The recent trends in technology demand higher power and functionality in a smaller package. From house phones we progressed to cell phones and now, smart phones. From desktops we progressed to laptops and now, netbooks. So why buy a netbook?

What is a netbook? 

A netbook is essentially a smaller laptop. By sacrificing power and features they've created a laptop not much larger than a book. The average netbook screen size is around 8-11” and weighs around 2-3 pounds.

Some people have the misconception that netbooks are an alien species of computer. This seems largely to do with the fact that many of them are sold with Linux (shock horror), but if you prefer, you can install your familiar Windows XP on a netbook. Or pay the extra to buy one with Windows already on it. Actually, a good deal extra.

You can essentially call them "a small laptop," but you won't want to replace your existing laptop or desktop with a netbook just yet. There are a few limiting factors when it comes to what you can really do with a netbook.

Why should I not buy a netbook?

While the small size is what they were going for with a netbook, it does have its costs. With such a small screen, touchpad and keyboard, its use can be pretty limited. Some websites and applications will fail to display properly with such a small screen.

Even for simple tasks like word processing or web browsing, the netbook's small scale can take some getting used to.

The netbook's chief weakness, however, is its power, or lack thereof. You won't be enjoying the latest games or encoding a family movie anytime soon. Even a higher-end netbook will lack any real pulling power.

Your average netbook will start to struggle once you have a few applications open. They're built for basic tasks. They do have their advantages, though.

Why buy a netbook?

While the size of the netbook can cause a few problems, it is certainly not all bad. You can get used to typing the same way as you did with your smartphone. You become accustomed to the small screen and after a while it even looks normal. Switching between a normal-size keyboard and your netbook will leave you with a few typos, though.

If you spend a lot of time on the road or even just enjoy working in the local coffee house, you will love a netbook. If you thought travelling with your laptop was easy, you haven't tried a netbook. You can even leave the padded laptop bag at home. A netbook will fit easily into a normal bag or handbag, and some of them will even fit in your pocket.

They are the perfect match for wireless broadband, and if your smartphone comes with a data plan, you can set it up as a modem and not pay any extra. Don't fret if you don't want wireless broadband, every netbook has an internal wifi card.

A netbook is great for word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoints, web browsing or just communicating online. You can install your email client, instant messengers and skype. Many come with an internal mic and webcam.

Netbooks are great for business, but they have their place in personal life, too. The average netbook has decent speakers, a headphone jack and enough room for some movies and albums. It also means you can update your blog or Facebook on the go without shrinking it down onto a smartphone.

What is the future of netbooks?

Netbooks are a relatively new arrival, and they've yet to peak at their full potential. Doubtless their power and battery life will increase, there may come a point where the only distinguishing factor between a netbook and laptop is size.

Microsoft may have won the marketing war for laptops and desktops, but netbooks are still up in the air. People expect more from computers now, and Windows is just too heavy. The Google Chrome OS is already set to ship with some netbooks.

Touchscreen will doubtless be an upcoming frontier for netbooks; the only real question is, which developer will be the first to get there?

So, should I buy a netbook?

A netbook will not replace your existing laptop or desktop. It simply hasn't the power or the features. But it will give you the flexibility to perform basic tasks on the move with little effort. If you like your devices to be mobile and can deal with the downsides of a smaller laptop, then a netbook might be for you.