If your needs for a laptop computer are modest and you don’t want to spend more than $500, a netbook might be the answer, especially now that the latest generation offers vastly improved computing power.

Advantages: Netbooks weigh about three pounds, about half the weight of many standard laptops… generally cost $250 to $500, hundreds less than laptops… and can run on battery power for seven hours or more, up to 30% longer than laptops. Although netbooks have some drawbacks, they’re more than adequate for basic computer functions, including e-mailing… surfing the Internet… and storing hundreds of pictures. To choose the right one…

THREE QUESTIONS

Do you do a lot of typing? Most netbooks have keyboards about 10% smaller than standard laptops and smaller screens (10 inches measured diagonally versus 13 or more inches). Some designs are much more comfortable than others, so try specific models before you buy.

Do you need an internal DVD/CD player? Internal players are standard on laptops but missing in netbooks. If you need to use discs to install store-bought software or to play DVD rentals, or you want to burn discs to save data, photos and videos, you would need to add a portable DVD drive.

Do you need additional speed? In the next year, expect many more netbooks to offer a dual-core processor, which provides at least 30% more power and speed than a standard single-core processor. This should increase the price by $50 to $100.

Nevertheless, if you need powerful video or gaming software, netbooks typically don’t have enough computing power or a big enough screen. Consider a powerful laptop or a desktop computer. Best netbooks for your priorities…

VERY LOW PRICE

  • ASUS Eee PC 1001P-MU17. Despite selling for less than $300, this one offers all the basic features most users say that they must have. It’s only 2.8 pounds, with a 10-inch display screen and a keyboard that is 92% as large as that of a typical standard laptop. It has one gigabyte (GB) of RAM (memory) and 160GB of hard-drive storage, enough to hold plenty of software, about 200 hours of video and thousands of photos and music files. Cost: $300. http://usa.asus.com

COMFORT

  • Toshiba Mini NB305-N410 is the easiest netbook to work on. The laptop-size keyboard has big keys, and the buttons that control the mouse are large and provide good resistance under your fingertip. An LED-backlit 10-inch screen offers bright, sharp colors and images. Weighs five pounds. Cost: $400. www.Toshiba.com

LIGHTWEIGHT DURABILITY

  • HP Mini 5103 is the most durable netbook. It weighs 2.6 pounds and features an optional carrying handle that attaches to the side of the unit… has a spill-resistant keyboard… a rugged brushed-metal chassis… a dual-core processor… and a touch screen. Cost: $400. www.hp.com

TOP OF THE LINE

  • ASUS Eee PC 1215N is one of the largest, most powerful netbooks on the market, with a 12-inch screen, 2GB of RAM, superior sound, a dual-core processor and a 250GB hard drive. These features surpass nearly every other netbook if you plan to watch a lot of videos or store many photos. Weighs 3.2 pounds. Cost: $500. http://usa.asus.com

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