So, the last big name has fallen. HP gave out in April 2008, and both Dell and Toshiba's resistance crumbled by the autumn. But it's taken Sony until the middle of 2009 to produce what it confesses to be a netbook, the VAIO Mini W Series.

Well priced, with a robust chassis and touchscreen option that make it a good choice for classroom use, and any one else wanting a netbook that's a little bit different

Sleek and professional, the Hp Mini 5101 is another attractively pitched netbook that can't shake its very poor battery life. When will manufactuers learn that battery life is all-important to netbook success?

It’s lovely to look at, with a full size keyboard and glorious screen. See why the Benq Joybook Lite U121 is one of the best rated in our latest netbook roundup

Stunning design goes hand in hand with fine usability, but the non-replaceable battery and high price count against the Eee PC 1008HA Seashell

It's very, very thin, and very light. MSI’s X340 somehow manages to be sleek, sexy and undesirable all at the same time.

Dell's 12.1in netbook could have been good, but you'd have to buy one in the US to realise its true potential

Asus' new Eee PC 1004dn steps up in style and features, boasting a DVD-writer, expresscard slot and scrabble-tile keyboard

Neither fish nor fowl, the N10J nonetheless manages to command both graphics and portability

A startling achievement: a highly capable mini-laptop for under $700. Only mediocre battery life mars its appeal.

Our pics and first impressions of the hotly anticipated ultra-cheapie, and yes, it's better than the Eee in several ways.

This impressive ultraportable fills a narrow but significant niche between the MacBook Air and Lenovo X300

We're worried about the damn hot operating temperature, but otherwise we're blown away by this mini notebook.

This notebook has been designed with classic Sony style: rounded edges, hidden IO inputs and a sleek widescreen footprint. From a connectivity point of view, this 'book has it all, boasting front-mounted Memory Stick Pro port, iLink 4-pin FireWire port and three USB ports.

While we wait with bated breath for the imminent (or was that eventual?) release of Microsoft Media Centre into Australia, the number of companies cashing in on the media functionality of next generation consumer electronics is growing quickly.

A new way forward for ultraportables, combining an incredible low weight with unrivalled ergonomic excellence

Gorgeous, expensive and exasperating in equal measure, and yet still desirable despite its myriad faults

An inexpensive laptop that, when it comes to style and quality, more than punches above its weight

Great for executives on the move thanks to size and decent battery life, but the missing optical drive disappoints

Great for executives on the move thanks to size and decent battery life, but the missing optical drive disappoints.