Nettop

A nettop is a very small form factor, inexpensive, low-wattage desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as surfing the Internet, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.[1][2][3]

The word nettop is a portmanteau of Internet and desktop, similar to the portmanteau netbook (Internet + notebook)[4] Compared to ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller, lighter and cheaper,[5] they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab's fit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power[6] whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power. Consequently, nettops are often fanless with an external power supply. Some do not have an optical disk drive and use a solid state disk, making them completely silent. The trade off is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced[7] and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource intensive applications
Models:



Some nettops are designed to have stylish cases and run Windows operating systems in order to attract ordinary customers. Others are designed more towards business and experienced computer users. These models typically run a version of Linux to allow better customization and cut costs. The following list identifies some computers that are designed and marketed as a nettop.
Hardware
There are three platforms that are primarily intended for nettops and netbooks:

Intel's Centrino Atom platform,[33]
Nvidia's Ion platform[34]
VIA's Trinity Platform.[35]
Some nettops have also adopted system-on-a-chip designs. Although many major parts such as chipsets, video cards and storage devices can also be found on desktops, the CPUs that are put inside nettops are the fundamental component that differ them from normal desktops. The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from.

CPU
Intel Atom (x86)
VIA Nano and VIA C7 processors (x86)
AMD Geode (x86)
ARM Cortex-based CPU (ARM)
Loongson (MIPS)
GPU
Intel GMA 950
S3 Graphics Chrome
GeForce 9400M
PowerVR
Chipset
945GSE and 945GC Express chipsets
Nvidia ION / GeForce 9400M
VIA VX800 IGP Chipset
RAM
typically 512 MB to 1 GB SDRAM, DDR or DDR2 memory
Storage devices
at least 1 GB flash memory
2.5" hard drive
Network
Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi
I/O ports
LAN, USB 2.0, video out, audio out



Being first released to the market, Intel's Atom platform has been adopted by the majority of hardware manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI, and Sony, for nettops. Nvidia has also released its first generation ION platform, which puts GeForce 9400M Motherboard GPU alongside Intel's Atom processor to provide better high definition video playback ability and lower power consumption.[36] In addition, Nvidia has announced that its will support VIA's CPUs this year.[37] To further reduce the manufacturing cost and improve power efficiency, many manufacturers and start-up companies have chosen to use CPUs that were originally targeted at embedded computing devices such as AMD's Geode and ARM Cortex-based CPUs.
[edit] Operating systems



Many net-top models are X86-processor-based and as such are capable of running standard PC OSs. There are also operating systems designed specifically for nettops and other machines in the same performance class. Linux distributions of this type include Moblin and Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Windows XP has been one of the popular choices as its hardware requirements match nettop capabilities. Some high-end nettops and upcoming models are capable of running Windows Vista and Windows 7.[1] Linux has also been adopted by some nettop manufacturers as it costs little to no money to install and supports a wide range of CPU architectures. Google's Android operating system is another option. Although Google's Android was originally announced for smartphones, it has also taken a seat in the nettop market.[2]

[edit] Market
Nettops fall into Intel's category of "Basic PC", which usually cost from $100 to $299[38]. Intel describes nettops as a large potential market. Nettops can be the affordable first computer for people in developing countries and an environmentally-friendly choice as a secondary computer for people in developed countries[39].

Top Five Netbook Best Sellers

Netbooks are seen everywhere, in schools offices and peoples` homes. Their small, light weight and can do just as much as a regular computer. The shapely small size and neat little design make them perfect for transporting them on the bus, cabs and bikes, making them perfect for those who like to take alternate routes. There are five top sellers who make noticeable distinction and hit it big with netbook fans.
The first one on the top five is the Toshiba NB 205-310. It has excellent value for its price tag; it has a large touch pad and an extra long battery life, ideal for people using their netbooks on the go. Toshiba is new to the netbook department but has quickly made it to the top seller list.




The next netbook on the hit list is the Samsung Go. It has a rubberized look to it with rounded corners and big buttons on the keyboard. There are four neat colors to choose from and it is equipped with a 10.1 inch screen, it has no glare from the screen as a ten hour battery life, flashcard reader, Bluetooth, three USB ports a 1.3 megapixel webcam a mic and a headphone jack. Making it an excellent steal to purchase one.

The third netbook on the list is the Samsung N120. It also has large easy to press keys and it comes with a nice little software bundle It has a nice subwoofer for music play and is glare resistant. The price tag is nice as well. Forth on the top five list is the Asus Eee PC 1005 HA. It has a long eight hour battery life, a glossy black exterior and it scores very high on performance abilities.

Last on the top five list is the Lenovo IdeaPad S12. It has an excellent sharp looking screen and it has an nVidialon chipset that will be able to run 1080p of videos and games. It is lightweight and also scores high on performance. The price is a bit high, but people seem to like it anyways.




Netbooks who didn`t strike it big with fans and computer critiques were those with a heavy bulky feel, people also didn`t like netbooks with too glary of a screen or a picture that wasn`t sharp enough. They judged the way the keyboard felt under the fingers and how the touch pad reacted, was it sensitive enough or not sensitive enough. The price tag was also an eye opener. Netbook fans just want good value for their buck and will only compromise if it is really worth it.

Computer companies are always busy trying to come out with the newest and best product. For the mini netbooks they have been selling like crazy, with everyone trying to scoop up a light weight laptop at a good price. Manufactures are able to produce these at less than three pounds because they run on a power chip such as an Intel ATOM or a Via C7-M. They come in a variety of hot colors and feature sport ram and hard drive sizes the same as a regular laptop. These mini systems also carry wireless connectivity which makes them perfect for anyone wanting to surf the net where wireless is available.
by Roberto Sedycias