Netbook Comparison - Features, Options and Prices

Netbook Features 

• Screen Size and Resolution - Since the computer is smaller, some users are conscious of having too small of a screen. Most of these models have small but clear screens that give you more than enough surface area to see what you're doing while having multiple windows open. A good screen should be around 10 inches, measured from top left corner to bottom right corner.
• Battery Life - A portable computer lives and dies by it's battery. You don't always have a plug-in when you're on the road and you don't want it to die at a critical time (save often!).
• Processor - Netbooks pack a lot of power in a small case. More powerful processors are required to run more intense software. A netbook will probably not be your game player on the road, but it should be capable to process video, music and software that is memory and processing intensive. 1.66 Ghz is a good starting point. Most netbooks will be similar as they invariable use the Intel Atom N270 or N280 designed for these small computers.
• RAM - RAM helps your computer work on multiple files or programs without bogging down the system. Due to limited RAM, gaming is not a strength with netbooks, but you should be able to runs several other applications with ease. Most netbooks have 1 GB of RAM and are upgradable to 2 GB if needed. All netbook RAM should be DDR2 which is typical of all notebook computers, and if upgradable, features 1 DIMM slot to insert an additional 1GB RAM chip.
• Hard Drive - The more business you do, the more storage you need for software and big files. A big hard drive is critical, and you can also always get by with additional USB storage for supplemental storage capacity. That being said, triple digit GB storage is available and should be sought out.
• Operating System - Most netbooks carry Windows XP which gives you flexibility, and almost bulletproof uptime. For those who miss XP, a netbook is a good way to keep what you like, while Vista or 7 fans will miss out. XP is also used to keep prices down, and that's one of the joys of the netbook. Update: Apparently, 7 is also going to be available so keep an eye out.
• Price - Speaking of which, the bottom line is important to a lot of people, especially students on a budget, or businesses who are issuing netbooks to multiple staff members. An entire sales team with their own netbooks adds up in a hurry. Best to have a computer that does everything necessary for roadwork and presentations without breaking the bank. Less than $400 is a good standard for a netbook, about half of what you'd pay for a low end tower, and far less than a top-of-the-line system.
• Miscellaneous - There are lots of other little features that I will try to touch on, but the most critical of which should be built in Wi-Fi. If your netbook won't find and connect to free or pay Wi-Fi systems, you're missing out.