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Get a 10-inch HP Netbook for $279.99

Though it seems pricey compared with the $129.95 Netbook from last week, this model has a comfy 10-inch screen, a 60GB hard drive, and Windows XP.

rickbroida
rickbroida
Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
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Rick Broida
10-inch Netbooks tend to be pricey, but the refurbished HP Mini 1033CL is just $279.99 shipped. HP

I learned something during my recent trip to San Francisco: Netbooks rock. Sure, they're a bit cramped, but for the kind of work I need to do while traveling (writing blog posts, checking e-mail, etc.), they're absolutely fine.

I also learned that it's worth spending a little extra on a model with a 10-inch screen and decent-size keyboard. For example, Buy.com has the HP Mini 1033CL for $279.99 shipped.

The Mini features the ubiquitous 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, and a 10.2-inch screen. Webcam, too.

It runs Windows XP Home (though I'd almost certainly move to Windows 7) and weighs 2.4 pounds.

Because it's a refurb, it has only a 90-day warranty. My bigger problem is with the three-cell battery; I'm spoiled by the nine-cell in my MSI Wind Netbook, which can literally run all day without recharging.

Even so, if you're in the market for a Netbook, this is a solid, if unspectacular, deal. One thing is for sure: I'm done lugging 7-pound boat anchors. I'm officially a Netbook convert.