What is a netbook’s use to you?

There are currently a bunch of netbooks out there that we could all choose from. There are Linux-powered ones and those with Windows XP. I’ve been thinking about buying a netbook myself but what is a compelling reason to do so?

Going light is something I’ve been wanting to do. I know that there are Linux distros that really ‘go light’ in so many ways. Some have applications with really small footprint when they are running and they don’t have too many big packages as dependencies when you install them too. I know that going light is possible with Linux and the many kinds of applications out there but why would I really want to do this when I am already using a laptop for work purposes?

PC Mag’s website recently published an article that asks what XP-based systems offer to differentiate them. Tim Bajarin’s article mentioned that netbooks could be viewed as “PC companions” in the way that users view them. He pointed out that this is a possible area of differentiation that could be used by netbook manufacturers. Whether the desktop machine and netbook are on different OSes or they have the same OS, you could already synchronize them through the use of services like Dropbox or you could store your data in portable hard drives.

Each person has different needs. For those of us in developing countries, these netbooks could be seen as blessings because we don’t have to give in to the pressure of buying really expensive ultraportables or second hand laptops which are underpowered and very heavy. (Of course, it still depends on the netbook of your choice. Some might still seem underpowered, but if you ask me, some netbooks are way better than refurbished laptops.)

Let me know what you think.