Superb build quality, battery life and usability – quite simply the best netbook around

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.

Since we saw the HP Mini for our huge netbook roundup in October, a new 6-cell battery has been released.

Stylish, sophisticated and super-portable: this is the netbook you’ll have to hide from your friends.

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

If you can’t stretch to the Samsung N110, the 1005HA makes an excellent lower-cost alternative

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

Not the most attractive, but this Eee PC defies expectations. Another machine that's going onto our netbook shopping shortlist

Fantastic looks but a high price for what is, essentially, the same old netbook under the hood.

Battery life lets down this otherwise solid netbook from a local manufacturer