Netbook cheat sheet: Old and new models compared

Our verdict
Buy: ASUS Eee PC 1005HA
For an additional $80, ASUS's new Eee PC 1005HA offers an LED screen, faster processor, and better wireless connectivity, including 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1. However, its biggest advantage is its battery life. The netbook uses ASUS's Super Hybrid Engine software to squeeze out a rated (but impressive) 10.5 hours of battery life. For travelers, the extra battery power might be worth the cost to upgrade. Otherwise, Starbucks surfers can easily get by with the 1000HA and use the extra $80 on more lattes.

Our verdict
Buy: Lenovo IdeaPad S10
We're huge fans of the Lenovo IdeaPad S10. The new IdeaPad S12 sounds great on paper, but takes netbook pricing to a whole new level. In fact, we've seen cheap 15" laptops for less than the price of the S12. Granted, they're heavier, chunkier, and at times downright ugly, but value-wise, the S12 is difficult to justify. If portability is that important, we suggest the ASUS 1005HA, which weighs the same but costs significantly less than the S12. Even the "budget" IdeaPad S12 netbook, which weighs 3.5 lbs., uses 802.11g, and packs GMA 945 graphics, is too costly at $449.99.

However, it's still worth nothing some of the S12's major features, specifically its 12.1" screen and full-size keyboard. Both features are a rarity amongst netbooks. However, for $499 or less, you can purchase a 15" laptop like this Toshiba Dual-Core-based model or this 15.6" Lenovo IdeaPad.

In September, Lenovo will introduce the IdeaPad S12 with NVIDIA's much-anticipated Ion graphics chipset and an HDMI port. This model might be worth the wait, especially if NVIDIA's new chipset delivers a notable performance boost to set the S12 apart from other netbooks.

Our verdict
Buy: Acer Aspire One AO751h-1346
Despite being the newer model, the Acer Aspire One AO751h-1346's processor takes a backseat to its (slightly) speedier sibling. However, the AO751h's Atom Z520 CPU is more energy efficient than the N270, which allows the AO751h to squeeze an extra 1.5 hours of battery life. Other new additions include a multi-gesture trackpad, larger 720p-capable screen, more memory, and a full-size keyboard. At $70, it's a small price to pay for the added features. (But keep in mind that for value, the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA offers the better bargain.)

Our verdict
Buy: Dell Inspiron Mini 10
Despite the price drop, we found the original Mini 10's HDMI port and extra 40GB of hard drive space more valuable than anything the Mini 10v brought to the table. In addition, the Mini 10 can be customized with a 1366x768 LCD (+$35) or mobile broadband modem (+$125) — two options that the Mini 10v lacks.

Conclusion
When it comes to performance, all netbooks are outperformed by budget laptops, many of which pack Intel Dual-Core and Core 2 Duo processors. Also, keep in mind that many of the "new" netbooks are pricier than most budget laptops. Nevertheless, if you're still dead set on a netbook, there are some things worth keeping in mind. For instance, until the first Ion-based netbooks make their debut, you can expect to find little-to-no performance differences amongst netbook manufacturers, since the majority have the same specs under the hood (an Atom processor coupled with 1GB of memory).

When shopping for your netbook, we recommend you look at its features, which can make the difference between buying a good netbook and buying one you'll want to throw out the window. Things to look for include battery life, keyboard size (cramped keyboards really crimp your style), LCD specs (How small a screen can you work on? Is your screen LED backlit), and connectivity (are you getting wireless-N, Bluetooth, HDMI, or VGA?). By focusing on the design features rather than hardware specs, you're more likely to choose a netbook that'll make you happy.

Louis Ramirez is dealnews' Features editor.