In the era of increasingly larger laptops and 2-in-1 devices, it’s natural to wonder: do they still make small laptops? The answer is a resounding yes. While the market may have shifted towards more versatile and powerful devices, there is still a demand for compact and portable laptops that can fit in a purse or backpack. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of small laptops, their benefits, and what options are available to consumers.
The Evolution of Small Laptops
Small laptops, also known as netbooks or mini laptops, have been around for over a decade. The first netbook, the Asus Eee PC, was released in 2007 and was a huge success. It was small, lightweight, and affordable, making it an attractive option for students, travelers, and anyone who wanted a secondary device for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email.
Over the years, small laptops have evolved to become more powerful and feature-rich. They now come with faster processors, more storage, and better displays. However, with the rise of tablets and 2-in-1 devices, the demand for small laptops decreased, and many manufacturers stopped producing them.
The Benefits of Small Laptops
Despite the decline in popularity, small laptops still offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for certain users. Here are a few:
- Portability: Small laptops are incredibly portable, making them easy to take on the go. They’re perfect for students, travelers, and anyone who needs a device that can fit in a small bag or purse.
- Affordability: Small laptops are often cheaper than larger laptops, making them a great option for those on a budget.
- Energy Efficiency: Small laptops typically have lower power consumption, which means they can run for longer on a single charge.
- Simplicity: Small laptops are often designed for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and word processing. They’re perfect for those who don’t need a lot of processing power or advanced features.
What Options Are Available?
While the selection may not be as vast as it once was, there are still several options available for those looking for a small laptop. Here are a few:
- Acer Aspire One: The Acer Aspire One is a popular option for those looking for a small laptop. It comes with an 11.6-inch display, Intel Celeron processor, and up to 64GB of storage.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 100S: The Lenovo IdeaPad 100S is another popular option that comes with an 11.6-inch display, Intel Celeron processor, and up to 64GB of storage.
- Asus Vivobook X512FA: The Asus Vivobook X512FA is a compact laptop that comes with a 12-inch display, Intel Core i3 processor, and up to 256GB of storage.
Chromebooks: A Viable Alternative
Chromebooks are another option for those looking for a small laptop. They’re designed specifically for web-based applications and come with Google’s Chrome OS. Here are a few benefits of Chromebooks:
- Affordability: Chromebooks are often cheaper than traditional laptops, making them a great option for those on a budget.
- Simplicity: Chromebooks are designed for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and word processing. They’re perfect for those who don’t need a lot of processing power or advanced features.
- Security: Chromebooks come with built-in security features like automatic updates and virus protection.
Some popular Chromebook options include:
- Acer Chromebook 715: The Acer Chromebook 715 comes with a 15.6-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, and up to 128GB of storage.
- Lenovo Chromebook C340: The Lenovo Chromebook C340 comes with an 11.6-inch display, MediaTek processor, and up to 32GB of storage.
- HP Chromebook 11: The HP Chromebook 11 comes with an 11.6-inch display, AMD processor, and up to 32GB of storage.
What to Consider When Buying a Small Laptop
When buying a small laptop, there are several things to consider. Here are a few:
- Processor: Look for a laptop with a recent-generation processor from Intel or AMD. This will ensure that your laptop can handle basic tasks like browsing the web and word processing.
- Storage: Consider a laptop with at least 32GB of storage. This will give you enough space to store your files and applications.
- Display: Look for a laptop with a high-resolution display. This will ensure that your laptop can display crisp and clear text and images.
- Battery Life: Consider a laptop with a long battery life. This will ensure that your laptop can last all day on a single charge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, small laptops are still a viable option for those looking for a compact and portable device. While the selection may not be as vast as it once was, there are still several options available from manufacturers like Acer, Lenovo, and Asus. Chromebooks are also a viable alternative for those looking for a simple and affordable device. When buying a small laptop, consider the processor, storage, display, and battery life to ensure that you get a device that meets your needs.
| Laptop | Processor | Storage | Display | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Aspire One | Intel Celeron | Up to 64GB | 11.6 inches | Up to 12 hours |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 100S | Intel Celeron | Up to 64GB | 11.6 inches | Up to 8 hours |
| Asus Vivobook X512FA | Intel Core i3 | Up to 256GB | 12 inches | Up to 8 hours |
Note: The specifications listed in the table are subject to change and may not reflect the current specifications of the laptops.
What are the benefits of using small laptops?
Small laptops offer several benefits, including their compact size and lightweight design, making them easy to carry around. This is particularly useful for students, professionals, and travelers who need to work on the go. Additionally, small laptops often consume less power, resulting in longer battery life and reduced heat generation.
Another significant advantage of small laptops is their affordability. They are generally cheaper than larger laptops, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. Furthermore, small laptops often come with a range of features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, USB ports, and high-definition displays, making them a great value for the price.
What are the limitations of small laptops?
One of the main limitations of small laptops is their limited processing power. Due to their compact size, small laptops often have smaller processors and less RAM, which can result in slower performance and reduced multitasking capabilities. This can be a problem for users who need to run demanding applications or multiple programs simultaneously.
Another limitation of small laptops is their limited storage capacity. Many small laptops come with solid-state drives (SSDs) that have limited storage space, which can be a problem for users who need to store large files or programs. Additionally, small laptops often have limited upgradability options, making it difficult to upgrade the hardware or add new features.
What are the most popular small laptop brands?
Some of the most popular small laptop brands include Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus. These brands offer a range of small laptops, from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features. Apple’s MacBook Air, for example, is a popular choice among consumers who value portability and style.
Other brands, such as Acer and Microsoft, also offer small laptops with unique features and designs. For example, Acer’s Swift series offers a range of small laptops with long battery life and affordable prices, while Microsoft’s Surface Go is a compact 2-in-1 laptop that offers a unique blend of portability and productivity.
What are the key features to look for in a small laptop?
When shopping for a small laptop, there are several key features to look for. First and foremost, consider the processor and RAM. Look for a laptop with a recent-generation processor and at least 4GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance. Additionally, consider the display size and resolution, as well as the battery life and portability.
Other important features to consider include storage capacity, connectivity options, and durability. Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) and at least 128GB of storage space. Also, consider the number and type of ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI. Finally, look for a laptop with a durable design and construction, such as a metal chassis and spill-resistant keyboard.
How do small laptops compare to larger laptops?
Small laptops offer several advantages over larger laptops, including their compact size and lightweight design. However, larger laptops often offer more powerful processors, larger displays, and more storage capacity. Additionally, larger laptops often have more ports and connectivity options, making them a better choice for users who need to connect multiple devices.
That being said, small laptops are often more portable and convenient to use on the go. They are also generally more affordable than larger laptops, making them a great option for budget-conscious consumers. Ultimately, the choice between a small laptop and a larger laptop depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What are the future trends for small laptops?
One of the future trends for small laptops is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. These technologies will enable small laptops to offer more advanced features and capabilities, such as improved performance, enhanced security, and personalized user experiences.
Another trend is the growing demand for 2-in-1 laptops that can convert into tablets. These devices offer the best of both worlds, providing the portability and convenience of a tablet with the productivity and functionality of a laptop. Additionally, we can expect to see more small laptops with advanced features such as 5G connectivity, augmented reality (AR) capabilities, and improved battery life.
Are small laptops suitable for gaming?
Small laptops can be suitable for casual gaming, but they may not be the best choice for serious gamers. Due to their limited processing power and graphics capabilities, small laptops may struggle to run demanding games smoothly. However, many small laptops come with integrated graphics cards that can handle less demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks.
If you’re a serious gamer, you may want to consider a larger laptop with a dedicated graphics card and more powerful processor. However, if you’re a casual gamer who wants to play less demanding games, a small laptop can be a great option. Look for a laptop with a recent-generation processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card for the best gaming performance.