Netbook, Laptop and Smartphone reviews

Tell me all about Mobile Computer Mag

Mobile Computer is a blog about mobile technology - we write about devices, computers and other gadgets that can be used on the move, from smartphones to netbooks to laptops. We started life as a laptop and smartphone magazine in 2005 and the website launched in 2007. The domain name has stuck since the days of the print title, which is why it still ends with "mag", although the last issue of the magazine was on sale nearly two years ago...

Mobile Computer is part of Genie Ventures, also known for the broadband blog and comparison service Broadband Genie, and is edited by Julian Prokaza, technology writer and self-proclaimed misanthrope. We are totally independent and make money by charging companies to advertise.

What is a laptop? No, really.

This may sound like a stupid question, but the definition of a 'laptop' has changed considerably over the years. Originally, the term applied to portable computers with a built-in screen and keyboard that could be used on your lap while you were away from a desk.

That's still the case, but some laptops are now much too large to be used in this way. Since they still have the same folding design as their more portable brethren though, they're still called 'laptops' - although the term 'desktop replacement laptops' is often used to make a distinction for the biggest models.

Choosing a laptop can be a long-winded process as there are so many models to choose from. Best to start with a price in mind and work from there - you can use Mobile Computer's best laptop price checker service to see what's available from where at what price.

Top tip: Pay close attention to screen and keyboard quality when buying a laptop (or a netbook) - unlike with a desktop PC, these can't be replaced. So, read the laptop reviews on Mobile Computer to see what we recommend to give yourself a significant head start.

What is a netbook?

Netbooks are a subset of laptops and the term was coined in 2007 to refer to small, cheap laptops like the Eee PC that were intended for little more than web browsing and email. That market has expanded over the last couple of years and lots of people now use netbooks as their only computer.

Netbooks still aren't as powerful as larger laptops - they use less powerful processors like the Intel Atom, and have smaller screens that measure from between 7in to 11in. That said, you can now buy Atom-powered portables with 12in (and larger) screens, but we draw the line at referring to these as 'netbooks' since they're nowhere near as portable.

Since netbook computers all offer similar performance levels (at least for the moment - this will change in 2010), picking one is simply a case of deciding on a screen size and, if you want to use it on the move, a battery life. A 10in screen offers the best compromise between portability and usability, and also means that the case is large enough for a near full-size keyboard.

Battery life can be anything from a couple of hours to all day, although the size of the battery will affect the size and weight of a netbook. Even so, the longest-lasting models are all smaller, lighter and cheaper than most laptops.

Finally, don't be misled by netbook prices that are similar to that of some laptops. A cheap laptop may be much more powerful than a netbook computer, but it will be much larger and heavier, whereas most netbooks can slip into a small bag and weigh no more than 1.5kg.

Get started by checking our netbook reviews and best netbook price checker.

What is a smartphone?

As the name implies, a smartphone is a mobile phone that offers 'smart' features you might usually find in a computer - in fact the earliest models were little more than a mobile tacked onto a PDA. The Apple iPhone has really brought the smartphone to everyone's attention, but they've actually been around for much longer than that.

As with laptops and netbooks, smartphones are available with a variety of operating systems and this affects the applications you can use. Microsoft Windows Mobile is by far the most common smartphone operating system and you'll find it on a wide range of devices (though none are made by Microsoft - it just supplies the software).

Nokia also makes smartphones and supplies its own Symbian operating system too. It's the same story with Apple - it makes both the iPhone hardware and the operating system it runs.

Google also offers a smartphone operating system of its own, called Android. Like Microsoft though, it doesn't make the hardware and you'll need to look to the likes of HTC and Motorola for an Android-powered smartphone.

Ease of use and applications are two key considerations when buying a smartphone, although you may be limited to picking a model that's available on your network and tariff of choice.

Get started by checking our smartphone reviews and best smartphone price checker.