Go into the local electronics store and the laptop section will have a couple of pretty weak-looking laptops. All of them are small, low-powered and overall underwhelming. These tiny PCs are a newer generation of laptops dubbed “netbooks.” Meant to be a cheap alternative to expensive notebooks, netbooks are meant to give you the minimum requirements to run an office suite or check your email, but not provide enough power to perform more intensive tasks like gaming and graphic design.

Things to expect from a netbook include a low-powered CPU, around 1GB of RAM, an SSD (Solid-State Drive) and wireless connectivity. Anything else is a frill, and additional functionality, like CD/DVD drivers, usually have to be tacked on via a USB.

Netbooks aim to use as little power as possible to maximize battery life, which is why things like DVD drives aren’t included. SSDs are also used to improve energy efficiency. Since they contain no moving parts they use less power. SSDs are based on the same technology as USB drives.

The other notable feature about them is that they like Linux. Microsoft is reluctant to expand support for Windows XP, leaving manufactures no choice but to turn to another operating system. Linux – the other white meat – is the next option since it´s capable of running on almost any hardware and isn’t a resource hog like Windows Vista.

Dell Inspiron Mini 9

The Mini 9 is Dell’s entry into the netbook market. As the number in the name suggests, the Mini has a nine-inch screen. This netbook is a classic example of what a netbook should be with its 1.6GHz Intel processor, 512MB to 2GB of RAM and anywhere from 4 to 64GB of disk space. You can easily pop this little sucker out on the subway ride to work and write up that sales report you forgot to type out last night.

Price: From US$299

Asus Eee PC S101

The Eee PC S101 is very much like Dell’s Mini 9, except for the fact that its screen is one inch larger. The stats for this netbook include 1GB of RAM, 16 to 32GB of disk space and a built-in webcam – it’s only a 0.3MP camera, so don’t expect it to produce any great Facebook profile pictures. If you care about such things, it comes with a reforged exterior in the colours brown, champagne or graphite, and boasts premium Infusion finishes and crystal-adorned hinges.

Price: From $699

Brian Bento is a self-proclaimed geek with a passion for gadgets, movies, liquor and travel. When he’s not trying out the latest gadget or game, you can find him running around the streets of Toronto.