Re: Netbooks
A notebook/laptop allows for more functionality....
E.G: you can install MS Office on notebooks, and it will run fine, whereas with netbooks, you will struggle, as they don't have a CD/DVD drive. you could install MS Office via USB, but then you have to be aware that a netbook is not designed for the performance requirements of the full Office suite and so its operation may be disappointing.
If net surfing is all you're going to be doing, then a netbook may be a decent option, else i'd opt for a laptop... they're just as cheap these days and Dell have some great offers. :)