Portability (i.e. lightweight) is what we here at GGGroup most often hear from our clients who are in the market for a new notebook computer. You’ve all seen people in a park, airport, or other such public place happily plugging away on a device that is significantly smaller than your laptop. Could this be the device you’ve been looking for to finally replace the bulky laptop you’ve been lugging around? The answer is yes and no.

Netbooks are designed primarily for internet usage on the go (hence, NETbook). What keeps these little buggers affordable is the processor and memory installed are of lesser spec than you would find in larger laptops and desktops. While Microsoft Office can run on netbooks, you will notice a drop in performance.

But if your only need is internet access to keep in touch with family and friends back home while you’re on vacation, this might be the perfect device for you. You can access your email or Facebook account, upload photos you’ve just taken or just simply browse the internet. Granted, all of this can be accomplished on an iPhone but there is something to be said for having a full keyboard and a 9 or 10 inch screen.

In the final analysis, netbooks are great for personal use, not so much for bringing your work home with you.