ACER ASPIRE ONE
8.9 inches diagonally; $399
Laptops are going the way of the cellphone, getting smaller, sleeker and more stylish every day. Of the new wave of ''netbook'' computers, the Aspire One seems to embrace its netbookishness the most earnestly: It's cute and futuristic looking, with tiny orange details and an open-hinge design. Despite the Acer One’s diminutive size, its keyboard is natural to use, and its screen provides good readability at multiple angles. With its 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor and 512MB (upgradable) of memory, it's more than adequate for web surfing at your corner café. Be warned, this baby is a real conversation-starter I couldn't take it out without someone asking me about it. Margaret Lyons
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