Display: Dependence on slower integrated graphics means netbooks are not great for gameplay. The Atom processor allows standard-definition video playback, but to play HD video, you'll need a netbook that can offload this duty to the graphics processor ('hardware-accelerated video').

Keyboard: Cramped keyboards go with the territory, and it's useful to try out typing on a netbook before you buy it. For keyboards on the smallest netbooks (9in screen in less) touch-typing will be impossible. Watch out for non-standard layouts of some keys; and netbooks sometimes sacrifice dedicated function keys.

Extras: You'll find few extras - don't expect to find a DVD drive, FireWire port or ExpressCard slot, nor recent additions like USB 3.0. You'll find three USB 2.0 ports, often crammed closely together. This can prevent two larger thumbdrives from being inserted alongside each other, for example.

Processor: remain the dominant force. While some Intel Core 2 Duo processors are still in circulation, most modern laptops currently take Intel Core series chips. Quad-core processors are becoming more acceptable since the arrival of the latest second-generation Core series (Sandy Bridge) processors. Efficiency has improved enough that they're no longer crippled by heat and battery-life problems.