8 Reasons Netbooks Are Better Than Ipad

Desai Nilima

Developer

Is iPad the new Netbook? Not really say analysts. Not that Apple positioned it as one, but with the device positioned between a laptop and smartphone, comparisons are natural.

However, according to Netbook lovers iPad is anything but a competition to Netbooks. Here's why.

Replaceable battery

Just like all other Apple products, battery of iPad is fixed and irreplacable. While there is no such hassle in Netbooks. All Netbooks allow you to change the battery. Not only this, you can also upgrade your three-cell battery to a six-cell battery or more.

Web Videos

While Steve Jobs promised 'the best Web experience' in iPad, it does have a few critical pieces missing. Brwoser-based apps and Flash are big part of Web experience and right now it's not even clear whether iPad can even run Hulu.

Keyboard

A physical keyboard is what some might be used to, as it eases typing and is a boon for those who have to do a lot of typing text - like while chatting or writing long business documents. Netbooks come with a physical keyboard, the touch-keypad of the iPad has left critics wondering how comfortable a user will feel when he needs to do some heavy-dose typing. Also, though iPad has a dock for a keyboard, but it also means additional expense.

External DVD/CD drive

Apple hasn't given the option or the flexibility for users to be able to install software from discs or even through USB-based flash drives. While Netbook users can download, install, applications from DVDs/CDs or USB drives even without an optical drive built in.

USB ports

iPad's wireless and portable. However, Apple iPad has no USB ports. This means if you want to connect say a camera, printer or even a USB, you would need an adapter for it. In comparison, all Netbooks have a minimum of 2 USB ports as standard.

Data storage

Even the most basic Netbook has a 160GB hard drive. However, iPad comes with a maximum of 64 GB memory. Cloud storage can assist with data, but it's still no replacement for onboard memory

Camera

Analysts seem to be missing camera in iPad. No camera means no scope for Web chats or videoconferencing. In comparison, most Netbooks come with an in-built web camera.

RAM upgrade

Users can upgrade the RAM of Netbooks (though slightly). However, there is no such luxury in iPad, once you have picked your model -- 16, 32 or 64GB -- there's no going back.