Netbooks versus the Apple iPad

July 7, 2010 by mk
Filed under: Technology 

Since launch of Apple iPad the internet has been buzzing with speculation about its capability. Some say that it is a marvel of technology while some others call it a mashup of the iPhone and an Apple computer, whittled down to the basics. The truth may lie somewhere else altogether. Comparison between the Netbook and Apple iPad has also consumed plenty of bandwidth. To understand the similarities and differences between the two, it is necessary to delve into their origin.

Netbooks evolved from a necessity for people to carry a lighter, slimmer and more manageable Notebook PC or laptop, while travelling. In the process some of the features like a recording device were done away with. In technology circles a Laptop with less than one kilogram weight and a display of about ten inches would be classified as a Netbook. The Apple iPad has 9.7 inch LED display and a weight of around 0.7 kg.

Apple Apple iPad has gone a bit further and pared down a Netbook to its essentials. Does it mean that an Apple iPad is essentially a smaller version of a Netbook? This may be true to an extent though Apple iPad is a proprietary hardware while Netbook is a generic term. A Netbooks can run multiple software developed by different vendors, while with an Apple iPad you have to buy software from an Apple store.

Apple iPad has been welcomed by customers who travel extensively and use the device for reading online news, download books & periodicals and for browsing the net . The lightweight and handy Apple iPad can do all this and more. Most users never utilize the power of a Netbook and consider many advanced features a waste.

Critics bemoan the absence of some features in an Apple iPad which are now deemed essential. There is no camera which means video chats are out. This is cited as a major drawback. Technology observers feel that providing only a WIFI access is a limitation. There is no wired data port like an USB. iPod dock connecter is too clumsy and limited in its use. Another problem with an Apple iPad is the absence of Flash support, which means much of the internet is beyond its grasp. On the other hand some online companies assert that Flash is no longer a necessity and one can enjoy a rich internet experience without it. The small aspect ratio of the Apple iPad screen has also come in for criticism from some quarters.

One of the features of an Apple iPad is the long battery life of ten hours. This for many is a great boon. The battery of an Apple iPad tends to deteriorate and Apple has made provisions to replace the same at nominal cost.

Netbook is for those who want almost full featured capability of a PC with multitasking ability. On the other hand, Apple iPad is for those who want to conduct their daily business without the hassle of dragging a weighty bit of hardware around. It is light weight, easy to handle and does all the chores which a normal person would want in course of day.

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