It is almost unthinkable to be stranded without a computer. Millions of people enjoy the incredible versatility that is part of owning a laptop. Fortunately, technology now allows millions to be online, communicate and work from their laptops. It is not unusual to see people in cafes, restaurants and bus stations busy working or playing on their computers. It is perfectly possible to work anywhere in the world. The latest addition to this trend toward portability is the new generation of tiny laptops.

These computers, also called netbooks, have become extremely popular. Many people find that traditional laptops are cumbersome to charge and cannot be used efficiently in small spaces. Netbook computers offer fast and reliable computing. They are lightweight and can be used literally anywhere. It would be a mistake to relate the size of these netbooks to their computing power. They are full-fledged computers in every way. Many people find that laptops are too heavy to carry around, and battery technology doesn’t allow for long periods of activity without power. Netbooks now offer up to ten hours of battery life.

It’s not just traditional computers that are threatened by these newcomers. Many people who previously accessed the Internet from their phones now also prefer these devices. Regardless of how smartphones have become, many find their tiny keys burdensome and display screens too small for adequate productivity.

While small laptops combine the best features of smartphones and laptops, they inevitably come with their own unique drawbacks. Many people struggle with the little drag pads that take the place of a mouse. They do not have CD drives, which can be a problem for some users. Small laptops are generally somewhat slower than the average laptop. It’s also difficult to navigate large documents that require vertical and horizontal scrolling, such as spreadsheets.

The jury is still out on the decision about the type of person who prefers these computers. Frequent travelers find them invaluable. They don’t need a separate bag and can usually be packed in seconds. They can be used literally anywhere, even in very confined spaces. Most models have wireless technology.

What the future holds no one can say for sure. There is much talk, however, on the subject of convergence. The advent of tiny laptops may be another step toward merging many different technologies into one device. Meanwhile, most of the owners enjoy their fancy computers that offer so many advantages over other computers.