Perhaps the Wall Street Journal had the best definition: "Netbooks are low-cost, portable PCs that offer Internet capabilities."

Introduced in 2007, sales of netbooks, which have been defined as sub-notebooks or mini-computers, took off and have become the favorite device for persons who travel a lot. Netbooks weigh about two pounds with screens ranging from 5" to 11.6", and some have keyboards that are normal size.

Prices usually are between $200 to $500, and the more expensive have added capabilities above the traditional one VGA out, three USBs, ports for headphone and microphone, and an SD card reader.

Some netbooks will not have an optical drive or a firewire port.