Get a Windows 7 netbook for $249.99 shipped
It's a refurb, so a 90-day warranty applies, but it satisfies my three basic requirements: decent price, Windows 7, and a long-lasting battery.
These days I have a few criteria for recommending a Netbook: a price tag of under $250, an operating system that's not 8 years old, and a six-cell (or better) battery.
The refurbished HP Mini 110-1134CL (on sale from J&R for $249.99 shipped) meets all those requirements. It's not a speed demon, but, hey, what Netbook is?
It's hard to believe we're already seeing refurbished Netties loaded with Windows 7 (most of them seem to come with XP), but the Mini is just such an animal. (It has Windows 7 Starter, FYI.) Consequently, it has a 90-day warranty.
The overall specs are pretty typical: 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, and 10.1-inch display. A Webcam, media reader, and 2.9-pound travel weight round out the equation.
CNET hasn't reviewed this particular model, but PC Mag has. They liked the size, design, keyboard, and especially the 7-hour battery life. Not so great: the battery bulge. Hey, those six-cells gotta go somewhere.
This is far from the best Netbook deal I've ever seen, but it definitely hits the right high notes. If you're in the market, check it out.