Recently, I decided to get a new computer. After much deliberation (mostly between brands), I decided on a new Dell netbook, the Inspiron Mini 10.

On the whole, I’m really happy with my decision. There are some features that I sacrifice, such as processing power, and the lack of a disk drive, but I think that the netbook makes up for that in portability. However, this is one ‘sacrifice’ that I deal with on a daily basis, and that is screen size.

My netbook has a 10.1″ screen at a resolution of 1024 by 600…slightly smaller than a standard resolution. However, despite that fact, some websites aren’t displayed correctly.

While the problem with some websites are often minor, it is still a problem that needs addressing. Since I’ve invested in my Dell, I’ve found myself designing with smaller screen resolutions in mind.

Previously, as time goes on the trend has been for screen resolutions to increase in size. However, with the increased popularity of these smaller computers, maybe we as designer need to rethink our approach. I know that I really take advantage of my 19″ desktop monitor, and fail to recognize the fact that a majority of computer users have a smaller screen.

Now I like 960 designs as much as the next guy, but I think that designers really should be careful about the content we place on the edges of our sites.