I was surprised recently when a colleague wasn’t familiar with netbooks; I’ve been contemplating purchasing one for some time now. With Apple’s recent announcement regarding the release of the iPad, a new tablet computer, I thought it would be an opportune time to look at the various portable computer options.

The first portable computer was the IBM 5100; it weighed about 55 pounds (exceeding the current limit on most airlines for checked baggage!). Nowadays, the standard laptop, or notebook, is designed for mobile use with almost a full-size screen and keyboard, and weighing in between 3 and 12 pounds. There’s a wide variety of laptops currently available, ranging from low cost laptops for basic use to gaming laptops with high-end graphic processors.

Netbooks are even smaller; they’re usually between 7 and 11 inches wide and weigh 2 or 3 pounds. I’ve seen teenagers pull them out of backpacks or purses; they’re that small! As the name implies, they’re designed to access the internet; they’re typically sold with built-in wireless access. The sacrifice, especially for those of us putting on the years, is the smaller screen and what seems like a miniature keyboard. (I realize, they’re larger than the keyboard on our smart phones, but I don’t try to type on those with both hands!) But they can be supplemented with larger USB keyboards (like this foldable one) or Bluetooth keyboards (like this Laser Virtual Keyboard).

Which brings us to Apple’s recent announcement... the iPad. A tablet PC – the iPad won’t be the first on the market – is shaped like a writing slate, and includes either a stylus or touchscreen, with the option of using a keyboard. Like netbooks, these are ultra-portable computers that can be used where a normal laptop might be impractical. They are, not surprisingly, more expensive than their laptop equivalents in processing power, which are in turn more expensive than their desktop equivalents. The initial information regarding the iPad shows a larger version of the iPhone, which so many people already use, with more power, functionality and a larger screen (9.7 inches).

As neat as the iPad will be, I’m still inclined to get a netbook. How about you?

-- Frances