So you’ve decided a netbook is the best computer type for your needs. Netbooks, which tend to be big on portability and small on extra features, are usually not meant as primary-use machines. They typically don’t have enough memory or processing power to handle tasks that go beyond Internet surfing and word processing. In keeping with portability, some users find the small keyboards and touchpads difficult to get used to.
Whatever your reason for going with a netbook, choosing a few computer peripherals can greatly enhance your computing experience. Here are a few items that will maximize its potential.
Full-Sized Keyboard
Most netbooks come with truncated keyboards, so certain keys are combined, and there is no number pad. A full-sized keyboard is a great tool for when you’re using the netbook at home. A wireless keyboard, like the Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000, will give you back your F keys and throw in some media keys to boot.
Wireless Mouse
As a touchpad hater, I would stick with a mouse with a nano wireless receiver for easier traveling. There are mice out there that are marketed as netbook mice -- they tend to be a little smaller than traditional travel-sized mice. Choosing a mice comes down to comfort, and since it’s the peripheral you’ll use the most, choose wisely. We like the Verbatim Adjust Go Easy Riser Nano laser mouse, model 96992. It’s a bit smaller than some other full-sized mice, but it still proved to be quite comfortable in our reviews. As a plus, it not only comes with a nano receiver, but it also comes with a placeholder for that receiver.
Portable Hard Drive
Netbooks don’t come with giant hard drives as a rule -- it helps keeps costs down and sizes small. Don’t waste any of the precious space you have by cluttering up its hard drive with pictures, music and videos. That’s what an external hard drive is for. For more on choosing a portable hard drive, read our Before You Buy a Hard Drive guide.
Webcam
Many netbooks come with built-in webcams, but if yours doesn’t, or if it’s not of the best quality, consider this a must-have netbook peripheral. We like Microsoft’s LifeCam Show because of its small size (perfect for netbooks) and great quality.
USB Hub
You can’t have too many USB ports in my book, and when it comes to computer peripherals, you’re going to need as many as you can get. Netbooks typically have around three USB ports, so a USB hub wouldn’t be a bad choice. Transcend’s P7 is a USB hub and card reader all in on, and it comes with a handy flexible gooseneck cord. It’s small and flat and will store easily for travel.
External CD/DVD Drive
Again, netbooks leave these out to keep costs down and sizes small. But you can pick up a fairly slim CD/DVD drive and either store it in your bag or keep it on your desk at home. For more about CD and DVD drives, read our handy FAQ.
