By Ed Fry

Everyone knows what an iPhone is. It has been at the centre of technology buzz since it was released. The latest variant, the iPhone 3G comes with 3G mobile broadband and combines with Apples Safari internet browser. It combines 3 consoles, a phone, a composition player and a internet browsing device.

But it shares many similar functions to a mini laptop; the question is which is better?

Turning on

Both have a simple on button but time to take to load up varies. With Linux, the time can be as small as 15 seconds, although Windows XP will take longer. The iPhone will take around 20-25 seconds from turning on to being ready to use.

>>> Winner is this category: Netbook

Typing

Typing on both isn’t the same as on a desktop, but the netbook still has the edge here. It has a full qwerty keyboard rarely less than 80% the size of a full size keyboard. It takes do to type quickly on the iPhone’s 3.5″ touchscreen – I find it fastest with two thumbs, but accuracy is compromised. If you need to be accurate, by the corner of your finger helps. Still, it’s hard, especially when you’ve got a protective case on to stop scratching the back.

>>> Winner is this category: Netbook

Browsing

Apple safari as its limitations, but the version on the iPhone is more than passable. Still, the Mozilla Firefox or Windows Internet Explorer are capable of viewing a lot more and it working. You can surf simpler on netbooks, fill in forms quicker and open more windows.

>>> Winner is this category: Netbook

Communications

The iPhone was essentially built entirely as an application for communication. Netbooks are designed for another role. As a phone, it would seemingly have the high hand on communications, what with it’s 3G internet and wifi. Netbooks don’t generally come as standard with 3G, but wifi is standard. The rise of Skype and additional internet phone companies make the netbook very competitive – but it would look a bit weird talking into your microphone of your mini laptop on your typical commute

>>> Winner is this category: iPhone

Portability

The iPhone is easily small enough to fit in a sack, so perhaps is an simple winner here. Still, most of us carry a bag or something similar around with us, which a netbook can easily slip into. The new Sony VAIO P Series can easily slip into a jacket sack.

>>> Winner is this category: iPhone

Cost

Netbooks typically cost between £200-300, at the same time as your unofficially unlocked iPhone will cost between £350-400 depending on where you want to buy. You can only but the official factory unlocked iPhones in countries where it is illegal to sell safe and sound phones like Belgium, New Zealand, Italy, Australia, France, Germany and Singapore. Officially unlocked iPhones will set you back around £500 – and the price keeps rising as the pound weakens.

Overall: Netbook wins

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