Intel's Atom platform may provide the backbone of today's netbooks, but with rivals emerging, Intel could find itself playing a smaller part in the future, as players such as Nvidia's Tegra take hold.

This is what every kid dreams about - a way to combine homework AND procrastination in a device you can pop in a backpack.

Love or hate them, the Netbook is here to stay in 2009. We take a look at five new models: some are contenders and others are likely to be quickly forgotten.

Well designed, solid and well-featured, but the battery life sells it short.

A good netbook with lots of storage, but battery life keeps it from being great

In a world filled with gorgeous Sony, Apple and even Dell laptops, a sober, matte black machine aimed at consumers has to be truly special to turn heads. The IdeaPad Y430 is a well-built Centrino 2 machine that lacks nothing in the way of features, speed or value

Like Volvos of old, Lenovo was a solid, reliable and unexciting name. Up until now. The business-masters have turned out a very desirable, stylish and powerful laptop.

Why LCD is catching up, new “glass-only” flat screens, and the new must-have notebook feature.

Next stop desktop PCs.