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Mini notebook computers - what to ask before you buy

If you're thinking about buying a mini notebook computer, but you're not sure what to ask before you buy, these questions will help you get the right information when deciding if the mini notebook is the one for you.

Click on a question below for more information.

Definition: What's a mini notebook?
CD/DVD: Does the mini notebook have a CD/DVD player/burner?
Screen: What is the screen size on the mini notebook?
Keyboard: How big are the keys on the mini notebook?
Hard drive: Does the mini notebook have a hard drive?
Operating system: What operating system is the mini notebook running?
Processor: What kind of processor does the mini notebook have?
RAM: How much RAM does the mini notebook have?
Durability: How durable is the mini notebook?
Temperature: Does the mini notebook run hot?
Connectivity: What kind of connectivity does the mini notebook have?
Battery: What kind of battery life doe the mini notebook have?
Features: What other features does the mini notebook have?
Accessories: What other stuff do I need for a mini notebook?
Warranty: What's the warranty on a mini notebook?

1. What's a mini notebook?

A mini notebook is a small laptop (notebook) computer specifically designed to be ultra-portable. They can be literally the size of a standard book and weigh around a kilo or so.

2. Does the mini notebook have a CD/DVD player/burner?

The answer is most likely 'No'. It is possible to attach a USB external DVD burner, if you have one - or if you still have a desktop PC with a burner, use that.

3. What is the screen size on the mini notebook?

There are various screen sizes available, but an 8.9 inch (diagonal) is a good size, being small enough for the notebook to be compact, but not so small as to be impractical. As you're likely to be transporting the mini-notebook, find out if the screen is protected (scratch resistant).

4. How big are the keys on the mini notebook?

This is a critical question if you are used to touch typing, or have adult size hands. Some mini-notebooks have keys that are impossible for a touch typist to use, and even a 'one-fingered' typist is likely to find the small key size an issue. Others have a keyboard that is close to standard size. Try typing a couple of full sentences before you buy.

5. Does the mini notebook have a hard drive?

Some mini notebooks don't have the usual type of 'hard drive' so they may have less data storage capacity. The idea is that they are more robust using a solid state drive.

Ask data storage comes with the machine. If it is less than 100GB, you may require external storage (which will add to the cost).

6. What operating system is the mini notebook running?

If the mini-notebook is running an non-standard operating system (i.e. something other than Windows or Linux) then you should check carefully what support is provided for the system. If it's running Windows Vista, you may need to add some RAM.

7. What kind of processor does the mini notebook have?

The processor is the heart of the computer. It determines the speed at which things happen. If the processor is an unknown brand, or is less than 1.6GHz, think again, especially if you are using Windows Vista which has been described as a 'resource hog'. The processor is not something you are likely to upgrade.

8. How much RAM does the mini notebook have?

RAM, which is 'Random Access Memory' is the short term memory that helps the processor when it's sorting out what to do. More RAM means the processor can work more efficiently. For a mini-notebook not less than 1GB of RAM would be okay, 2GB if you a running Windows Vista.

Find out if all the RAM slots are already filled up with the memory that comes with the laptop, or are there free slots for future upgrades - just so you know if you can upgrade later or not

9. How durable is the mini notebook?

Check if the mini-notebook is well made. Does it 'feel' solid? Do the keys respond positively to touch? What kind of warranty is offered?

Find out if the mini notebook has a safety feature where it prevents damage to the hard drive when it is moved. Solid state hard drives don't need this feature.

10. Does the mini notebook run hot?

Many laptops and notebooks get very hot when they've been on for a while. Take into account that you may be using the mini-notebook on your lap. If this is the case, make sure you can do so without blocking the air vents which are quite likely to be on the bottom of the machine. You will need to operate it on a firm surface to keep the air flowing and prevent overheating whenever it's turned on. You may need to get a laptop stand so that you're legs don't get too hot.

11. What kind of connectivity does the mini notebook have?

This is less of an issue now that you can buy cheap USB hubs to increase the number of ports, but you'll probably want to plug a camera, maybe a mouse, etc. so for a mini-notebook make sure you have at least two USB ports.

Find out what other connections it has. Can you attach a larger monitor if needed? Does it have audio/visual outputs? Does it have wireless networking capacity? Does it have an ethernet port for connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)? Does it have Bluetooth?

12. What kind of battery life doe the mini notebook have?

Find out what the specifications are and then reduce them by a third! The manufacturer will no doubt state the best possible outcome, but in the real world it's a pain to rely on battery power and have it fail unexpectedly.

13. What other features does the mini notebook have?

Does it have an inbuilt camera and microphone for video calls? Does it have Bluetooth for wireless connection to other devices (e.g. mobile phones)? Does it have the really cool ability to shut down the hard drive if it's subjected to sudden movement or shock?

14. What other stuff do I need for a mini notebook?

Probably a carry case to protect your laptop if you intend to travel with it. A wireless mouse is good if you can't get used to the touch pad. A laptop stand if it runs hot.

15. What's the warranty on a mini notebook?

You'll want to get at least a year. Some warranties are labour only, or parts included for 90 days. Some are on-site, some return-to-base.