What's a netbook, you ask? When they first came on the scene a little over two years ago, they were marketed to women and children as mini-laptops that were small enough for dainty fingers (and purses), but not powerful enough for a man.

Just kidding. We meant not powerful for anything more than Web surfing.

Much has changed in two years; now netbooks are so popular, they account for 1 in 5 laptops sold.

The latest crop, announced at the Consumer Electronics Show two weeks ago, is even faster, sleeker and sexier than the last generation. If you're in the market for an inexpensive laptop, or just want something small enough to take on the road with you -- that's not a micro-Chihuahua -- these should be on your short list.

Here are our top three recommendations, depending on your needs:

1. If you live to text: The Toshiba NB305 ($399) answers a common complaint about netbooks -- the tiny keyboard size. Even though the NB305 has a small 10.1-inch screen, you can still type comfortably. The keyboard looks like a MacBook Pro's, and since the keys are separated and made of metal, they feel nice and sturdy when pounding out emails.

Bonus: Work travelers! On-the-go students! Take note: You'll definitely appreciate that this baby can last eight-and-a-half hours unplugged. (Insert obligatory sex joke here.)

2. If you're on a budget: The Acer Aspire One 532h ($349) offers the same specs as above -- like Intel's latest processor, a 250GB hard drive, and Windows 7 -- for slightly less money than the Toshiba model. A couple things you'll give up for the money? The Acer gets hotter than the Toshiba NB305, and its keyboard feels more crowded. Think about just how long you're likely to type at any given time before you part with your hard-earned money.

3. If you're big on privacy: Meanwhile, the HP Mini 5102 ($424) has it all: the longest battery life (over 10 hours!), a design that's stylish and durable, a comfortable keyboard, quality speakers and a fast hard drive. What makes the 5102 special is its unique software: You can program the webcam to recognize your face, so it's kind of like a faithful dog that only recognizes you.

Dana Wollman covers all manners of gadgets for LAPTOP magazine. At home, she's a Mac, but when she travels she's a PC. She can't leave home without her Toshiba NB205.