Benefits of netbooks to small businesses
What is a Netbook?
Netbooks are small portable computing devices which are used for general computing but mainly beneficial for surfing the Web and checking e-mails, which is the principle of its name.
What differentiates a netbook from a notebook or a computer is its physical size and computing power. Its size ranges from 7 to 10 inches and weighs less than 3 pounds and has less power to an original netbook.
Netbooks have built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB ports and slots for flash memory cards but they do not have a CD or DVD drive because it takes up too much space, solid-state disks (SSD) are mostly used for storage. However, a portable DVD/CD drive can be connected via USB slots should this level of functionality be required.
Last year, ‘smallbiztrends.com’ put together a top 10 technology trends of 2009. Netbooks fell at the top of the list at number 1. It was found that growth in netbook purchases has accelerated sharply and during the third quarter of 2008, netbooks outsold the iphone.
The benefits to the technology of netbooks revolve around the two main points that it is lightweight and inexpensive.
Busy professional people are likely to benefit from a netbook’s flexibility and get the best use out of it. Since these people are likely to be on the go often, they will need to keep up with daily occurrences when not at the workplace and have the ability to keep in touch with partners, suppliers or employees.
You may distribute netbooks to some employees who will be able to keep in touch with you or each other via email when away from the desk. This would be considered modern and effective communication to ensure that the business gets the best productivity.
Production should be improved with this modern technology. It is possible to carry out purchase orders or file inventory replenishment request while sat on a train, this means that the prospect of completing tasks which in the past would have only been possible at home, have enhanced massively.
Is the Netbook right for my business?
It is important that you assess your company needs beforehand as a netbook may not be exactly what you need.
Today’s netbooks are largely used as secondary machines, to support staff that work outside the office or have to travel for their work, e.g. sales people.
If you require a large screen, large data storage or need to run complex programmes and applications this may not be of such great use to you.
Top alternative to a Netbook
Apple's iPad has been recently released, with much fanfare and a number of professional people are of the opinion that the iPad is a far better option.
But just want are the advantages of an iPad over a Netbook?
• iPad is a lot lighter than almost any other netbook available on the market at the moment. It has been designed in this way to make it easier to carry around the house, put in a book bag or hand to another person quickly and easily.
• The iPad boots-up a lot faster than a netbook and if you need to quickly check something and your time is limited then the iPad is much more responsive.
• The iPad screen can be horizontal or vertical, you are not restricted by hardware limitations and the iPad can get you the best viewing angle for any specific website or application.
• The iPad offers mobile 3g connection plans, which means that the device can access online applications and webpages anywhere, anytime. Only a handful of netbooks can offer this functionality but the vast majority don’t.
• The iPad’s battery has a 10 hour lifespan before requiring a recharge. Comparatively, many netbooks only have a 3 – 4 hour battery life, however, this can be upgraded.
Despite the obvious advantages that an iPad has over a Netbook it’s worth bearing in mind:
• Netbooks are still considerably more affordable, ranging between £150 - £300. An iPad comes in at a whopping £429 for the basic model (not including 3G connectivity). You would be looking at paying almost £700 for the premium model.
• When it comes to running work applications or email, Windows based netbooks far outstrip the iPad.
• Applications for the iPad have to be bought direct from the Apple online store and can prove expensive. Many small businesses will already have software and licenses for PCs, making it much easier and more affordable to upgrade a compatible netbook with the software it requires.
If you're a professional with a small business then it might be worth considering the following insurance policies:
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Office Insurance
