Netbooks are a popular, cheaper alternative to full size notebook and desktop computers. For a while some netbooks shipped with Linux but consumers spoke (and spoke loudly) resulting in Windows XP-based netbooks owning the market. What makes a netbook different from a notebook or desktop computer? The primary difference is size - netbooks fall somewhere between the smallest notebook computers and a large smartphone. Netbooks are also less powerful PCs - to reduce the cost. As a result netbooks can't run Windows Vista. To save even more money some consumers install OpenOffice instead of Microsoft Office. Netbooks are available from many manufacturers including Acer, Asus, HP, MSI, Dell, OLPC (One Laptop Per Child), Medion, Kohjinsha, Lenovo, Toshiba and others.

Netbooks have even caught the attention of Google who are working with computer manufacturers on a next generation netbook based on Google's Android platform (Android started as Google's play into the smartphone market).  Oracle / Sun have hinted recently that they may enter the netbook market.  And Microsoft is looking for Windows 7 (shipping October 22, 2009 and now available as a Release Candidate) as its sequel to Windows XP for netbooks.

So where does that leave consumers? Should you race out and buy a netbook today with Windows XP or wait until later this year a Windows 7 or Google Android based netbook? Or should you pay a bit more (likely $100 - $150) and get a full-size notebook? Or should you ditch the traditional computer altogether and just go for a smartphone?

Here are some things to think about:

• Speed - if you are planning to run anything beyond email, basic Internet browsing and basic text document creation you should get a laptop; for the basics a netbook is good enough.  And pretty much forget about gaming on a netbook - and likely most high quality Internet video.
• Power Typer- if you are power typer take some time to type on a netbook in a store - are you really going to put up with the smaller keyboard? If you are just tapping out Twitter updates or email messages you'll be fine - but if you are writing your next novel the netbook's smaller keyboard might be frustrating.
• Vista Experience: if you like or are used to the Windows Vista experience, look and feel and features then you only have two choices - get a full-size notebook now or wait until Windows 7 enabled netbooks come out later this year... and here's a catch - Windows 7 may be limited to basics for netbook use (details from Microsoft still pending - although it appears those restrictions will be lessened or eliminated).
• Compatibility: Linux-based netbooks have disappeared from the shelves of retailers because Linux doesn't allow you to run popular applications like Microsoft Office.  Google's Android-based netbooks will likely have the same restriction.  So if you use Microsoft Office at all stay clear of netbooks that aren't running a Windows-based operating system (for now that means XP, later this year Windows 7).
• Support: one thing that doesn't change with a netbook is problems.  Windows XP based netbooks are just as susceptible to viruses / spyware, gradually getting slower and other common computer problems.

So where does that leave smartphones?  The pundits predict the primary computer will be the smartphone over the next 5 to 10 years.  If the only purpose for a digital device is email you can ditch the computer and go smartphone right now.  Smartphones have expoded in popularity from just a few years ago with just about every phone manufacturer having low price entry level options (Apple's iPhone line, RIM's BlackBerry series, Windows Mobile-based devices, Symbian-based devices, Palm / Treo and soon the Palm Pre and Google Android models).  Whereas a smartphone used to be priced for mobile professionals it is not uncommon to see children with their first cellphone being a smartphone.  The cost of a smartphone is really the contract.  And you are even seeing mobile service providers like Verizon further blurring the computing lines by pitching a subsidized (meaning cost hidden in your contracted subscription) netbook with 3G support built-in.  Beyond email web browsing on a smartphone - even an iPhone - is hit and miss.  Some sites (like Amazon.com or eBay) have decent subsets of functionality for the mobile browser, other sites aren't optimized at all.  And forget about document creation of any significance on a smartphone.  The big hidden smartphone cost - if you really want to take advantage of the web features - is the data plan cost.  Unlimited data for a single smartphone can cost as much as high speed broadband (DSL or cable) for an entire household.

My advice (this does not represent the views of support.com) is don't jump out and buy a netbook just because it is $100 - $150 cheaper - it may be a great deal if you are the right kind of user.  Take the time to really use a netbook in a store, understand how you will use it at home and make sure you can live with the limitations.  If you can, netbooks are a great deal - if you can't, you'll just be returning the netbook and, at some stores, paying a restocking fee.  And as for the mighty smartphone - I love mine and it is a great complement to my computer - but not (yet) a replacement.