Mini Net books are also called as notebooks. These are lightweight and inexpensive. These are used for general computing and accessing web applications.
In 2007 smaller notebooks came to market for low weight and low cost. It has small screen and small keyboard and also it requires less power when compared to computer. Net books ranged in the size from below 5" screen to over 11.6".
It weights about 1kg. It is less expensive than laptops. In short period net books have grown in size as well as features. Now it's still smaller and lighter.
The first net books are released in 1999. Net books are less powerful hardware than laptops. Some net books even don't have a conventional hardware. The memory storage capacity is less when compared to others and it varies about 8, 16 or 32GB. All net books support Wi-Fi wireless networking.
Most notebooks such as Dell, Acer, Asus, Toshiba uses Intel Atom note book processor.
In January 2009 U.S are estimated to ship with windows. Now Microsoft tested windows 7 for net books and it works.
Net books are running using other operating system including FreeBSD, OpenBSD and Darwin. 60% of net book buyers never take their net book outside. Now children's editions of net books are released under Disney branding.
These are low cost, less risk, lack of DVD player, smaller keyboards etc. Net books are growing in education for several reasons. The need to prepare children for 21st century lifestyles, combined with hundreds of new educational tools that can be found online, and a growing emphasis on student centred learning are three of the biggest contributing factors to the rising use of Net book technology in schools.
Net books offer several distinct advantages in educational settings.
First, their compact size and weight make for an easy fit in student work areas. Similarly, the small size makes Net books easier to transport than heavier, larger sized traditional laptops. In addition, prices ranging from 0–0 dollars mean the affordability of Net books can be a relief to school budget makers.
Despite the small size and price, Net books are fully capable of accomplishing most school-related tasks, including word processing, power point presentations, access to the Internet, multimedia playback, and photo management.
Net books come with their share of costs and management issues. Most schools invest in some type of security cart, where the computers can be securely stored when not in use, and plugged into to recharge all at once.
Recharging 30 or more computers at one time have the potential to overload electrical circuits, especially in older buildings. Having an electrician inspect the building's electrical infrastructure is advisable. The wireless capability of Net books is one of its most attractive features, but only if the school has a bandwidth connection capable of supporting 30 wireless Internet connections.
With the limited storage capabilities of Net books, an investment in a server or external database with a greater capacity for storing information may be needed. If printing is a necessity, look for one that connects with Net books either wirelessly, or via USB cable.
To maintain all this equipment, a successful Net book program needs to have a highly trained and proficient IT service professional. Being familiar with the network, building infrastructure, and operating system of the computers are all absolutely necessary.