Computer Shopping on a Small Budget - Consider a Netbook

If you are seeking a bargain when you buy your next computer, or you're looking for a slightly more expensive gift this holiday season, you may want to consider a netbook instead of a notebook. When portable computing without the bells and whistles is your goal, you should check out these three netbook computers all priced at under $500.

A netbook computer is not for everyone. If you have a need for screaming speed, absolutely must watch the latest streaming video via a WiFi connection, or are an intensive gamer, you should opt for a much-more expensive laptop. But, if you need computing on the go for email, word processing, web surfing, or simple graphics manipulation, then a netbook is probably a better fit for you - and your wallet.

All of the netbook models discussed have a minimum display of 10 inches. Smaller 8 and 9 inch models are also available, at a slightly lower cost. Unless you have a true need to pack as much as you can into as small a space as possible, there seems to be little other benefit in either weight, battery life, or price to warrant going any smaller than a 10 inch netbook.

Some common components of all netbook computers are their connectivity. All have built-in WiFi capability, LAN cards, onboard graphics, and many have Bluetooth connectivity, too. All (unless noted) come with Windows XP preinstalled.

Samsung NC-10 - This baby features an Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, 1 gig of RAM (expandable to 2 GB), and a 160 GB hard drive - making it rival in sheer power many desktops available on the market just 5 years ago. Bluetooth installed. Expected battery life a max of 8 hours. It weighs in under 5 pounds, and costs just under $500.

ASUS Eee PC 1000HA - Nearly identical in features to the Samsung NC-10, except that ASUS might be a little more realistic in the expected battery life by saying it will only last 7 hours. Does not include Bluetooth, but does include a built-in webcam. It weighs in just over 3 pounds, and typically runs slightly over $400.

MSI Wind U100 10 - Depending on who you talk to, the Wind is billed as either a netbook or notebook. Same Intel processor as both the Samsung and ASUS Eee. It has an 80 GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM can be upgraded to 2 GB, and it features Bluetooth connectivity. It has a slightly larger keyboard than either the ASUS Eee or the Samsung NC-10, a built-in webcam and microphone, and weighs in at a trim 2.6 pounds. Priced in the mid-$400 range.