Dear Masked Geek,

Q: I want a laptop for taking notes in class and for writing papers, but all the laptops I’ve looked at are too big and heavy, and they cost a lot. Are there smaller, lighter laptops?

A: As a matter of fact, there are. However, they’re not true laptops. They’re called Netbooks, and they may be just what you’re looking for. Netbooks are pretty small, usually less than 10 inches wide, and most weigh in at around three pounds.

This small size does come with some drawbacks, however.

Netbooks are not as powerful or fast as laptops, and they do not have CD/DVD-ROM drives.

Keeping their limitations in mind, Netbooks are still an excellent choice for those on a budget who still need a portable computer.

Netbooks generally cost around $300, and come with Windows XP preinstalled.

From the archives:

At the request of my readers, I’ve started to write down some of my more entertaining tech help endeavors. And now I thought I’d start sharing them with you, my loyal readers.

Here is a conversation between myself, the Masked Geek, and what I like to call a Non-Techy.

MG: So, what problem are you having?

NT: I can’t get my screen to show anything.

MG: Is it turned on?

NT: Yes.

MG: Is the CPU on?

NT: Yes.

MG: Is the monitor plugged into the computer?

NT: I think so. OK, I just checked, yes it is.

MG: Have you tried moving the mouse or pressing the space bar?

NT: Yes, it didn’t work.

MG: Are the mouse and keyboard both plugged in?

NT: They have to be plugged in?

The Masked Geek needs your questions!

Without your questions, all he does is sit in the closet with his laptop playing Doom II multiplayer all day.

To be honest, it’s getting kind of depressing to see him like that – again.

So please help the Geek. E-mail your techy questions to: [email protected]

And help get him away from the pixilated nightmare that is Doom II!