Top 5 Back to School Netbooks for Students

As school kicks into session for another year, many students are pining for a computer to take to class. Netbooks offer a practical alternative to a full sized laptop because they are lightweight and carry many of the same advantages of their larger counterparts. Here's five netbooks to consider when looking when getting ready for the new school year.

Gateway - Netbook Model: Ec19C07u

Stand out Features - 3GB memory. 320 hard drive. 11.2 inch screen. 3 lbs. Multi-gesture touchpad with 2-finger scroll, pinch, rotate and flip support, Windows 7 home Premium

Why it's good for Students

This computer packs a bit more power than the typical 10 inch models, and at just over 11 inches it's still pretty portable. It runs around $400 and can even be used as a primary computer for a couple years if necessary, it even runs on Windows 7 Home Premium, rather than Windows Starter. It's missing the cd/dvd drive, as is standard with netbooks, so students who need this may want to invest in a external drive. But for those who really need a portable pc - this may be the way to go.

Toshiba - Mini Netbook - Model: Ec19C07u

Stand Out Features
This netbook has a 10.1 inch screen, comes standard with 1 GB system memory, and 250 GB hard drive and Windows 7 Starter OS. 800 MHz System Bus, higher than standard 667 may may netbook more responsive. LED- Backlit display. Over 8 hours of battery life.

Why it's good for Students

Toshibas are really getting popular these days, I like that this machine has a stronger system bus, because I hate getting a message that a program is not responding, and if a student is taking notes and his word processing program goes out it can be frustrating. The great battery life is also a plus, and makes it possible for students to leave their cords at home.

Gateway - Netbook Model: LT2802U

Stand Out Features

10.1" Display / 1GB Memory / 250GB Hard Drive ,Backlit display, 6 cell battery, Slightly thinner and lighter than other netbooks

Why it's good for Students

This little Gateway netbook is powerful enough for all your basic tasks, and just a touch smaller to help it make the squeeze into a backpack. It's also nice to have the backlight for those late night cramming sessions when your room mate is sleeping.

Asus - Eee PC Netbook Model: 1018P-BBK804

Stand Out Features

10.1" Display / 1GB Memory / 250GB Hard Drive 4-cell lithium-polymer, 5.5 hours of battery life, memory upgradeable to 2gb. 2.4 pounds (up to a half pound lighter, thinner than comparable)

Why it's good for Students

It's great to have options, and it is nice that more memory on this Asus is possible. With a smaller battery, it may not make it all day without charging, but it should certainly get you through a class or two. It's also up to a half pound lighter and thinner than many of the others.

HP - Mini Netbook Model: 110-3735dx

Stand Out Features

Touchpad with designated scroll up and down, 8 hr 45 min battery life, HD audio

Why it's good for Students

Having HD audio makes this netbook nice for students who like to listen to music while they study, or maybe wait for a friend in the student center. The battery life is also among the best, meaning you can leave the cord in your room. For those who have a lot of reading to do, the designated scroll on the touchpad makes reading ebooks a breeze.

Final Things to remember About a Netbook

It is not a laptop, while it will perform individual programs much like a laptop it is a watered down version. Try listening to music while streaming a movie, playing a game and working in Photoshop, your poor little netbook will be gasping for life. But if you stick to one or two basic tasks at a time, you should be fine. You'll be able to get through your day on campus with a little machine that probably didn't cost much more than your Physics book.