A decent netbook is suitable for most people IMHO.....if you need an optical drive just pick up an external one.

The dual core ATOM processors are pretty quick for most needs. My sister has a Dual 1.6Ghz Acer AspireOne that I upgraded for her to 1.5 GB RAM, and a much faster/larger 16 Gig SSD drive....it runs Windows 7 quite nicely....and the thing only weighs like 2.5lbs!

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)