The big netbook comparison table
There are scores of netbook models currently available on the market, and each one is a little different from the next. We've attempted to sum up some of the most important differences between the various flavors in a couple of handy charts below. The first covers the guts of the systems, while the second delves into form factors and pricing. You'll find a few Aspire One and Mini-Note 2133 configurations spread across these two tables; each config is numbered to make flipping between the two tables a little easier.

The tables below may be a little daunting. Just consider them a resource if you want to do some comparions, if that helps. We'll talk about each of the major netbook brands in the following pages.

This first chart covers hardware components, and we can clearly see the proliferation of Intel's Atom processor. Also popular are LED-backlit screens, which is impressive considering that the display type is relatively uncommon on full-sized notebooks. LED backlights are preferable to traditional CCFL designs because they produce much more even lighting (which in turn helps improve viewing angles and overall screen brightness) and consume less power. 1024x600 seems to be the resolution of choice for the latest crop of netbooks, whether they be 8.9" or 10.2" models. Only HP's Mini-Note offers a 1280x768 display resolution, while 7" models settle for just 800x400 pixels.

Most recent netbooks make do with 1GB of memory, although some are available in 512MB and 2GB configurations. Storage options also vary. Some systems include relatively low-capacity solid-state drives, and others use standard 2.5" mechanical hard drives with much higher capacities. Note that some SSD configurations split storage between a pair of independent drives, the smaller of which is generally faster and used as the system drive.

As our chart nicely illustrates, Asus has practically flooded the market with Eee PC variants. Asus maintains that it offers so many models to provide consumers with plenty of choices, but Atom processor shortages are likely responsible for the bifurcation of the Eee PC lineup into Atom- and Celeron-based camps. We've tried to cover the most common Eee PC derivatives here, but we have left out some of the more obscure options.

In contrast to Asus' many Eee PC models, HP and Dell treat their netbooks as configurable systems. You can roll your own on each company's website, and our price search engine lists numerous configuration combos for each.

Despite similar hardware configurations, netbooks are available in a range of sizes and weights. Battery life varies from one model to the next, and we've been most impressed with the run time of the 6-cell batteries in Asus' Eee PC 901 and 1000 40G. Netbook batteries are typically available with three, four, and six cells.

The first netbooks may have launched with Linux, but they're now available with Windows XP and even Vista. Manufacturers generally offer users a choice between operating systems, either through a configuration option or entirely different models. The custom Linux installs we've seen on some netbooks are pretty slick and very user-friendly, but they don't offer the flexibility of Windows XP. Netbook-optimized versions of Ubuntu and other distros are available for those who want a more complete Linux-based operating system.

Naturally, netbooks also differ on price. Acer's Aspire One looks to be the bargain of the bunch, ringing in under the magical $400 mark most associated with the genre. There seems to be a price war waging, too: Acer cut Aspire prices not long ago, and Asus has followed with discounts of its own.