Top 5 Netbooks Currently Available

Netbooks are perfect for school, work, and wherever else you may travel, all while meeting your basic computing needs, including e-mail, web surfing, and simple document creation. But more importantly, these lower-powered machines cost much less than standard-issue laptops. I have researched many netbooks on the web and have consolidated this list down to the top five currently available on the market based on consumer ratings and units sold.


1. ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

Catapult to the forefront of technology with ASUS's Eee PC 1000HE, the first netbook to feature the Intel Atom N280 processor. With up to 9.5 hours of battery life, the 1000HE enables you to bring internet and multimedia wherever you go, without a power cord. Furthermore, its 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, 3.2 pound lightweight chassis, flush fitting battery pack, and large ergonomic chiclet keyboard will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort and style for hours on end. Its generous 160GB hard drive, along with an additional 10GB of Eee Online Storage, will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere.

2. Toshiba Mini NB305-N310

With a new sleeker design and up to 11 hours of battery life, the affordable, super-compact Toshiba Mini NB305 weighs less than 3 pounds, is small enough to throw in a purse or bag, and offers a brightly colorful 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen. It features a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing and a larger touchpad with Multi-Touch Control, which enables you to navigate documents, web pages and images more easily. Additionally, the Toshiba Mini NB305 also features the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, 160GB hard drive protected using an integrated 3D impact sensor, and a USB Sleep-and-Charge port, which allows external USB devices such as cell phones and portable media players to charge from the netbook even when it is turned off.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X100E

The Lenovo ThinkPad X100E is cool and confident with a slick new design and bold color options. But make no mistake, the X100e is all ThinkPad—reliable, rock-solid and well-equipped. Best of all, it's the most affordable ThinkPad ever. The ISO full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard combines the legendary ThinkPad feel with a contemporary look for a simplified user experience. ThinkPad X100E also features an 11.6" HD display, the familiar TrackPoint pointing device and a multitouch touchpad that lets you easily zoom, scroll and rotate using simple two-finger gestures. This globally available and reliable netbook comes standard with worry-free corporate OS support, robust warranties, ThinkVantage Technologies and a powerful AMD processor, ideal for entrepreneurs and students alike.

4. Gateway LT2119u

The ultra-portable design of the Gateway LT netbook is ideal for those on the go who need a quick, easy way to connect to the Internet. Weighing less than 3 pounds, it features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display and an easy typing keyboard. The Gateway LT has a luxurious look with a high-polished finish, rounded edges, silver hinges and engraved metallic logo. Plus, its textured palm rest hides fingerprints and wears much better than glossy-finished palm rests, making it as durable as it is chic. Combining the power of the Intel Atom N450 processor and NM10 Express chipset with a 6-cell battery, this Gateway model provides up to 10 hours of battery life. The LT2119u uses a very large 250GB hard drive, which is one of the advantages of the new Windows 7 licensing terms that will help people who need to store more data. It also features a multi-gesture touchpad that enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers for an intuitive navigation of web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

5. Samsung N150

Delivering exquisite style while ensuring you have less to carry while staying within your budget, the Samsung N150 netbook features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, and up to 7 hours of battery life. It is perfect for getting work done on the go, sports a 93% full-size keyboard for easy typing as well as a webcam for staying in contact with friends and family, and with integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi, you'll be able to connect to the Internet at home or in your town's hotspot(s). With a host of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader and three USB 2.0 ports, you can easily move data from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or PDA straight to your netbook. At a mere 2.7 lbs, you can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, and the 7 hours of battery life makes it good for most of your day.