Unfortunately, computer producers haven’t been able to integrate DVD drives into netbooks while keeping their portability and affordability and in consequence it is almost impossible to find such a device on the market right now.

What is there to be done in this case if you still like to use DVDs and CDs on your netbook? The answer is simpler than you might imagine. An external DVD drive, which can be easily connected to your netbook through USB and which allows easy access to your DVDs and CDs.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves for now, because there are a lot of things to be discussed when it comes to netbooks, CD drives, DVD drives, internal and external drives. Things we are going to discuss in the following lines.

Do netbooks have CD drives?

In short, the answer would be no. If you want to nuance the problem, however, you could find some netbooks on the market that feature internal CD or DVD drives. There was the Asus Eee PC 1004DN a while back, but, as far as we know, the model has been discontinued due to lack of selling success.

You could also find the 12.1-inch Toshiba R500-S5004, featuring a DVD SuperMultiDrive and a 64 GB SSD drive, but this is available on Toshiba’s official website for no less than 1200 bucks. There would also be the 12.1-inch HP Compaq 2510p, which features a DVD-writer, but this also comes with some pretty important downsides. Firstly, the netbook is pretty old and secondly it weighs 5.1 pounds, being anything but portable.

Most recently, there has been news about the release of a Panasonic Toughbook S10 with a DVD drive and a weight of only three pounds, but this is nowhere to be found on Amazon or other similar online stores.

The Asus 1004DN was one of the few netbooks that featured an internal DVD drive

Which brings us to our next question. Why can’t a netbook feature a CD drive? Very simple. First of all, because netbooks are devices with displays of 10 or 12-inches and a CD or DVD drive would cover a whole side of your netbook, if it could be fitted at all.

Secondly, a DVD drive would make a netbook unnecessarily heavy and would therefore eliminate the number one advantage that this kind of device should have: portability. Last, but not least, an internal drive would up the production costs of a netbook, which would reflect in the selling price of  mini laptops.

External DVD drives-the perfect solution?

If you want a netbook with CD drive or a mini laptop with DVD drive, you can opt for the very easy and accessible solution of external drives. These are perfect because they can be plugged and unplugged whenever you like and therefore don’t affect your device’s portability.

Also, if we are to be honest, the CDs and DVDs’ use has become pretty limited lately. Giving that most of the netbooks available on the market right now feature internal storage spaces of 120 or 250 GB at pretty affordable prices, we can’t see why you would need to use a DVD drive very often.

The Asus external optical drive allows you to read and write CDs and DVDs

Last, but not least, the external drives are the perfect solution when it comes to using CDs and DVDs on a netbook right now because they are cheap, reliable and easy to use. Sure, you will have to use up one of your netbooks’ USB ports in order to have access to the external drive, but this is an almost negligible drawback.

Top external drives

Considering that you have probably given up the idea of a netbook with internal CD drive by now and that you have acknowledged that external drives are a great idea if you need to play DVDs or CDs on your netbook, here are some top products you can find on Amazon right now for pretty affordable prices. You’ll notice there are plenty of options, from cheap 30 bucks DVD drives, to more expensive DVD combos, Blu-ray players and even Blu-ray burners. Also, you can choose between matte, glossy, rough, sleek, black or colored options by following that link above.

The Toshiba multi drive is very fashionable and highly portable

Let’s not also forget about docking stations, those hubs which feature, aside from optical drives, USB ports, keyboards or HDD units. If you are interested in such an accesory, you should check out this guide for choosing the best possible netbook docking station.

Conclusion

While it is almost utopian to think that you are going to be able to find a portable and affordable netbook with an internal DVD drive on the market in the near future, in the computer world for every problem there is a solution.

In the case of reading and writing CDs and DVDs on netbooks, the solution is as simple and as efficient as possible. An external drive will therefore most definitely solve your issues, while not emptying your pockets. What more could you desire…?

Related posts:

1. ASUS Eee Box EB1501P- small nettop with built in DVD drive
2. What is a netbook? What can a netbook do and top picks right now!
3. Best netbook tablet PCs – top picks on convertible netbooks

We all know how frustrating it is to have a netbook or notebook and to not be able to use it outside or in direct contact with sunlight because we almost can’t see a darn thing on the display.

Fortunately, computer producers have found an easy and not very expensive way of ensuring the best possible image quality in the worst possible lighting conditions. The solution are the so-called anti glare screen protectors, which can be used on the LCD screens of practically any digital or electronic device. We are going to talking in the following lines about anti glare screen for netbooks, we will try to review the strong and weak points of these accessories, as well as recommend some of the best products on the market today.

What is an anti glare screen protector for netbooks?

An anti glare screen protector is designed to help users see the glossy display in daylight and is available in two different types. There are screen protectors made from a very durable film that are designed to be an almost permanent part of the netbook they protect and there are non-adhesive protectors that work by sitting in the gap between the LCD screen and the case of the device.

Most 10-inch netbooks on the market now feature glossy display

Both types of screen protectors are hardly noticeable once installed, being designed to blend with the netbook’s design. The first type is obviously thicker than the non-adhesive screen protector and usually leaves a sticky residue.

You should also keep in mind that there are anti glare screen protectors that can be used on more than one netbook, as well as there are matte screen covers that are especially it is also scratchproof and fingerprint resistivedesigned for one model or for a line of netbooks.

The best screen protectors on the market

Even though it is very difficult to state which are the best screen protectors for netbooks on the market right now, we have selected a few products based on the customers reviews and best-seller lists on Amazon.com.

Firstly, there is the FoliX FX -Antireflex screen protector for 10.1-inch netbooks, which, aside from the fact that it can make your netbook’s glossy screen visible under direct sunlight,it is also scratch proof and fingerprint resistive.

The Folix FX is one of the best netbook screen protectors currently on market

When talking about best-sellers, Capdase is probably the leading company, offering a wide range of products. While on Amazon you can only find a Capdase anti glare screen protector for Apple Macbook Pro( available for 11.99 dollars), on gearzap.com you can buy an universal anti-glare screen protector for netbooks or notebooks up to 13.3-inches. This is available for 9.99 UK pounds, or about 16.50 dollars.

Another pretty decent choice when talking about mini laptop screen covers would probably be the AG2 anti-glare screen protector for 10.1-inch netbooks, which can easily be attached or detached with the help of silicon glue.

If you are looking for a screen protector for a certain model and you want the best possible quality you can get on the market right now, you can check this gearzap.com list, where you can find specially designed screen covers for the Asus 1002HA, the Dell Mini 9, the Lenovo IdeaPad S10, as well as for other Asus, Acer, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, MSI or HP netbooks.

Advantages and disadvantages

While the strong points of these accessories are very clear and have already been mentioned above, it has to be said that the anti glare screen protectors also come with some weak points that you should keep in mind before buying a product of this type.

As we said before, some of the screen protectors on the market are difficult to remove and, if you actually manage to remove them, they leave some pretty nasty marks behind. Also, a few of them are pretty expensive, especially the ones specifically designed for one or two netbooks, that can sometimes cost 30 or 35 bucks.

You also have to be pretty careful when choosing an accessory like this and try to read in-advance as many customer reviews as possible, because there are screen protectors, and pretty expensive ones, which don’t get their job done as well as it is advertised.

Try to find a reliable and cheap anti glare screen protector!

Last, but not least, you should keep in mind that most anti glare screen protectors often reduce image clarity and brightness on your netbook’s display.

Wrap-up

Balancing the strong and weak points of the anti glare screen protectors for netbooks, I think that it is pretty obvious that these are useful accessories, especially for those of you who travel very much.

On the other hand, you have to be really careful if you want to buy such a product in order to choose the best possible screen cover for you netbook. Therefore, you should pick the cheapest and most praised anti glare screen protector you can find in order to ensure maximum satisfaction. Or you can trust us and choose any of the products recommended above.

Related posts:

1. Most powerful netbooks and mini laptops in 2012
2. Best 10 inch netbooks and mini laptops right now
3. Best netbook cases and bags for 10 to 12 inch mini laptops

The 10 inch slate has a strong hardware lineup, being powered by a dual core processor and coming in 3G and 4G versions. Of course, it’s not enough to have the tablet, but you also have to accessorize it and get protection for it in order to use the slate for as long and as satisfying as possible.

So if you already own a Xoom tablet or are seriously thinking about buying one, here are what we (and most experts and regular users) consider the best accessories available right now for this 10 inch Android slate.

Motorola Wireless Keyboard for Xoom – full size Android keyboard with many functions and dedicated app buttons for $62.99

This wireless keyboard is manufactured by Motorola and thus there won’t be any compatibility issues with the tablet. More, you can use it with other Motorola gadgets, like the Atrix 4G. The keyboard is very thin, being very easy to carry around, but at the same time offers the experience of a full size keyboard.

The keyboard comes with special buttons for Android functions, like a search and home button, as well as controls for media playback. Also, there are special buttons for mail, instant messaging and accessing your browser.  The keyboard is powered by 2 AA batteries, which are included in the package.

the keyboard comes with dedicated Android buttons

splash Masque 3-pack screen protection for Xoom – invisible and reliable protection for the screen for $16.95

This screen protector helps avoid any accidents the capacitive touch screen might suffer over time. The film should be left on the screen at all times and not only when you go outside. The film is very easy to install and doesn’t normally produce any air bubbles under the plastic. But if it does, there is the application card that helps you get rid of them fairly easy.

The screen protector doesn’t use any adhesive when it’s installed, so there won’t be any stains and residue after you finish applying it on the screen. The screen protector is designed especially for the Xoom tablet and grants access to all the buttons and functions of the tablet. And what’s even better is that you get 3 protectors in one buy!

the film is easy to install, remove and clean

Motorola Xoom gel case – tough and light protection case for $26.47

This gel case is designed by Motorola and fits the tablet perfectly. It grants access to all functions, buttons and ports, as well as protecting it from shocks and bumps. The case only covers the body of the tablet, so if you want to also protect the screen, you should go for a protective film.

The case also allows to place the tablet in a docking station, as the rubber around the edges is thinner and will fit with the mechanism of the docking station (after all, they’re done by the same people).

the case is designed with openings for buttons, speakers and camera

Acase capacitive stylus for Xoom and ipad 2- precise and soft touch capacitive stylus for just $13.95

Although the Xoom tablet has a great capacitive, multi touch screen, is not a bad idea to also have a stylus for it. Some actions are better and easier to do with a stylus- like typing a long letter or working with some documents. Besides, it’s a good way to keep the screen clean.

Also, it’s a great way to have some fun, as there are many drawing apps out there you can use with the stylus and just let your imagination fly when you have a couple of minutes to spare. The stylus is also quite light and slim, so it won’t be a problem to carry it around in a bag or purse, no matter how small.

the stylus has a rubbery, very precise tip for drawing or writing

Arkon foldable and portable Motorola Xoom stand – small and light convertible stand for $13.19

This is one of those very simple and highly effective accessories for the Xoom tablet, but that also comes at a really reasonable price. The stand is easy to set up and will support the tablet in both landscape and portrait mode, in a variety of viewing angles.

This light and plastic made stand is especially designed to fit perfectly in that little tables on airplanes, so you won’t have any problems in using the slate while traveling. Another advantage of the Arkon stand is that it comes with a non skid coating on the base, meaning the stand will stay very rigid and firm on any linear surface.

the stand is easy to install and move around- after all, it's light plastic the size of a pocket knife

Premium leather sleeve for Xoom- stylish and soft sleeve for the Xoom for $38.73

This leather sleeve works for both the Xoom and the Apple iPad. It’s not a tight fit, meaning you have space to keep some other stuff inside except the Xoom tablet. The sleeve has no other pockets on the outside or any other patterns or labels (except the Krusell crest), having a cool, minimalist design. On the inside, there’s a padded layer protecting the tablet, while the material actually touching the tablet has a suede finish and will not scratch the slate in any way.

Also, the distance between the tablet and the zipper is more than comfortable in order to avoid scratches or other accidents while closing or opening the sleeve and the inside of the zipper has its own protective strip, that keeps the sharp parts enclosed. The sleeve comes in black  or cream.

the sleeve is both stylish and very tough when it comes to protecting your tablet

Car Charger for Motorola Xoom – light speed car charger for just  $16.41

The car charger is a great addition to your Xoom lineup of accessories, especially if you travel a lot. It connects very easy to a power dock in any car or other places that have that type of plug. The cable is long enough to let you keep it plugged in, while you or someone else from the backseat is using it.

The charger is quite fast, feeding the tablet fairly quick, almost like the stock charger. Also, it’s very easy to maneuver and carry around and will fit in any bag or wherever you can find a couple of inches of free space in your car.

the charger has a long cable that grants much more flexibility when in use

CaseCrown faux suede Motorola Xoom Cover – stylish and multi functional cover for $7.21

It might be “faux” suede, but this cover feels very soft and comfy when you hold it and it also looks quite classy. It’s quite roomy and is not an exact fit for the tablet, as there’s some extra free space in there.

The inside is also very soft and will not scratch or harm the slate. On the outside, there’s a small pocket, which is great for a cleaning cloth or one of those really small USB drives. The cover is available in a variety of colors, including red, gray, fuchsia, navy and black .

the cover is very soft and easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors to choose from

Final words and conclusions

The best Motorola Xoom accessories mentioned in this article can cover all the needs of both casual and power users of the Xoom tablet. There’s a wireless keyboard that lets you use the tablet as some sort of netbook, screen protectors, cases or chargers.

Basically, everything you need to keep the 10 inch, Android 3.0 running slate safe and clean, but also all the little helpers that will maximize your experience with this groundbreaking tablet.

Of course, there are other good accessories for the Xoom available on the market, but these are the ones we considered top picks right now. if you have any comments and suggestions, don’t hesitate and leave your reply below.

Related posts:

1. Best netbook tablet PCs – top picks on convertible netbooks
2. ASUS Eee Slate EP121 – versatile tablet with top notch hardware
3. Best 12 inch mini laptops – top picks of the moment

This is why it’s important to have some sort of protection for your netbook or mini laptop, like a bag or sleeve. Also, a cover will protect the netbook from ongoing threats like dust or dirt. There are a couple of types of protection for netbooks, from sleeves to mini bags, that mimic the old fashioned laptop bag.

Below you can find our picks of netbooks cases and bags that will fit most 10 or 12 inch laptops. All  are appreciated by experts and regular users all around the globe so will be good picks in case you decide to go for any of them

10 inch cases and bags

First, let’s take a look at 10 inch bags, which are the most common type of bag, as the 10 inch format is the most popular form factor for netbooks.

Kensington 10.2 inch sling bag- easy and safe vertical bag

This messenger style bag can hold 9-10 inches netbooks, but also tablets, like the iPad or Motorola Xoom. The vertical design makes it easy to carry around and the padded shoulder strap will help in avoiding shoulder fatigue after a prolonged walk.

Inside, the main padded compartment is very safe and will keep the netbook tightly secured. Additionally, there are a couple of pockets, both in the inside and the outside, where you can store essentials like chargers, USB drives, connectors, cell phones, keys and the works.

the bag is very easy to wear over your shoulder

Case Logic LNEO-10 netbook sleeve made from neoprene -tough and stylish sleeve

This sleeve can be used on its own or in conjunction with a bag or backpack. It’s made from neoprene, which means that the sleeve is water resistant and is also very tough when it comes to sharp objects, like knives, scissors or the always dangerous table corner . It’s easy to slide in a bag or you can just carry it around like a mini briefcase thanks to the handles.

Besides the main compartment, there’s also an exterior pocket, which can easily accommodate an AC adapter, mouse, USB stick or other accessories. Of course, the sleeve can accommodate more than one type of device, so this will work also for tablets, portable DVD players and others, not just for your netbook.

Caselogic neoprene sleeve

Caselogic VNA210 10 inch mini bag – multi compartment bag

This looks and feels more like a full fledged bag and it accommodates devices up to 10.2 inches. The bag is big and flexible enough to take in netbooks even with an extended battery pack, without having edges popping out from the sides. The padded interior compartments (both the large one and the smaller ones) have a foam protection layer, which can take in most of the shock of an impact.

When it comes to extra pockets, the VNA210 is a winner, as it has both internal and external pockets for chargers, adapters, USB sticks, and even a smaller device, like a 5 inch tablet or larger smart phone. The bag can be carried around on the shoulder with the detachable shoulder strap or using the handles.

Caselogic VNA 210 bag

Case Logic VLS-110 sleeve – multi protection layered sleeve

This sleeve will suit devices up to 10 inch, including netbooks and tablets alike. It’s very elastic and will take in more than the actual device, as well as sliding easily into a bag or backpack. On the outside, the sleeve has a nylon coating, which is both resistant and flexible, while the interior is protected by a 10 mm foam layer.

So there’s a double layer protection for your device and if you keep in mind that you’ll probably place it in another bag, you can imagine the type of protection your device will get. Also, there’s a a suede finish on the exterior for good grip, for when you just carry the sleeve around or when you slide it in or out of a bag.

Caselogic VLS 110 sleeve

Targus Sport Clamshell netbook bag- flexible and versatile netbook bag

This is a big one. Not only it can hold the up to 10.2 inch device of your choice, but it comes with so many separate compartments for all the other things you have to carry around. You can carry it around both on your shoulder or by the handle (both padded) and the bag is made from polyester, which is a very tough and long lasting material. Also, the special clam shell design allows you to use the netbook while it’s in the bag- just open the lid and use it while it’s in there, protected from harm.

Targus clam shell

Kroo Pink 10 inch laptop sleeve- girly and tough sleeve

This is more of a female oriented sleeve, as it has a pink exterior and some really stylish lines. The sleeve can accommodate netbooks and tablets up to 10.2 inches and has two external pockets for accessories like chargers, USB and other small items. On the inside, there’s a soft neoprene coating, that is both gentle with the exterior of the netbook and also very resistant when it comes to protection. To assure complete protection, there’s a pad between the zipper and netbook area, so there’s no chance your device will get accidentally scratched by the zipper or something.

Kroo Pink netbook sleeve

12 inch cases and bags

Now, some big boys for those 10+ inch netbook-laptop hybrids.

Belkin Messenger bag for 12 inch laptops – a bag that can take so much more besides the netbook

Belkin is known for delivering good bags and protectors for gadgets and this bag is no exception. It has a main compartment that can take in those hybrid laptops/netbooks, coming in the 11.1 and 11.6 inch form factors. The compartment is nicely padded and will protect the device from harm.

Also, there are a couple of additional pockets, that are big enough to take in a power brick, power adapter and other accessories. The outside of the bag is made from polyester, which is both sturdy and easy to clean. The bag can be carried around like a briefcase or on the shoulder, benefiting from the padded strap.

Belkin 12 inch netbook bag

Built NY Cargo 12 inch notebook sleeve- ultra stylish and ergonomic neoprene sleeve

This sharply designed sleeve can take in laptops up to 13 inch in diagonal and is made from heavy duty neoprene, which is kind of the toughest material you’ll find out there when it comes to sleeves for netbooks and laptops. Interestingly, it has 3 external, circular pockets that intelligently occupy the free space on the front and can take in all the important stuff, like power adapter, cables and some smaller gadgets or personal items.

Built neoprene sleeve

Kensington SP12 neoprene shoulder sleeve - neoprene grade protection and lots of storage space

Neoprene seems to be the star of the day. This Kensington sleeve is also made from neoprene and, unlike other sleeves, it comes also with a shoulder strap. On the inside, the sleeve has two compartments, the one for the 12 inch netbook or notebook being padded.

The second and smaller compartment is meant to host accessories, while on the outside, there’s a rather large pocket with some subdivisions you can organize to take in as much as possible. The padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around (especially when you have quite a heavy load).

Kensington sleeve with shoulder strap

Final words

These are some of the best netbook cases and bags you can find right now on the market and all of them come with many useful features, like side pockets, shoulder straps. Tough and light materials are used on their bodies, like neoprene or nylon. Some of them are even great in terms of design and will complement your lifestyle.

These bags can deal with 10 inch or larger 12 inch netbooks and deliver good protection and functionality at great prices.

Like I said, you can’t really say one is better than the other as they target different users with different needs and budgets. But I’m sure most of you will find something suitable between the protection accessories presented here.

Of course, we’re sure there are other good bags and covers out there and if you feel like we’ve missed something that should be here or just have anything to add, just post a comment below.

Related posts:

1. Netbook Docking Station – best options on docks for mini laptops
2. Best 12 inch mini laptops – top picks of the moment
3. Best 10 inch netbooks and mini laptops right now

For example, imagine (or remember) that you have to edit some pictures and text and the touch pad doesn’t respond properly when selecting a certain area or chunk of text.

A mouse aimed at netbook users should be small and light, thus fitting with the whole ultra portable philosophy, but should offer all the traditional functions of a normal mouse, including 2 buttons, wheel (or a sensor, but maybe we’re anticipating) and a bunch of programmable buttons, if possible.

So here’s our list of five best options you should consider if looking for a netbook mouse these days and we hope our suggestions will help you decide on the best mouse to suit your needs. This is not really a top though, as we can’t say one mouse is better than the others. No, they are all good but address potential buyers with different needs and budgets, since I’ve tried covering a variety of options taht could suit most of you guys reading the post.

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse – great autonomy and flexibility

The Explorer Mini Mouse is a very good deal for only 17 and a half bucks, as it’s a very versatile little helper. It has all the things a mouse should have- a wheel, the two main buttons and a couple other on the side. The mouse has a 30 foot autonomy, so you can use it even if you’re far away- sure this is more for when you use it in tandem with a larger display, because it’s impossible to see the small screen from so far away.

The mouse is powered by a battery, and you can prolong its life by removing the transmitter from the USB port- that will stop the mouse from using power. But maybe the most important feature of this mouse is the BlueTrack technology, which lets you use the mouse on any surface, including blankets, park benches, carpets and more. The cursor will be very accurate and this way you don’t have to stay at a table in order to do your job!

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse

Logitech V220 Optical mouse- a comfy and ultra light mouse

The V220 has two big and bold functions: to be ergonomic and comfortable. On the sides, you’ll find a rubber finish, that will prevent the mouse from slipping away when moving it suddenly. Also, your hand will rest much more comfortable on it, rather than on shiny, plastic mouses that don’t offer such a good grip.

The mouse comes with a cordless transmitter that can be conveniently inserted in the mouse for easier transportation. The battery can last as long as 6 months, but you can also save energy by unplugging the transmitter from your computer. When it comes to performance, the V220 continues to deliver, as its 1000 dpi sensor is almost twice as responsive than most mouses on the market.

Logitech V220

Logitech Wireless Mouse M305- precise and easy to set up mouse

The M305 is a very good choice if you have many things on your head and the mouse’s transmitter is the last thing you have the time to think about. The mouse has a very small transmitter, dubbed “plug and forget”, that can be left in the USB drive at all times, considering it’s very tiny. Also, it will detect when you haven’t used it for a while and will automatically turn the mouse off, thus saving some power.

Like other Logitech mouses, it has a very powerful, 1000 dpi sensor that will bring great performance and precision, as well as a rubber finish on the sides, for better grip. Also, the M305 comes in a variety of colors and stylized patterns, which is great if you want to personalize your gear and make it stand out in a crowd.

Logitech M305

Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse- fantastic design and ergonomics

If you’re into weird looking gadgets, the Arc Touch Mouse is the one for you. The mouse looks like a little arch when in use and doesn’t have a traditional scroll wheel, but instead comes with a sensor. Just swipe your finger up and down over it and you’ll see the results on screen. The sensor comes with some additional functions, like tapping for page up and page down and activate middle click. When not in use, the Arc Touch Mouse can unfold, looking like a cell phone. This way, you can keep it in a cell pocket on your bag and anywhere you have some space for a slim mouse.

Microsoft Arc Touch mouse

Like other Microsoft mouses, the ArcTouch uses the BlueTrack technology, that allows you to place the mouse on unconventional surfaces for this type of activity, like carpets, benches or other non linear surfaces. The mouse connects to the computer via a mini transmitter, which you can leave in the port at all times. Also, the autonomy of the mouse is of 30 feet.

Swiftpoint mini mouse- revolutionary mini mouse you can use on the palm rest

Most mouses can only be used on a table or maybe even on a less stable surface, but most of them are too big to use on the palm rest. It’s not the case with the Swiftpoint, which is a mini mouse that can be used on the surface of the palm rest and even on the touch pad. It’s quite small and has a weird design, but it will be definitely useful when you’re traveling on a train or you are in a crowded and actually don’t have room to use a normal mouse.

Swift Point mini mouse

Although so small, the mouse has all the essential features, like the mouse buttons and a scroll wheel you can use also for zooming or going through pages. The mouse comes with a USB docking station, which you can also use as a charger. For every 30 seconds of charging time, you get about one hour of use, which is actually pretty good. Also, there’s a led just on top of the device that will let you know when you’re running out of juice.

Conclusions

So, these are the best pick on netbook mouse out there right now and we hope this article will help you decide on a particular one.

All of the devices we talked about show good value for their money and will complement your netbook properly in terms of performance and ergonomics. And we might add- they’re pretty sweet to look at too!

Of course, we’re sure there are other good options out there so if you happen to own a compact mouse that you’re entirely satisfied with and think should mek it to this list, please share by leaving a comment. After all, the more good options, the better for us, the guys looking for the best mini wireless netbook mouse.

Related posts:

1. Netbook Docking Station – best options on docks for mini laptops
2. ION netbooks and mini laptops – best options and technology explained
3. Best netbook cases and bags for 10 to 12 inch mini laptops

In this post I’m going to tell you what you should know about these netbook hubs and what you should care for if you plan to buy one of them. So let’s see:

• a good netbook docking system should be solid built, good looking and reliable
• should provide a facile way to connect the mini-laptop to it
• should come with height adjustments so you can fix it to the position you find most comfortable
• should offer a variety of ports, like many USB Slots, audio and video output options, storage space, optical unit, etc

Proper position at you desk - one of the befits of netbook stands

With all these in mind, let’s have a look at this list of products below. I have to tell you that they are here because they are the best and that’s based on my experience with some of them (I’m a tech editor for a couple of years and had the chance to play with all sorts of gadgets) and also on what regular people who bought these docking stations present here had to say about each of them.

They will work with nearly all kind of netbooks and mini-laptop, regardless of brand, size, etc. So, think about them as a long term investment you’re going to have for a couple of years, even if you plan changing your notebook during all this time.

Logitech Netbook Riser

This accessory is not actually a docking station, just a device meant to correct your posture while working on your mini-laptop at the desk. That position is most of the times not the right one, which results in back-pain, which can evolve after a couple of years in severe back problems. Thus, a device like this one is what i consider a must even if you spend only a couple of hours a day in front of your laptop at the desk.

Like i said, it doesn’t come with any ports, but it is solid built and reliable, as proven by the very good marks and reviews received from buyers. And it is also very affordable, as it goes right not for $42.99 (with a 10% discount) and Free Shipping. So, definitely a very good deal. For more details, pictures, reviews and the option to buy, see this link.

Logitech netbook Riser - cheap and just useful

Logitech Alto Connect Stand

This is right now the most popular notebook stand available on Amazon, one of the most trusted sites in the world. That speaks of how good it is.

First, you will notice the extravagant design. It’s very solid built also and has rubber feet so it won’t scratch the furniture. Also, the upper area where you would place the laptop is rubber covered, so your device won’t slip and move while using it. Last but not least, this stand elevates your laptop to a more ergonomic position, but it lacks any adjustments, thus, some of you might not find it fit (especially if you’re taller than the average).

Then, you’ll find it works with all kind of laptops, from 7 to 18 inch and is also compatible with MacBooks . On the back you have 3xUSB ports and another one is on the front, so you can easily connect your peripherals. However, while a mouse, keyboard or flash-drive would work just great, external hard-drives might not, although the stand has its own DC-IN connection.

All in all, this is a good dock, but has limitations. Managed to score some great marks from previous buyers and the fact that it only sells for $69.99 (with Shipping included) is definitely part of its success. The 3 years warranty bundled along is another one, for sure. However, if you need a dock with more features, you have better options.

Alto connect - brilliant design and good reviews

Logitech Alto Cordless

Like the other Logitech docking stations, this one impresses in terms of build quality and looks, as you can see in the pictures below. But unlike it, does come with some extra features. Plus, besides the actual stand, the pack also contains a high-quality and ergonomic Logitech wireless keyboard. There’s no mouse included though, so you’ll have to choose one of those too. There’s a good list of pick for a netbook mouse in here.

On the back of the stand you get 3xUSB ports and the great thing is that you can use them for all kind of peripherals, including external hard-drives . In order for those to work you’ll need to connect the AC cable to your stand.

Overall, the Logitech Alto Cordless is perhaps the best affordable docking station for mini-laptops you’ll get these days, as it can be yours for only $40.99 on Amazon, with a big 60 bucks discount and Free Shipping. However, this one has 2 major flaws: it’s not height adjustable and when placing a laptop on it, you will no longer have access to any of the ports on its front part (that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for netbook owners, and these mini devices usually have nothing on the front side). But, if you can live with these two, this is for sure a great pick, especially since it also comes with 5 years warranty.

Logitech Alto Wireless - docking station with wireless keyboard and 5 years Warranty

Toshiba Dynadock V universal docking station

With the Toshiba Dynadock V we enter a superior class of notebook docking hubs. Unlike the above, this is not a stand, but a stand-alone unit you’ll place next to your laptop. Thus, it won’t be able to handle the ergonomic concerns of using a netbook at the desk, but will take care of all your other problems.

First, the device is small and compact. It has to be connected to the AC line and offers 4xUSB ports (3 on the back, 3 on the front), able to handle all kind of peripherals. On the front you also get Audio/Mic ports and on the back there’s an Ethernet Lan slot, so this device can be connected to your network (this comes with quite a lot of benefits, as it can be used to deliver Internet to multiple devices simultaneously, like a laptop and a TV).

Because, unlike the other docking stations above, this one can be used to stream content to a Full-HD external display via DVI output. And don’t worry if your netbook is not powerful enough to do that on its own, the Dynadock has its own integrated HD graphic chip capable of dealing with 1080p content.

The Dynadock V is compatible with any Windows operated laptop and notebook. You just have to connect it to your device via an USB cable and you’re good to go.

This universal Toshiba hub has a list price of around 120 bucks, but you can get it from here for only $71.99 , which is definitely a deal you should take. Because, if you’re looking for such a device, you’ll hardly find anything better. See more details, reviews or have the option to buy it from Amazon.com by clicking this link.

Toshiba Dynadock V - lots of features, still good price

NU Dock Station

This is the last of this list of recommended docking stations for netbooks and mini laptops, but definitely not the least. The name will surely not tell you much, but the device is very good and comes with some features the other stations above lacked.

First of all , it is a stand, so you place the laptop on it, thus providing a better position. It is not height adjustable though.

The device is built especially for netbooks though, and will only work with devices between 7 and 12 inch in size. It’s very easy to set-up, you just have to plug it in via and USB cable. It provides 3xUSB slots that will handle all kind of peripherals and also has an integrated DVD-RW unit and 2.5″ enclosure. That can be used for a 2.5″ HDD (that you’ll have to buy afterward) which will come in handy, especially since netbooks don’t excel in terms of storage space. Also, the upper part of the stand has a 10 inch fan (which can be easily switched On/Off from a button on the side), great for keeping your netbook cool.

Still, unlike the Dynadock, this stand can’t be used to output content on a bigger display (although you can always do that by connecting a display directly to your mini-laptop). But it comes with some nice extra-goodies and if you think you need them, you should check out more details and pictures about this NU Dock Station via this link. Also, you’ll be able to get it from there. It sells for about 70 bucks, a fair price in my eyes.

NU Docking for netbooks, with DVD and HDD units

Conclusions

All in all, docking stations are a great way to improve your experience with a netbook while at home, at your desk. I for one would get one for my 11.6 inch or bigger mini laptop and right now, i would choose the Toshiba Dynadock V for its features and the Logitech adjustable laptop stand to deal with my correct posture at the desk. They would get me to around 100 bucks, but since this combo could live for 2-3 years at least, I believe these are money smart spent, as an investment in my good health and comfort.

Now that’s about it. I hope i helped you guys with this post and you managed to find more about docking stations for netbooks. Of course, your views and opinions are much appreciated, so don’t hesitate to post a comment if you have anything to say.

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Form Factor

X-Mini II comes in a capsule form. It is cut in halves so you can twist and pop it open to reveal the resonator. The X-Mini II provides better sound quality when resonator is open. The red dot on top also makes a perfect match to the black casing. The X-Mini II is also small enough to fit your pocket, though it could be bulging since it’s round in shape. It also fits perfectly to a little compartment in my car. Then it became my companion when I travel.

The new XM2 has three (3) ports around the base. There’s a mini-USB port which you can use for charging and sound input at the same time. Under the base is a male 3.55 mm audio jack and on the other side is a female 3.55 audio jack; both can act as audio input or output.

Sound Quality

X-Mini II is small speaker that produces loud mono sound. According to others who experienced using the first X Mini, the sound of the XM2 is twice as loud as the first one. When popped out, the resonator provides even more quality sound from the little speaker. I actually tested my speakers in full volume in a covered basketball court and everyone felt the sound of it.

The quality of sound is even better when in stereo mode. Since the sound that comes from a single XM2 is mono, you need to have another XM2 speaker, a splitter to have a stereo version of XM2.

The Bass however can still be improved. In some songs where the bass should be loud, the smallness of the XM2 cannot handle it. But the sound that comes out is not being distorted despite the loud sound.

Battery Life

The XM2 has enhanced battery life compared to the first X Mini. It can last up to 11 hours in one full charge based on my experience. The XM2 has a blue/red LED on the base which indicate the battery power. When charging, the LED turns red and becomes blue when the battery is full. While the blue LED starts to dim when the power is low until the battery drains when playing.

Verdict

While the XM2 has addressed most of the flaws from the first X Mini, it also has some drawbacks when it comes to pricing. $65 USD maybe too expensive, but since I have nothing to compare it with, I would say I have the best value for my money with these small speakers. The Bass could be the best to somebody’s ears but not to mine. Should X-MI build a standalone X Mini Bass, it could be perfect.

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