A netbook is a small, lightweight laptop designed primarily for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and word processing. Typically featuring a screen size of 10 to 12 inches, netbooks are portable and often have long battery life, making them ideal for users on the go. They usually run on less powerful processors compared to traditional laptops, which helps keep costs down. Netbooks generally come with limited storage and memory, relying on cloud services for additional data management. They gained popularity in the late 2000s as a budget-friendly alternative to more powerful laptops, appealing to students and casual users. However, with the rise of tablets and more powerful ultrabooks, their popularity has declined.