Laptop Thoughts: When a Netbook is No Longer Enough

"I maintain that netbooks are good in limited cases (read our 2010 Fall Buyer's Guide), and their value really only revolves around a low price tag compared to more fully-featured notebooks. If you went ahead and added another $300 dollars to bottom line, we'd rather be talking about better-equipped systems armed with faster components."

Being a relatively recent owner of an Asus 1215N, the article strikes several chords with me. When you start delving into the sub $600 price range, and are looking for portability, sacrifices must be made. The question is what to sacrifice? The 12-13" screen netbook/notebook range is that line where options open up. It is big enough to start considering doing more serious work, but cramped and trimmed where it will never be able to compete against the big boys. While I am happy with my Atom based solution, part of my decision was based on cost. I got my 1215N well under MSRP. For those with the budget, CULV based notebooks are leaps and bounds faster, and since you are already going for something with a bit more oomph, might as well jump in with both feet.