working on the go. Their small size, portability, reliability, and affordability are hard to match.
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Things get tricky when it comes to picking a netbook to suit your needs. You’re getting a small device, so you’ll have to make a sacrifice somewhere. Be it price, storage capacity, battery life, or display.
It’s not easy to make a buying decision considering the overwhelming options on the market. To make the process easier for you, we did all the research to find the best netbooks available now, and here’s what we found…
Looking at the specs of 9 products at once can be a little overwhelming. Throughout this section, I’ll review each product in detail, along with its pros and cons. Let’s jump right in!
The Spectre X360’s touchscreen display isn’t only responsive, but also beautiful with crisp, vivid colors.
With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and IPS technology, you’ll be getting a high-quality display.
This laptop’s battery life is one of the best on this list.
It can last up to 13.5 hours; enjoy productivity without having to recharge it that often.
With an incredible storage capacity of 512 GB, the laptop’s reliable SSD storage allows you to store everything.
From personal data and photos to apps and work material, the Spectre X360 can take it.
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I’m kicking off this list with my all-time favorite netbook, the HP Spectre X360. It combines everything you might need in a laptop from large storage and RAM capacities to high-quality display and excellent battery life.
Weighing just 2.92 lbs, the 13.3-inch laptop is easy to carry around than other laptops of the same size. Combining that with the laptop’s light color with its 0.57-inch height, you get a sleek, modern design that looks and feels premium.
If you’re looking for the best performing netbook, look no further than the HP Spectre X360. Boasting a Quad-Core Intel i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM, you’re getting an unmatchable performance. Besides, it has an Intel UHD GPU for all the gamers out there.
For top-notch convenience, the laptop has an incredibly user-friendly touchscreen display. Additionally, it runs on Windows 10 Home, which we all know and love for its easy usability.
What’s a powerful laptop if you can’t enjoy its screen? The HP Stream has a BrightView display that’s WLED-backlit.
While its display resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels might not be the best for a 14-inch laptop, it’s still good enough for most people
The HP Stream’s battery is one of its strongest suits.
It can last over 14 hours! You don’t really see double-digit numbers nowadays, let alone a 14-hour one. It’s beyond impressive.
This laptop’s storage is the only part that could use some help. It only has 32 GB of eMMC storage, which can be a pain in the neck.
I strongly recommend getting an external drive; it’ll make your life easier.
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If the HP Spectre X360 didn’t really spark your interest, I’m pretty sure you’ll love the HP Stream, and let me tell you why. This laptop can handle anything you throw at it. Day-to-day tasks? Light gaming? You name it, and HP Stream can run it.
Moreover, the 14-inch screen is large enough for you to display vast data on one screen without having to zoom out or scroll down.
If you take a quick look at the specifications table, you’ll immediately know that this laptop means business. Its powerful Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 4 GB of RAM can handle most tasks without glitching or freezing.
Additionally, it boasts an Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU, so it can handle graphics-intensive tasks as well!
This laptop boasts the unique ASUS Tru2Life technology for the most vivid, sharp colors possible.
Even though it has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, it’s good enough because the screen is on the smaller side.
The laptop’s battery life of up to 10 hours is quite decent. It’s still in the double-digit numbers, so I really can’t complain.
Compared to the HP Stream, the L203MA takes the cake when it comes to storage capacity.
It has 64 GB of eMMC storage that you can use to store all your apps and personal data.
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The ASUS L203MA is the go-to laptop for most people for multiple reasons. Most importantly, it offers excellent specs and performance at an affordable price. Also, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable for working on the go.
Being 11.6 inches, the laptop is already outstandingly portable, but that’s not all. It weighs 2.2 lbs, making it the lightest option on the list even though it’s not the smallest.
Let’s talk about performance for a moment; the L203MA boasts a Dual-Core Intel Celeron N4000 processor, much like the HP Stream. It also has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for most tasks.
Moreover, the laptop runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode for excellent versatility and user-friendliness. Additionally, it boasts an Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU for some light gaming or drawing.
The 11-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, just enough to provide you with a crisp display.
Sadly, this laptop’s battery life is only 5 hours.
If you’re looking for a device to use all day long without recharging, this might not be the one for you
With its 64 GB of eMMC storage, you’re getting large capacity, reliability, and a high transfer rate.
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Having a 2-in-1 laptop provides you with convenience like no other. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll love the Dell Inspiron 11 3195. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use, especially if you like working on the go.
Being a convertible laptop, you can already guess how portable it is. It weighs just 2.66 lbs with dimensions of 11.31 x 7.79 x 0.68 inches.
With a Dual-Core AMD processor and 4 GB of RAM, you’ll be getting a powerhouse. Whether it’s for personal usage or a professional one, this laptop can take a beating. Besides, it comes with an AMD Radeon R5 Graphics GPU, which can handle much more than you think.
Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a laptop with a keyboard and touchpad or the modern feel of touchscreens, this laptop has got you covered. It has a 360-degree hinge, so you can set it up any way you like.
The touchscreen display offers a good resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, considering it’s on a 10.1-inch screen.
Here’s where this laptop truly shines: its battery life. It can last up to 11.75 hours, which is quite impressive.
The Pavilion X2 has 32 GB of eMMC internal storage, which isn’t ideal. You might find yourself needing an external drive to store some data.
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The fact that the HP Pavilion X2 is a detachable laptop sets it aside from its counterparts. And being just 10.1 inches in size and 2.47 lbs in weight, it takes portability to a whole new level.
If it’s a laptop-kind-of-day, attach it to its keyboard and touchpad, and you’ve got yourself a powerful laptop. On the other hand, if you don’t feel like typing and you’d rather use a touchscreen, detach it, and you’ve got yourself a tablet. It’s like magic.
While this is a powerful laptop, it’s not really one for demanding tasks like gaming or coding. It comes with an Intel Atom processor and only 2 GB of RAM, so it’s not really a machine for multitasking.
Sadly, there’s another downside, and it’s the operating system. It runs on Windows 8.1, which is quite old. Nowadays, everyone uses Windows 10, so you’ll be falling a step behind.
The anti-glare, LED-backlit display of the Lenovo 110s is quite easy on the eye.
It has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, resulting in a decent display with vibrant colors.
Even though this laptop’s battery life isn’t the best out there, it’s reasonable for what it has to offer.
It can last up to 7-8 hours on a single charge, which is even better than some high-end options.
The laptop offers 32 GB of eMMC storage.
It’s quite limited, and you’ll find yourself reaching for an external disk sooner than you think.
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If you’re new to the world of laptops or netbooks, or you’re a college student on a budget but don’t want to opt for a cheap, ineffective option, take a look at the Lenovo 110s.
The 11.6-inch laptop weighs just 2.54 lbs, guaranteeing portability. Also, it has a 180-degree hinge for convenience, so you can lay it flat on a table for group meetings and such.
With 4 GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron N3060 processor, you’ll be getting a powerful laptop that can handle multitasking smoothly, so you can say goodbye to glitches or freezes. In addition, it boasts an Integrated Intel HD Graphics 400 for graphics-based tasks.
Such specs make for a perfect entry-level laptop. You don’t really need to start your new life or career with a horse-powered laptop; sometimes, average components are just enough.
The touchscreen laptop has IPS technology integrated into the display for producing excellent colors and sharpness, especially with the 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution.
The Spin’s 8 hours of battery life is quite average.
While, yes, it’ll last through a whole day of work, you’ll have to be using low battery mode and lowering settings for it to do so.
Can I get a hallelujah? The Acer Spin has 64 GB of eMMC storage!
You wouldn’t need to use an external disk to store anything because your laptop can save everything you want.
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Netbooks are already known for being budget-friendly. Well, what if I told you there’s an even more budget-friendly option that all the others? The Acer Spin is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cheap netbook without sacrificing reliability.
The 2-in-1 laptop is 11.6 inches in size and 2.76 lbs in weight with an incredible design. Its dimensions are just 11.40 x 7.90 x 0.56 inches, so the laptop is just so slim, greatly increasing its portability.
A quick glance at the specifications of the Acer Spin will provide you with everything you need to know regarding its performance. The Intel Pentium processor with the 4 GB RAM guarantees reliability, speed, and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously.
Running on Windows 10 Home in S mode, the Spin also boasts an Intel HD Graphics 505 GPU that can handle light gaming or designing tasks.
With IPS technology and small bezels, you’ll be getting an unmatchable viewing experience.
The touchscreen display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels –– the highest so far!
This laptop has a battery life of up to 18 hours.
Such a battery can last you not just one, but two full days of work – maybe even three.
External disk? You don’t need that with this laptop’s outstanding 512 GB of SSD storage. It can store everything you might think of and then some!
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More often than not, investing some extra dollars in a laptop could save you hundreds, if not thousands, in the long run. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is the perfect premium-pick laptop for literally anyone.
The larger the laptop is, the heavier it will be, so for a 14-inch laptop, weighing 3 lbs is impressive. Additionally, it’s quite slim with a height of 0.61 inches, and it has a sleek, modern design.
If you want superior performance, look no further than the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. It boasts an Intel i7 processor and a whopping RAM capacity of 16 GB. Such specs are usually found in high-end laptops, so you’ll surely love this one.
Also, if those specs are overkill for your needs, the laptop comes in another configuration with an i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM that you can opt for.
What’s more, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga comes with Windows 10 Pro, which is always a bonus.
If you often suffer from eye strain, you’ll love the Aspire 1’s BlueLightShield, which minimizes blue light emissions.
Besides, it has an excellent display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels for a crisp, sharp image.
Lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge isn’t that impressive.
If you’re a heavy-duty user who needs the laptop running all day, you might not like this one.
Having a storage capacity of 64 GB is a blessing, to say the least.
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Okay, maybe that last product was way out of your budget, so here’s another high-quality laptop with excellent specs, but doesn’t cost a fortune.
The Acer Aspire 1 is quite sleek with dimensions of 13.5 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches, so it can fit into any backpack or handbag like a breeze.
Combine an Intel Celeron N4000 processor with 4 GB of RAM, and you’ll find yourself with a powerful machine that can run anything you throw at it.
If there’s one thing to complain about, it would be the laptop’s weight. It weighs 3.64 lbs, making it the heaviest option on the list. However, it’s justifiable considering the 14-inch screen, but it’s up to you to decide whether portability is a priority of not.
Before committing to the first netbook your eyes land on, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. In general, laptops are different with unique specs and configurations, so a laptop that’s perfect for you might be useless to someone else. Here’s everything you need to consider for your next netbook purchase to make the right decision.
Size, Weight & Portability
Netbooks are made to be small and portable, but how small is too small? Well, that depends on your usage.
If you want a small laptop you can carry around without it being too bulky or too heavy; you might love a detachable or a 2-in-1 laptop that’s approximately 12 inches.
On the other hand, if you don’t really care about touchscreen laptops, you can definitely get away with a 14-inch laptop. The larger screen will provide you with an immersive experience without being too large.
You’re looking for a netbook at the end of the day, not a regular laptop. So, going for a 15-inch laptop or larger defies the whole purpose of having a small, portable netbook.
Processor & RAM
Netbooks aren’t designed to be as powerful as regular laptops, but that doesn’t mean you should just settle for a weak processor and limited RAM that can’t even run two apps simultaneously.
I strongly recommend going for a RAM capacity of 4 GB or higher. Generally, 2 GB ones are a little too limiting; even phones and tablets have higher RAM capacities than 2 GB.
There’s no specific name or number I can specify for you to follow for the processor. The best way of knowing whether a processor is powerful enough for your tasks in mind or not is to simply Google it.
Resolution
Because netbooks are mostly small in size, their display resolution is much lower than regular, large-screened laptops.
A resolution of around 1366 x 768 up to 1920 x 1080 is your best bet. Those numbers are not too low that your image looks blurry, nor too high that text documents aren’t clear enough; they’re just perfect.
Storage
After reading my review of each laptop on the list, you should already have a general idea of the capacity you’ll need.
Keep in mind that the advertised or specified capacity isn’t always accurate; the laptops’ operating system is stored in the internal memory, taking up quite some space.
It never hurts to go for large storage capacity (64 GB or higher) to avoid any inconveniences like having to delete files.
Battery Life
The longer the battery life, the better. You already have to worry about charging your phone, headphones, maybe smartwatch, or even another laptop. You don’t need to add more weight on your shoulders.
Go for the laptop with the longest battery life possible. Anything over 10 hours is excellent, over 8 hours is decent, and below 8 hours is too short-lived for daily usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Netbook to Buy?
It depends on your expectations from a netbook. My top pick is the HP Spectre X360 because it has everything you might need in a laptop, from battery life to excellent performance. There’s also the HP Stream, which is another great option if you’re on a budget.
What Are Some Disadvantages of a Netbook?
Mainly, they’re not the most capable laptops. They’re not the best for multitasking, gaming or any overly demanding tasks.
What Happened to Netbooks?
Netbooks aren’t being produced as much as before. They’re being replaced by regular laptops that aren’t as powerful as technology allows. Going for a budget laptop is equivalent to a netbook nowadays.
What Can I Use a Netbook for?
A netbook can be used for a variety of tasks. For example, you can use one for working on the go to use Microsoft Office, surf the web, or anything similar.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, you’ve seen my top picks for the best netbooks on the market. Even if they’re not exactly advertised as “netbooks,” they have similar capabilities and specs.
My absolute top pick is the HP Spectre X360. This 13.3-inch laptop is perfect for most people, and it has large storage and RAM capacities. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy the HP Stream if the Spectre X360 seems too overpowered for your liking.
