Netbook or Notebook?

Technology is becoming more mobile and compact every day. Is this a good thing? If we have the same capabilities in a smaller, more compact device, then I suppose it is. But is smaller always better? Let's take a look at the "netbook" (or "mini"), a laptop computer that is much smaller and lighter than a traditional notebook computer.

Netbooks have a 9" or 10" screen, as opposed to a 15-17" screen, and the keyboard is approximately 92% the size of a normal keyboard. Hard drive space is comparable to that of most notebooks, and netbooks access the Internet wirelessly. They are thinner and lighter than most notebook computers, making them extremely portable. In addition, netbooks are less expensive than most notebooks -- starting around $249.

Sounds ideal, doesn't it? So, what do notebooks have that netbooks don't? Most notably, there is no optical (CD/DVD) drive in a netbook. So, in order to install software you have purchased on CD, you will need to connect an external drive to the netbook. Want to burn pictures to a CD? Same thing. For those of us over the age of 40, viewing a 10" screen could be a challenge. Notebook computers routinely come with 2 GB RAM, whereas the netbook usually has only 1 GB.

The netbook is great for web-based applications, but what about using it for other tasks, such as photo editing, video editing, extensive word processing, spreadsheets, etc.? I have never actually used a netbook, so this is not a rhetorical question. If you have used a netbook, please let me know what you like/dislike about it, and make additional comparisons to a traditional laptop. If you have used both, which do you prefer, and why? If you could only buy one or the other, which one do you buy, and why? All comments, observations, and suggestions are welcome...please share your experience &/or expertise!