| Well, you're in the market for a netbook or even | | | | These devices are really for mobile phones, etc. |
| a notebook, and you're struggling because of all | | | | My netbook doesn't support this out of the box, |
| the options that you need to consider to get a | | | | and it is relatively simple to add the function by |
| well-connected model. | | | | buying a Bluetooth bud and plugging it into your |
| This article will go through the standard features | | | | setup. But why bother when you can just buy |
| and explain what they are and why they are | | | | the machine already setup. Bluetooth allows you |
| useful or not in terms of their connectivity. Many | | | | to connect to your mobile devices (phones, |
| models contain all of these features, but not | | | | earphones, etc.) without an annoying cable, though |
| every model will contain exactly the same | | | | you will find that Bluetooth access speeds are |
| specification so check carefully before you plonk | | | | slow compared to mobile broadband standards. |
| down your hard earned cash. | | | | This seems to be a limitation for Bluetooth 2.1. |
| 1. Ethernet Connections | | | | However, it is still useful for uploading/downloading |
| This is probably the most universal connector that | | | | pictures and music and data from your handset. |
| you will need or have, and an RJ45 connector will | | | | 5. USB slots |
| plugin to the socket. It is identified on left-side of | | | | Most new ASUS Eee netbooks provide for ample |
| most netbooks as a slightly larger than a phone | | | | USB slots. I really recommend three USB slots for |
| socket type slot. It is usually placed right next to | | | | a number of reasons: 1 slot is for your mobile |
| the telephone jack. | | | | phone tethered Internet access (always useful), |
| Not all notebooks include one of these because of | | | | one is for your full-size keyboard/mouse/other, |
| the socket size. The most important point is that | | | | and one is for your data device. It's pretty easy |
| many hotels, offices and businesses still provide | | | | to use up three slots at one sitting with the |
| only cable-based Internet access through their | | | | devices we now use: MP3s, cameras, card |
| network to the Internet. So, if you don't have | | | | readers, CD/DVD burners, USB keys... why be |
| one of these connectors, you may find yourself | | | | short? |
| out of luck. I'm usually glad to use a cable, | | | | 6. Video Adapter |
| because I've found wired networks faster and | | | | This is still a very useful adapter socket on many |
| more secure than wireless networks. On Asus, | | | | models, because you can connect to an external |
| this is usually referred to as 10/100 Fast Ethernet. | | | | monitor or projector. You will find the video out |
| 2. Telephone Still Rocks | | | | useful if you are giving a presentation or have |
| If you're stuck in some parts of the world | | | | tired eyes or just need a bigger monitor for a |
| (developed AND developing) you may find that | | | | delicate task. While VGA connectors are still |
| you still need to dial in via 56K modem and | | | | available, you may find that you need to also stick |
| telephone line to connect to the Internet. So you | | | | a converter-jack for the new style monitor jacks |
| will also need a standard telephone jack to | | | | that are increasingly common. Otherwise you may |
| connect a telephone line, too. Of course, this also | | | | not be able to use the monitor. Luckily these are |
| makes faxing (if you have the software) | | | | really small. |
| straightforward. If you don't have a telephone | | | | 7. Secure Digital Memory Card Slot |
| socket, you can still use SkypeFax for making | | | | This device is always useful for reading your |
| faxes, though perhaps it's less convenient. | | | | photographs or other digital media. The ASUS Eee |
| 3. Wireless Networks | | | | PCs usually provide one MMC/SD(SDHC) card slot |
| All netbooks include Wireless connectivity as a | | | | for you to stick your cards into. Of course, if you |
| standard feature. This makes accessing the | | | | are using a mini-card or large compact flashcard, |
| Internet or LANs quick and simple. Many of the | | | | you will need to use a separate device to connect |
| older netbooks feature dual modes (b/g), but | | | | via USB. |
| newer models, such as the 1000 series, feature | | | | These seven connectivity points are, I think, |
| tri-mode connectivity Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n). This | | | | essential in today's ASUS Eee PC netbooks |
| n-mode will provide faster access to the network, | | | | models. It would be nice to mobile broadband as |
| as well as a more stable experience. So look for a | | | | an on-board feature, but that hasn't happened yet |
| model that supports that network if possible. Not | | | | on any netbook. Given the rapid deployment of |
| all Asus Eee PC 1000 series do support n-mode. | | | | broadband wireless networks, I expect we'll see |
| 4. Bluetooth Devices | | | | this soon on top-end netboooks, too. |