What is a Netbook? A Netbook is smaller portable computer, usually with a screen size of 9 inches and weights between 2 to 3 lbs. Netbook is scaled down in functions and computing power for the sole purpose of surfing the net, checking email, and listening to music, viewing your favourite YouTube videos, or IM and video chat.

Almost all major brands have jumped onto the Netbook bandwagon in 2008 from HP, Lenovo, Dell, LG to ASUS and many others. ASUS's Eee PC was a highly reconzied brand in Canada because Royal Bank was running a promotion by giving one away to every banking account opened.

Is Netbook worth it?  It is small, does the job, weight a lot less, comes with all the features expected including a built-in webcam you needed to be on the road and stay connected with the Internet, some even have built-in 3G / cellular based broadband access. With a large hard drive (80GB or more) it can doubled up as a temperaory photo storage unit during any vacation trips - why pack a full size laptop, a photo storage device, MP3, a portable video device while a Netbook does it all.

What you should look for in a NetBook? Most Netbook runs a scaled down version of Windows XP (yes this is still available as Vista cannot run on many devices including the Netbook) or some version of Linux or even Mac OS. Your best bet is to stick with the Windows XP version as you will be able to run many applications available from the Internet.

Here is a list of features to look for:

• Screen resolution 1024x600
  
• Intel Atom CPU running at 1.6-GHz (or faster as they become available)
  
• Wi-Fi B and G
  
• Ethernet at 100Mbps
  
• A slot for a flash RAM memory card
  
• External VGA output jack
  
• Integrated graphics
  
• Two or three USB ports
  
• Built-in camera
  
• Headphone and microphone jacks
  
• Solid state hard drive (some manufacturers have began offering this as an option. While the drive capacity maybe a bit less but it is a worthwhile feature as it has less moving part leading to lesser chance of breakdown)