The Linux distributions I've seen shipped with netbooks are unique to the manufacturer and are aimed at the nervous user. They make doing the basics simple but can be frustrating for power users. My wife uses hers for email, messaging, browsing and so on and is happy with the original Linux setup. I've installed Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) on mine, partially because I can and partially because it's more capable. Upgrades depend on the Linux distro you choose, but generally both manufacturers distros and Ubuntu are straightforward.

XP is XP, but that means you have to stay on top of the flood of security patches MS churn out. There's no upgrade path, Vista will make your netbook choke as it requires a hell of a lot more system resources.

As to XP vs Linux, it depends. You can do all you say you want on Linux and have several alternatives for each task (eg video, browser, music etc). However, if you simply have to access a particular site via IE, or have to run a Windows programme, it's less hassle to stick with XP.

SSDs are generally smaller than the equivalent HDD, and what you want for music/video is more capacity not less. Personally I'm not convinced they're worth the premium yet.

And as for connectivity, it's going to have WiFi whatever you do, but if I was buying one now I'd look for the ability to plug in a SIM card for a built in data modem as well.

Think though about how you're going to use it. If you're going to want to rip DVDs and CDs direct onto the netbook iyou'll need a separate optical drive - maybe trading up to a laptop with that built in will cost the same. You then get a bigger screen. I use mine as a portable (very portable !) adjunct to my main PC. I'm not sure I could cope if it was my only computer.

Currently running an eeepc, batt life isn't too bad. Excelent picture quality on streamed movies and it's wifi, so you can unplug the dongo and latch onto McD's or KFC or any open connection in most large towns/cities.

Edited to add that it only runs Microsoft works which is pants.

I've put ms office on it and everything runs fine allow one problem I'm having is that when opening a word doc it tends to open it with the ms works word processor, any ideas how to stop this happening? I know there is a way, just can't bloody remember!

Right click on a .doc file and chose "Open with".

If it's not listed, browse to the Word .exe within Program files.

Select the always open with option to do it every time.

Cheers MS, knew there was a way.

Currently running a Samsung NC10, no complaints so far. A good capacity 160GB hard drive and the supplied battery lasts about 6 hours, although a little on the pricey side compared to others I think it's worth the additional expense

My borther swears by his NC10 and has sacked his laptop. He is in awe of the battery life

Also my mother was looking for a netbook / laptop and after much research we found the NC10 was a clear winner on the bang for buck stakes

I've got two of these things; an Acer Aspire One and an Advent 4213. I bought the Acer first but then my young lady friend borrowed it to take on det and then decided she should keep it hence me buying the second one.

The Acer was running Linux and I used a Three dongle with it. Very quick boot up (Linux) and perfect for surfing/emailing whilst on det using the built in wifi. She had no problems typing with it but I found the keys just a little bit too small. Handily it fits in the leg pocket of a pair of DPMs....

The Advent is a rebadged MSI product so not the usual sort of Advent rubbish. It's got a built in 3G modem and runs windows hence is a little slower to boot plus has the added nause of having run anti-virus software. That said it runs very nicely and again is ideal for all my email/surfing etc needs. The Advent has a bigger screen than the Acer plus the keys are slightly wider making typing a bit easier. The best thing about it tho is the built in modem. Very handy.

On both netbooks I upgraded the RAM - 2 gigs on both. The Acer is a bit technical to do but the Advent is very easy. Battery life on both is very good (Advent 2-3 hours, Acer 3+) although I did buy an extended battery off fleabay for the Acer which took it to about 5 or 6 hours)

I have the advent 4213 ,atom processor 1gb ram 160gb hd and the slot for mobile broadband . I dont use the mobile broadband yet but will soon . Plays movies fine, good wifi just need the ext dvd drive and im happy . Its nice to use and portable .

250 quid from pcworld ,currys etc