It has been out for a while now, but the original Eee PC is still great value and one of the best super-portable laptops on the market.

This revolutionary little machine is a great choice for kids at school, or travellers looking for a basic unit to update their blog, check e-mails or write their travel diary with. We wouldn't recommend it as much to the elderly, simply due to the keyboard and screen size, but it is simple to use and does the job well.

As long as far better products remain on the market at similar prices, buyers should steer clear of the Pioneer DreamBook IL1. It suffers from a slow processor, small touchpad and the screen resolution is stretched in all the settings. The only thing that saves this product from being a complete flop is its phenomenally long battery life.

This Linux version of the Aspire One is easy to use and has a solid-state drive, but the Windows XP version has better memory and storage capacity for only $100 more. Furthermore, Acer will also release versions with built-in 3G modules. It's really a case of waiting for the new versions to arrive, unless the portability and ease of use of this unit catch your fancy.

While we love the size and weight of this netbook, its keyboard is very hard to type on due to the non-standard key layout.

Physically, it's the same as the Linux version, and it has less storage space, but it does feel a little faster and it's much better suited to playing videos.

Even if you've never used Linux before, the Linux version of the Eee PC 900 is worth considering. It's more expensive than the Windows XP version, but it does have a larger internal storage capacity, and we feel that it's easier to use.

The 901 is better than the 900, thanks to its faster CPU and networking features, but it's still small and will take some time getting used to. Nevertheless, the more you use it, the more you fall in love with it. It's great for taking it on the road with you, for working with office applications, and also watching videos.

For its sub-$700 asking price, you can't go wrong with the MSI Wind. It was responsive in our tests, and has plenty of storage and a large screen. Most importantly, its battery lasts a long time. This ultraportable is also quite comfortable to use.

The 1000H is the best Eee PC yet. It's got a larger screen and a larger keyboard than its predecessors, it's faster and it's also got a much larger storage capacity. It's perfect for on-the-go types who want something light and functional to work on.

The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (FJ100PA) is designed to be a true ultraportable device, sturdy enough to take some knocks and light enough for everyday use. Business users will appreciate the connectivity and networking options. When compared in terms of specifications, performance and value of the FH441PA model it doesn’t shine as brightly.