The Netbook vs iPad and CD-ROM

The iPad has no CD-ROM built in, nor can you add any sort of CD drive to the device. Netbooks are designed primarily for Internet-based computing and mobility, so a CD-ROM drive is considered an unnecessary weight addition. However, they come in a variety of different models from different manufacturers, so specifications vary. Most netbooks have USB ports that are capable of supporting an external CD drive if the netbook's operating system allows the connection.

Apple Netbooks

The MacBook Air 11-inch model is Apple's closest offering to a netbook other than the iPad. You can use Apple's Remote Disc technology to share a full Mac or Windows computer's CD-ROM drive with your MacBook Air over a local network. This works because the Air uses the Mac OS X operating system, which is the same system as a standard Mac computer. The iPad uses the iOS operating system, which is the same system as the iPhone. This is a mobile platform with many limitations to significantly reduce processor and power consumption compared to a full computer.
     
Other Netbooks
  
Most major computer brands feature a netbook offering, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba. Consult the manufacturer's websites for technical specifications on that brand of netbook. Most of these netbooks run some version of the Windows operating system, so any external CD drive compatible with that version of Windows will work with your netbook through a USB connection. Some cellular phone makers, such as Motorola, also offer netbooks. These may have mobile phone style operating systems like the iPad, which make them incapable of supporting an external CD drive unless it's specifically designed to work with that operating system.

Managing iPad Content

The iPad gets all of its software through downloads from Apple's App Store, so CDs aren't necessary for installing software. Any hardware compatible with the iPad uses CD-free device drivers so you don't have to worry about that type of software for installation either. If you want to get music CDs onto an iPad, you can load them into iTunes on your computer and transfer the electronic files to the iPad through the sync process. Files work the same way; you can email them to your iPad or sync them through iTunes directly from your computer.

Managing Netbook Content

Netbooks that run Windows use the same types of software as computers, but most of this software is now available for download from the Internet, so you don't need installation CDs. Productivity software such as Microsoft Office Suite or Adobe Creative Suite is available for online purchase and download directly to your netbook, eliminating the need for CDs. The same goes for drivers for most external devices. You can transfer files to your netbook using USB flash drives or online services to get your files where you need them without worrying about disks.
     
Considerations
 
If you have a lot of disk-based content that you don't want to add to your computer and then transfer electronically, a netbook is what you need. However, if you're willing to take the time to learn how file management and software functions on the iPad, you may find that its lighter weight and touch-screen interface are worth moving away from CD-based computing. With either device, any CD you transfer must be compatible with the device's operating system.