nettop and netbook

Nettop

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:14:00 +0000

A nettop is a very small form factor, inexpensive, low-wattage desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as surfing the Internet, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.[1][2][3]

The word nettop is a portmanteau of Internet and desktop, similar to the portmanteau netbook (Internet + notebook)[4] Compared to ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller, lighter and cheaper,[5] they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab's fit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power[6] whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power. Consequently, nettops are often fanless with an external power supply. Some do not have an optical disk drive and use a solid state disk, making them completely silent. The trade off is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced[7] and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource intensive applications
Models:

Some nettops are designed to have stylish cases and run Windows operating systems in order to attract ordinary customers. Others are designed more towards business and experienced computer users. These models typically run a version of Linux to allow better customization and cut costs. The following list identifies some computers that are designed and marketed as a nettop.
Hardware
There are three platforms that are primarily intended for nettops and netbooks:

Intel's Centrino Atom platform,[33]
Nvidia's Ion platform[34]
VIA's Trinity Platform.[35]
Some nettops have also adopted system-on-a-chip designs. Although many major parts such as chipsets, video cards and storage devices can also be found on desktops, the CPUs that are put inside nettops are the fundamental component that differ them from normal desktops. The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from.

CPU
Intel Atom (x86)
VIA Nano and VIA C7 processors (x86)
AMD Geode (x86)
ARM Cortex-based CPU (ARM)
Loongson (MIPS)
GPU
Intel GMA 950
S3 Graphics Chrome
GeForce 9400M
PowerVR
Chipset
945GSE and 945GC Express chipsets
Nvidia ION / GeForce 9400M
VIA VX800 IGP Chipset
RAM
typically 512 MB to 1 GB SDRAM, DDR or DDR2 memory
Storage devices
at least 1 GB flash memory
2.5" hard drive
Network
Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi
I/O ports
LAN, USB 2.0, video out, audio out

Being first released to the market, Intel's Atom platform has been adopted by the majority of hardware manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI, and Sony, for nettops. Nvidia has also released its first generation ION platform, which puts GeForce 9400M Motherboard GPU alongside Intel's Atom processor to provide better high definition video playback ability and lower power consumption.[36] In addition, Nvidia has announced that its will support VIA's CPUs this year.[37] To further reduce the manufacturing cost and improve power efficiency, many manufacturers and start-up companies have chosen to use CPUs that were originally targeted at embedded computing devices such as AMD's Geode and ARM Cortex-based CPUs.
[edit] Operating systems

Many net-top models are X86-processor-based and as such are capable of running standard PC OSs. There are also operating systems designed specifically for nettops and other machines in the same performance class. Linux distributions of this type include Moblin and Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Windows XP has been one of the popular choices as its hardware requirements match nettop capabilities. Some high-end nettops and upcoming models are capable of running Windows Vista and Windows 7.[1] Linux has also been adopted by some nettop manufacturers as it costs little to no money to install and supports a wide range of CPU architectures. Google's Android operating system is another option. Although Google's Android was originally announced for smartphones, it has also taken a seat in the nettop market.[2]

[edit] Market
Nettops fall into Intel's category of "Basic PC", which usually cost from $100 to $299[38]. Intel describes nettops as a large potential market. Nettops can be the affordable first computer for people in developing countries and an environmentally-friendly choice as a secondary computer for people in developed countries[39].

Top Five Netbook Best Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Netbooks are seen everywhere, in schools offices and peoples` homes. Their small, light weight and can do just as much as a regular computer. The shapely small size and neat little design make them perfect for transporting them on the bus, cabs and bikes, making them perfect for those who like to take alternate routes. There are five top sellers who make noticeable distinction and hit it big with netbook fans.
The first one on the top five is the Toshiba NB 205-310. It has excellent value for its price tag; it has a large touch pad and an extra long battery life, ideal for people using their netbooks on the go. Toshiba is new to the netbook department but has quickly made it to the top seller list.

The next netbook on the hit list is the Samsung Go. It has a rubberized look to it with rounded corners and big buttons on the keyboard. There are four neat colors to choose from and it is equipped with a 10.1 inch screen, it has no glare from the screen as a ten hour battery life, flashcard reader, Bluetooth, three USB ports a 1.3 megapixel webcam a mic and a headphone jack. Making it an excellent steal to purchase one.

The third netbook on the list is the Samsung N120. It also has large easy to press keys and it comes with a nice little software bundle It has a nice subwoofer for music play and is glare resistant. The price tag is nice as well. Forth on the top five list is the Asus Eee PC 1005 HA. It has a long eight hour battery life, a glossy black exterior and it scores very high on performance abilities.

Last on the top five list is the Lenovo IdeaPad S12. It has an excellent sharp looking screen and it has an nVidialon chipset that will be able to run 1080p of videos and games. It is lightweight and also scores high on performance. The price is a bit high, but people seem to like it anyways.

Netbooks who didn`t strike it big with fans and computer critiques were those with a heavy bulky feel, people also didn`t like netbooks with too glary of a screen or a picture that wasn`t sharp enough. They judged the way the keyboard felt under the fingers and how the touch pad reacted, was it sensitive enough or not sensitive enough. The price tag was also an eye opener. Netbook fans just want good value for their buck and will only compromise if it is really worth it.

Computer companies are always busy trying to come out with the newest and best product. For the mini netbooks they have been selling like crazy, with everyone trying to scoop up a light weight laptop at a good price. Manufactures are able to produce these at less than three pounds because they run on a power chip such as an Intel ATOM or a Via C7-M. They come in a variety of hot colors and feature sport ram and hard drive sizes the same as a regular laptop. These mini systems also carry wireless connectivity which makes them perfect for anyone wanting to surf the net where wireless is available.
by Roberto Sedycias

Netbook Computers - Definitely Different from Laptop and Notebook Computers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Netbook computer continue to grow in popularity. The small trickle that began with the first netbook from Asus computers has now turned into a flood with netbooks available from every major manufacturer including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Asus, Acer, Sony, MSI, Samsung, Fujitsu and others. Many people are familiar with laptop computers and notebook computers but they are still trying to get a handle on just what a netbook computer is.
Laptop computer have come a long way from rather slow, heavy clamshell portables with small screens and cramped keyboards. Current laptops can be just as powerful as many current desktop computers, have LCD screens as large as 17" or more and with smaller screens they can weigh less than four pounds.

Notebook computers have always been one of those rather ambiguous entities. They are kind of like a laptop but not quite. They may use the same CPU as a laptop but they can also contain a lower powered CPU that increases battery life and decreases weight. Many people will use the notebook and laptop terms interchangeably. Some people will even refer to notebook laptops.

Traditionally the key differentiating factor has been weight. However as traditional laptops have become lighter and lighter even that line has begun to blur.

Enter netbook computers that are even smaller and lighter in weight than laptops or notebooks. However, unlike the gray area that exists between laptops and notebooks, the netbook has a clear point of differentiation - the CPU. Many Netbook computers currently use one of the Intel Atom CPUs that run at clock speeds of 1.33 GHz, 1.6 GHz or 1.86 GHz. Others netbooks use the Intel Core Solo or the Intel Celeron which both run at 1.66 GHz.

Another key area that sets netbook computers apart is their weight. The vast majority of netbook computers weigh less than 3 pounds with many weighing closer to 2.5 pounds. Part of this is due to smaller batteries that the lowered powered CPUs can use and some of the lighter weight is due to not having an optical drive (CD/DVD) in the computer.

The other key point of difference is the very obvious smaller size. While some manufacturers have made smaller laptop and notebook computers over the years most of those were just scaled down versions of the larger computers. Most of those smaller footprint laptops and notebooks rarely had an LCD screen size smaller than 12". Most netbooks computers have a screen size of 10.1" or smaller. The screen size is key to the overall smaller footprint of these computers.

So while there is still some confusion on the difference between and laptop and a notebook computer the netbook computer clearly sets itself apart. In the process these small, lightwieght systems have carved out a whole new niche in the portable computer world while also managing to put downward pressure on the price of traditional laptops systems.
by Joe Palver

Nettop - New Century PC

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Nettop is a new generation cheap and power saving computer. A nettop is a type of mini desktop or small form factor computer designed for performing basic computation tasks such as surfing the Internet, accessing web-based applications and rich internet applications, document processing and audio/video playback etc. The word nettop is a combination of Internet and desktop. Nettop is a subtype of desktops introduced by Intel in February 2008 to describe low-cost, lean-function, desktop computers.
iPod - Music in your hand

Compared to ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller, lighter and cheaper, they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab's fit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power. Consequently, nettops are often fanless with an external power supply. Some do not have an optical disk drive and use a solid state disk, making them completely silent. The trade off is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduce and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource intensive applications.

Laptop - PC Anytime Anywhere

Hardware for Nettop Currently there are three platforms that are primarily intended for nettops :

* Intel's Centrino Atom platform, * Nvidia's Ion platform * VIA's Trinity Platform

The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from. * CPU Intel Atom (x86) VIA Nano and VIA C7 processors (x86) AMD Geode (x86) ARM Cortex-based CPU (ARM) Loongson (MIPS)

WorkStation - Super Fast pc

* GPU Intel GMA 950 S3 Graphics Chrome GeForce 9400M PowerVR

* Chipset 945GSE Express chipset Nvidia ION / GeForce 9400M VIA VX800 IGP Chipset

Gadgets - Gizmos of New Century

* RAM typically 512 MB to 1 GB SDRAM, DDR or DDR2 memory

* Storage devices At least 1 GB flash memory 2.5" hard drive

* Network Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi

* I/O ports LAN, USB 2.0, video out, audio out

PC- Home Computer Trends and Technology

Future of Nettop Nettops fall into Intel's category of cheap Pc, which usually cost from $100 to $299. The growth opportunity of nettops is considered to be huge. A nettop can become an affordable choice for the first computer for people in developing countries. It can also become a green choice for the second computer for people in developed countries. As nettops are cheap and power-saving, they can also help business users improve profitability. According to the same slides, Intel cites a forecast of 60 million "Basic Nettop" units by 2011.

Nettop - Small or Mini Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:43:00 +0000

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