Unless your nephew specifically wants a netbook, I don't think he'll
happy with one. There are several limitations to a netbook and only
modest advantages:
LIMITATIONS
1) Small screen. A typical netbook has a 10" screen; a low-end notebook
has a 15" screen. That's not just 33% less screen -- it's 57% less
screen area, and 40% fewer pixels.
2) Small keyboard. The typical 10" netbook as about a 95% keyboard,
which makes a big difference for someone with normal to large hands.
3) No internal optical drive. He won't be watching DVDs on his netbook
unless he buys and drags an external optical drive around with him.
4) Performance limits. A netbook is adequate for web browsing, email,
word processing and even most video playback, but it cannot play more
intensive games or do high-powered calculations like a "real" personal
computer. Notebooks are generally poorer performers than similarly
priced desktops, but netbooks are particularly bad.
ADVANTAGES
1) Obviously, the size and weight can be handy.
2) Battery life. Because if the diminished screen and processor, a
netbooks battery life can be pretty good compared to a netbook.
3) You can pick up a new 10" netbook for less than $300, and a new 15"
notebook for a bit more than $400. It's my opinion that a saving of
about $100 does not compensate for all that you give up with a netbook.
- - - - - -
With that said, though, I'll point out that I own a netbook, but I do
not own a notebook. The portability and battery life looked attractive
to me because of the limited situations in which I use that device.
If, however, I needed it to be my primary PC, I would not be happy with
a netbook.
