The world of Netbooks will soon hit a turning point. The next generation low-cost platform, which consist of the new Atom N280 1.66GHz processor with the Intel GN40, will bring 720p high-definition video to this diminutive category. Stuttering video playback will be a thing of the past once this chipset becomes commonplace.

However, there is no reason to scorn the current crop of Netbooks. The Asus 1000HE not only sports the new Atom processor (albeit on the older Intel 945 mainboard), but its revamped keyboard and staggering battery life makes this a worthy road warrior. The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is the only model to sport 3G/HSDPA connectivity as part of the standard bundle, when most vendors are charging a hefty premium for this feature. We take a look at five of the most promising Netbooks for the budget conscious.

Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	Acer Aspire One AOD150 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Very inexpensive 10-inch Netbook; decent keyboard and battery. The bad: Heavy for a Netbook, terrible touchpad and mouse buttons. The bottom line: The new 10-inch Aspire One AOD150 will further cement Acer's lead in the Netbook market, largely on account of its affordable price. Why we like it: While the Asus 1000HE has a longer uptime, this Aspire's standard six-cell battery offers excellent longevity while weighing quite a bit less than the former., not to mention having a sleeker silhouette to boot. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Asus Eee PC 1000HE (Intel Atom N280 Processor 1.66GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 7.3 out of 10 The good: Excellent battery life; improved keyboard; competitively priced. The bad: Slightly faster Intel Atom CPU fails to impress; other Netbook makers have shown more innovation. The bottom line: Asus practically invented the Netbook market, and the Eee PC 1000HE is an overdue overhaul that offers a new CPU and great battery life but misses some of the competition's bells and whistles. Why we like it: What can we say? For the same cost as competing 10-inch Netbooks, the Asus 1000HE comes with a spanking new processor, great keyboard and amazing battery life. Our only complaint is that it's a little on the heavy side, its plastic body weighing as much as the aluminum HP Mini 2140. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Dell Inspiron Mini 9 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 7.3 out of 10 The good: More configurable than other Netbooks; good battery life; XP and Linux OS options. The bad: Some awkward keyboard compromises; no SSD options larger than 16GB. The bottom line: Dell's entry into the Netbook market means it's time to take these low-cost, low-power PCs seriously. The Inspiron Mini 9 is an excellent example of the form, if not radically different from the competition. Why we like it: It might have been out in the market for some time, but the recent decision by Dell to add 3G/HSDPA connectivity as part of the standard bundle set makes this a great deal for those requiring mobile broadband connectivity. Other vendors charge up to S$300 more for this particular feature. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	HP Mini 2140 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 8.2 out of 10 The good: Solid metal construction; full ExpressCard/54 slot; big keyboard. The bad: Odd resolution loses a few pixels; no mobile broadband options (yet); awkward mouse button placement. The bottom line: HP offers a premium version of its plastic Mini 1000 while keeping the price down, making the Mini 2140 the Netbook to beat. Why we like it: With one of the best keyboards in town, the successor to the HP Compaq Mini-Note is not only significantly cheaper, but comes with Atom-powered performance and a higher resolution screen. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Lenovo IdeaPad S10 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Excellent keyboard; large screen; affordable; ExpressCard slot; OneKey Rescue system. The bad: Solid-state drive not available; no HSDPA option; below-average battery life. The bottom line: With its easy recovery system, low price and generous keyboard, the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 easily sits in front of the 10-inch Netbook pack. Why we like it: Data loss can be a terrible thing, but the IdeaPad S10 is the first Netbook to include an easy one-touch recovery software much like its more expensive brethren. Review | See full specs | Rate this