It depends on what you would like to use them for.
If you would like to use them just for browsing the web and stuff like writing text, then they could be good. Some of the more expensive ones with NVIDIA ION have the power to play 1080p video. However, they can cost as much as a notebook with a CPU that has very low power consumption (higher than Atom CPUs) and better performance then typical netbook CPUs.
Nope, get an iPad. Unless you want to do work stuff.
If you want to consume media, iPad all the way

If you want to consume media, iPad all the way
Have they managed to get Flash on the iPad? Lots of online content (ab)uses Flash, so web experience with them could be somewhat limiting.
iPlayer beta works on the iPad![]()

are they any good?
They're good at what they were originally designed to do - be very portable with a long battery life for email, web browsing, twittering and other social networking and other low-intensity stuff. They're also not bad for showing off your pictures. They're totally useless at doing anything that requires a lot of processing power or memory - like playing top-class games or processing photos. (Yes, they can do it. But in the same way I could run a marathon - very, very slowly with a lot of pain involved).
If you want something to use all day while you're out then a netbook will fit the bill. If you're after something with even a bit of power then you're better off getting a 15" laptop.
They're good at what they were originally designed to do - be very portable with a long battery life for email, web browsing, twittering and other social networking and other low-intensity stuff. They're also not bad for showing off your pictures. They're totally useless at doing anything that requires a lot of processing power or memory - like playing top-class games or processing photos. (Yes, they can do it. But in the same way I could run a marathon - very, very slowly with a lot of pain involved).
If you want something to use all day while you're out then a netbook will fit the bill. If you're after something with even a bit of power then you're better off getting a 15" laptop.
Julian,
Would a laptop cooler and new battery not be a better idea?

£35 and its a deal![]()
TechFurb :shrug:

I have a cunning plan regarding it I have asked mrs to stack some books up on the bed tonight so I can position myself and lappy and adapter differently, because of all the Aids I have in the bedroom and where the plug socket is I have to have the adapter on my lower belly![]()
The PSU from my macbook pro would burn you if it was sat on your belly!
If I knew what that meant I would attempt a witty reply![]()
I don't use it for stuff with photos, but I have an Acer Aspire One Pro at work, with the bigger battery. It's quick enough for most officey tasks and the battery life is staggerying.
**** the books, bog standard table placemat is the best![]()
Well unless you intend reading the books, table placemats are a stable medium for resting the netbook/laptop, and they don't burn![]()

Ah Im with you, we dont have enough placemats to do that the stack of books was nearly 12 inches tall![]()
well Einstein would have probably recommended you invest in a bed-table then 
I have a hospital bed table at the side of the bed but I cant type when laptop is on it due to where that stays. I use that when Im watching dvd or bbcIplayer. I think its gonna be a new mother board to resolve this in all honesty. And thats only if economically viable.