Why Netbooks?

A netbook is a small laptop that runs a full-blown Linux or Windows operating system. What's turning these devices into a household name is the fact that they are capable PCs that are inexpensive, with prices ranging from $300 to $600.

In fact, in an otherwise shrinking PC market, netbooks seem to be the solitary bright spot. They have proved very popular, and recent figures show that Acer - one of its major proponents - has taken away some market share from Apple, who does not yet have a netbook.

PC Magazine reviews them here.