| Everyone knows what an iPhone is. It has been at | | | | windows. |
| the centre of technology buzz since it was released. | | | | >>> Winner is this category: Netbook |
| The latest variant, the iPhone 3G comes with 3G | | | | Communications |
| mobile broadband and combines with Apples Safari | | | | The iPhone was essentially built entirely as an |
| internet browser. It combines 3 consoles, a phone, a | | | | application for communication. Netbooks are designed |
| music player and a internet browsing device. | | | | for another role. As a phone, it would seemingly have |
| But it shares many similar functions to a mini laptop; | | | | the upper hand on communications, what with it's 3G |
| the question is which is better? | | | | internet and wifi. Netbooks don't generally come as |
| Turning on | | | | standard with 3G, but wifi is standard. The rise of |
| Both have a simple on button but time to take to | | | | Skype and other internet phone companies make the |
| load up varies. With Linux, the time can be as short | | | | netbook very competitive - but it would look a bit |
| as 15 seconds, although Windows XP will take longer. | | | | strange talking into your microphone of your mini |
| The iPhone will take around 20-25 seconds from | | | | laptop on your typical commute |
| turning on to being ready to use. | | | | >>> Winner is this category: iPhone |
| >>> Winner is this category: Netbook | | | | Portability |
| Typing | | | | The iPhone is easily small enough to fit in a pocket, |
| Typing on both isn't the same as on a desktop, but | | | | so perhaps is an easy winner here. Still, most of us |
| the netbook still has the edge here. It has a full | | | | carry a bag or something similar around with us, |
| qwerty keyboard rarely less than 80% the size of a | | | | which a netbook can easily slip into. The new Sony |
| full size keyboard. It takes practice to type quickly | | | | VAIO P Series can easily slip into a jacket pocket. |
| on the iPhone's 3.5" touchscreen - I find it fastest | | | | >>> Winner is this category: iPhone |
| with two thumbs, but accuracy is compromised. If | | | | Cost |
| you need to be accurate, using the corner of your | | | | Netbooks typically cost between £200-300, |
| finger helps. Still, it's difficult, especially when you've | | | | whilst your unofficially unlocked iPhone will cost |
| got a protective case on to stop scratching the back. | | | | between £350-400 depending on where you |
| >>> Winner is this category: Netbook | | | | want to buy. You can only but the official factory |
| Browsing | | | | unlocked iPhones in countries where it is illegal to sell |
| Apple safari as its limitations, but the version on the | | | | locked phones like Belgium, New Zealand, Italy, |
| iPhone is more than adequate. Still, the Mozilla Firefox | | | | Australia, France, Germany and Singapore. Officially |
| or Windows Internet Explorer are capable of viewing | | | | unlocked iPhones will set you back around |
| a lot more and it working. You can surf easier on | | | | £500 - and the price keeps rising as the pound |
| netbooks, fill in forms quicker and open more | | | | weakens. |