Mini laptops, also called Netbooks, are hot new technology that blends the functionality of a laptop with the needs of people on-the-go. Mini laptops are inexpensive, small and lightweight just like PDAs or Palm Pilots, but offer larger keyboards, more memory and computer-like performance.

For students, they lighten the load in the backpack by about ten pounds while also offering the ability to type in lecture notes or work on their research paper at the library.

Professionals can keep up with the office while on the road. Easy access to email and document creation programs like Microsoft Office allow for presentations to be tweaked and distribution of key information.

Built-in webcams and microphones can be used to stay in touch with family or host virtual teleconferences with clients or the home office.

The small size of the netbook elminates the need for a bulky laptop bag. Netbooks are small enough to fit in a purse, carry on, or a thin briefcase.

The only question is, which netbook is right for you? Scroll down and find out!

There are a variety of factors that should be considered when purchasing a mini laptop pc. The list below will give a quick overview of the main things consumers should be aware of.

1. Screen size. Netbooks are sold with screens between 7 and 10 inches in size. The problem is that smaller screens do not resize internet web pages or even documents. Meaning you will only be seeing two-thirds or so of the page. To avoid this problem, buy mini laptops with screens between 8.9 and 10 inches.

2.Memory size. 1 gigabyte of memory is standard on most netbooks. If the mini laptop is going to be used for powerpoint presentations or to host other graphics heavy files, consumers should purchase additional memory or plan to use flashdrives.

3.Battery size. 3 cell batteries are common on netbooks, but only offer 3 to 4 hours of use. Upgrade to a 6 cell battery for 6 to 9 hours of battery life. The mini laptop pc with the longest battery life is the Toshiba Mini PC with 9 hours followed by the Acer Aspire One with 6.5 hours.

4. Keyboard size. The bigger the keyboard and the more widely spaced the keys, the easier it is to type on a netbook. If possible, take a mini laptop for a test type before buying. Netbooks known to have comfortable keyboards are; Acer Aspire One and the Hewlett Packard Mini Laptop.

5.Get the right operating system. Because netbooks are small, that limits the amount of working memory they have and operating systems take a lot of memory. Which is why some netbooks are sold without one, leaving it up to the consumer to figure out what to do. Other mini laptops are sold with Linux, which is a good operating system, but one most consumers are unfamiliar with. Some netbooks offer Windows XP and Microsoft Office. When selecting a netbook, consumers should be sure to choose one that offers an operating system and software package they are comfortable with.

6.Look for the right accessories. The majority of netbooks come with wifi, usb ports and built-in web cameras and microphones, but it's important to verify before purchasing as some models do not offer these accessories.

7. Don't spend too much money. A mini laptop pc will cost between $300 and $450. Spending more than that doesn't result in a better netbook, just more profit for the manufacturer. At the $500 and $600 price point, consumers really should be looking at a regular laptop.

8.Know what the experts say. PC World recommends the Acer Aspire One.Consumer Reports also likes the Acer Aspire One as well as the Samsung netbook, Toshiba Mini Pc and the Asus Eee Pc. However, factoring in these recommendations with user experiences and reviews, the best netbook on the market in terms of functionality and customer service from the manufacturer is the Samsung netbook. Scroll down to see detailed reviews of each of these netbooks and decide for yourself.

The Acer Aspire One is a top pick for both PC World Magazine and Consumer Reports and merits consideration by consumers looking for a netbook.

Acer Aspire One Features include:

Screen: 10.1 inch screen fully loads webpages and documents.

Keyboard: Smaller than some other netbook models, but still usable. Some users purchased a mini-mouse to use instead of the touchpad.

Memory: 1 gigabyte with the ability to upgrade to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module.(Note: SODIMM module sold separately).

Battery: Official battery life is 6.5 hours,but some users report as much as 8.

Operating System: Windows XP.

Accessories: Comes with 3 usb ports, built-in web camera and microphone, memory card reader and video output capability.

Warranty: 12 months, but does not cover the screen.

Price: Around $330.

User Reviews and Feedback: With over 400 reviews, the Acer Aspire One nets an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Problems cited by users include the screen breaking very easily, hard drive issues (not common), and multiple complaints about the technical support and warranty. Acer customer service will actually blame customers for faulty units and stonewall repairs so consumers should take this into account when purchasing the Acer Aspire One.

The Toshiba Mini Pc has many attractive features for consumers looking to buy a netbook. Here's a quick overview of everything you need to know about the Toshiba Mini Pc.

Screen: 10.1 inches

Keyboard: Large, full size, easy to type on keyboard.

Memory: 1 gigabyte but can upgrade to 2GB by installing the Crucial 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz Memory Module.

Battery: 9 hours--the longest battery performance on the market.

Operating System: Windows XP

Accessories: Comes with 3 usb ports, built-in web camera and microphone, memory card reader and video output capability. Also comes with a 'hard impact sensor' that protects the hard drive if the unit falls.

Warranty: 12 months

Price: around $350

User Reviews and Feedback: With over 100 reviews, the Toshiba Mini PC is rated 4 out of 5 stars. Users definitely recommend using an external mouse as there are known technical issues with the trackpad. In fact, if the trackpad glitches early on, immediately return the unit and exchange it for a new one; be sure to save receipts, packaging and buy from a reputable dealer who stands behind their products. While not widespread, there are several reports of random issues such as the power button not working, flawed screen images, ac cords not being recognized by the netbook etc.. Customer service was also a weak area with consumers citing frustration at poor technical support. Some users felt the webcam was of poor quality and advised that the speaker quality was very tinny.

The Asus Eeee is well regarded by Consumer Reports but users are not impressed. Below, an overview of the mini laptop's features.

Screen: 10.1 inches

Keyboard: Large, almost full size keyboard.

Memory: 1 gigabyte and CANNOT be easily upgraded by consumers.

Battery: Officialy 6 hours but users report just 4 hours.

Operating System: Windows XP

Accessories: Comes with 2 usb ports, blue tooth, built-in web camera and microphone, memory card reader.

Warranty: 12 months

Price: around $400

User Reviews and Feedback: The primary drawback to the Asus Eee PC is that the battery and memory are not accessible to consumers for upgrades. They are internal and can only be upgraded at the factory or by a certified technician which adds extra expense and can shorten the useful life of this netbook. Users also complain that the screen is too glossy with a lot of glare making it hard on the eyes. There have also been reports of issues with difficulty connecting to the internet and poor customer service.

The Samsung netbook is rated the best netbook by Consumer Reports and users like it too. Read on to learn more.

Screen: 10.1 inches

Keyboard: Large, comfortable keyboard.

Memory: 1 gigabyte and can be upgraded to 2GB with a SODIMM card.

Battery: 6 hours.

Operating System: Windows XP

Accessories: Comes with 3 usb ports, blue tooth, built-in web camera and microphone, memory card reader.

Warranty: 12 months

Price: around $400

User Reviews and Feedback: Users have good things to say about this netbook and with just over 50 reviews, it averages 4.5 stars out of five. This is the only netbook reviewed to date that has no one star reviews. Users also indicate positive experiences with Samsung's customer service and tech support. There were a few reports of faulty hard drives/hard drive failures but they were handled promptly and satisfactorily by Samsung.