The beauty of these is that they can easily be tossed into a medium sized purse or briefcase.  Today’s models mostly run on Intel’s Atom processor (about 1 ghz), along with Windows XP.

Microsoft has announced that they are developing a compact version of Windows 7, optimized for new generation netbook models.  Windows 7 is due in the Fall of 2009.

Microsoft anticipates that many of the next generation netbooks will feature dual core Atom processors, 1gb or more of RAM, and larger hard drives (160gb and higher).

Today’s netbooks running Windows XP are already pretty decent performers for low level application use (surfing the web, checking e-mail, minor graphics work, etc.).  The initial rumblings seem to indicate that future models will be well worth waiting for as well.

Keep your eyes on this space in late 2009.