It’s hard out here for a netbook fan. With every major brand now pumping out mini notebooks, there are dozens of  choices, ranging from 10-inch systems that last 10 hours on a charge to 12-inch models that can play back HD video and handle popular games like World of Warcraft. Some netbooks have business rugged designs, while others are all about bang for your buck. How in the world can you choose?

To help you pick the perfect netbook, we’ve narrowed the field to our 5 favorite systems. Whether you’re looking for something to compliment your business travels, a machine than can do Hulu at full screen, or a budget model with a battery that can easily last through a workday or schoolday, these are the systems to get.

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ASUS Eee PC 1001P

Cheap is good, especially when that low price tag is attached to a netbook that lasts over 8 hours on a charge. The $299 Eee PC 1001P sports an attractive design (no fingerprint smudges!), a comfortable keyboard, and instant-on software that lets you get online without waiting for Windows. It's the best budget netbook--period.

Read the Review | $299 @ Amazon | $299 @ TigerDirect | $294 @ B&H | $299 @ J&R