How much netbook can you get for $400?

Netbooks are small PCs perfect for travelers who want to do Web browsing, e-mail and other tasks without having to lug around a heavy laptop. In early 2008, I reviewed the ASUS Eee PC 4G, one of the original netbooks. It cost $400, had a 7-inch screen, 4GB of storage space, 512MB of RAM and ran the Linux operating system.

A whole lot has changed in a year. Nearly every computer maker has released a, which can range from a few hundred dollars to $900, and most typically feature Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. Instead of smaller, solid-state drives for storage, many netbooks feature large hard drives.

Since $400 was the price of the first netbook I reviewed, I decided to see how much netbook you can buy with $400 today. You can get a great machine at this price, but you will have to make some compromises.

All of the ones I reviewed have at least a 10-inch screen, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, built-in webcam, memory card reader, at least two USB ports, Wi-Fi, ethernet jack and a port for connecting to an external monitor.

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE ($399)

The latest model in ASUS's landmark Eee PC line features a battery the company claims will last a whopping 9.5 hours. It's the only one of the bunch that features Intel's Atom N280 processor, which is supposed to let you do things faster.

PROS: Battery lasts a long time (about six hours without adjusting Super Hybrid Engine settings that slow processing but extend). Touchpad supports multitouch gestures, such as using two fingers to scroll up and down a Web page. Includes Bluetooth capability and carrying case.

CONS: At about 3.2 pounds, it's heavier than the others and when the touch pad gets sweaty, it's a little hard to use.

BOTTOM LINE: If you can stand the extra heft, this is the best of the bunch.

Acer Aspire One AOD150 ($349)

One of the most popular netbooks, the Aspire weighs 2.95 pounds.

PROS: Trackpad is sturdy and not affected by sweat. Includes carrying case.

CONS: Battery juts out and it only lasted about three hours in my tests.

BOTTOM LINE: A lightweight netbook with a comfy keyboard. Although it's not as full-featured as the ASUS, it is cheaper and more stylish.

MSI Wind U100 ($350)

The model I reviewed is not the newest offering, but it does feature a 160GB hard drive and a six-cell battery. The newer model, the U120, has a new casing and costs $430.

PROS: Comfortable keyboard, battery does not jut out.

CONS: Computer hums when it's running, does not seem to be as sturdy as the others. Battery only lasted about three hours.

BOTTOM LINE: A good deal at this price.

Lenovo S10 IdeaPad ($399)

These netbooks come in a variety of vibrant colors (I tested the pink one) and weigh just 2.43 pounds.

PROS: Very lightweight and attractive.

CONS: Small touchpad, keyboard is not as comfortable as the others, battery life only about two hours.Only two USB ports; others have three.

BOTTOM LINE: The smallest and lightest of the group, this netbook will take up the least space in your bag, but you may be frustrated by the battery life and cramped keyboard.