Toshiba NB205
Toshiba's first netbook is compact and durable, with a few design quirks. The power button is oddly situated in middle of the screen hinge, so you can't turn the machine on if the screen is closed. The keys are spaced out and somewhat bouncy, so it takes a while to adapt to the keyboard. The design works well, though, in keeping the NB205 thin enough to slip into a small travel bag. The nine-hour battery is a bonus. And Toshiba throws in some nice nuances: the USB ports, for instance, can charge your phone or camera even when the computer is off. The netbook also has an impact sensor to protect your data if you drop it. To listen to music or make calls with Skype, which comes preinstalled, you'll probably want to supplement the soft built-in speakers with headphones or external speakers. At 0.3 megapixels, the webcam isn't as sharp as what you'll find on other netbooks, but for basic video chatting, the quality difference doesn't matter. Overall, this is a good low-cost alternative to a bulkier Windows laptop.
Price: $348
Weight: 2.9 lb.