Connect: Facebook Twitter linkedin_in_icon_55px YouTube

Researchware, Inc.

Simply Powerful Tools for Qualitative Research

Research On Netbooks

Print | Email

Wikipedia defines a netbook as a "category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers." Typically with screen sizes between 5" and 12" and weighing in at around 2 to 3 pounds or 1 to 1.5 kilos, these small laptops are noted for their portability and low cost. Netbooks are available from many manufacturers and run Windows (Windows 7 Starter or XP typically), Linux, or Mac OS X (Apple's Macbook Air). Researchware's HyperRESEARCH for qualitative data analysis and HyperTRANSCRIBE for easy transcription are available for netbooks under Windows or Mac OS X.

Netbook Advantages and Limitations for Research

A netbook's small size and lightness make it ideal for field work. As a fully configured computer, it is capable of running much of the software that's available for larger computers.

To achieve such a high degree of portability, however, netbooks typically do not include an optical drive (CD/DVD), relying on an Internet connection for transfer of data files and installation of applications. They often use digital storage rather than a hard disk, which gives them greater ruggedness and reduces power use, but also typically provides less space than a conventional hard disk.

Because of the netbook's typically small storage size, it's important to choose software for it that doesn't take too much disk space. With a footprint of around 30Mb, HyperRESEARCH is ideal for the limited profile of a netbook. You can even install HyperRESEARCH on a thumb drive for more flexibility, moving it to any Windows or Mac OS X computer you need to use.

Installing HyperRESEARCH and HyperTRANSCRIBE on a Netbook

Because our tools are delivered by download from our web site, installation on a netbook is fast and easy. Installation doesn't require a CD-ROM or DVD drive. All you need is a connection to the Internet. (Or you can download our self-contained installer on another computer and use a thumb drive to transfer it to your netbook.)

Your purchased license key fully activates HyperRESEARCH or HyperTRANSCRIBE. Our license allows you to use your software on more than one computer, as long as only one copy is in use at a time, so you don't need to buy a separate license for netbook use.

View a few of the available netbooks at Amazon.com or from your favorite online or local reseller.

Keep In Touch!



  1. Sign up for Researchware emails and be the first to learn about exclusive offers, product upgrades, and promotions.

  2. Please enter a valid email address.
  3. Please enter your valid email address again.
  4. Anti-SPAM
    Please respond to the captcha by clicking the "I am not a robot" check box.

Do You Know...

... that in HyperRESEARCH you can use keyboard shortcuts to code audio and video? Just play your source file while listening and/or watching. When you come to the starting point of a segment you want to code, press Control-[ (if you use Windows) or Command-[ (if you use Mac OS X). Continue playing the segment, and when you reach the end of the part you want to code, press Control-] or Command-]. Your chosen segment is now selected, ready to have a code applied!

(This tip can be particularly helpful when you have a long source file and it's difficult to place the play head precisely enough at the spot you want to code. Using the keyboard shortcuts lets you code interactively, without fiddling with the controls on the screen.)
Learn More About HyperRESEARCH™