Netbook computers have quickly become the most sought after computers on the home user market. So far in 2009, if you were to check the top selling laptop computers on Amazon.com on any given day, there is a good chance the majority if not all of the top models would be netbooks. Consumers have made their love for these mini notebooks obvious.

Perhaps you are considering buying a netbook and would like to know more about them. Or maybe you are curious as to why they have become such a major hit with consumers. The following is a brief overview of netbooks and a discussion of the factors that have led to their popularity.

The first thing you notice about netbooks is that they are far more compact than the laptops you are likely used to seeing. Their small footprint allows for an extremely portable computer, but one that sacrifices power and functionality. Netbook owners typically are not able to run resource intensive such as office suites directly on the netbook. Netbooks usually use Windows XP or Linux for their operating system.

In terms of pricing, one can currently expect to pay between $350 and $500 for a netbook. Most major notebook computer manufacturers including Dell, HP and Lenovo have added a netbook or a series of netbooks to their product line so availability is not generally an issue unless you require a specific make and model.

Since netbooks are not high powered enough to run demanding business software or say video editing software, what can you do with a netbook? Well, WiFi integration is a standard feature of netbooks so most Internet based applications pose few problems for netbook users. That means staying in communication with family and friends via email, instant messaging or Internet phone is generally possible without issue. Also, using browser based programs like Basecamp, Hotmail or Google Docs is normally easily accomplished as well.

The appeal of the netbook lies both in its attractive pricing and its superior portability. Students, leisure travelers and non power users who want to keep in touch from almost anywhere can benefit greatly from both the low cost and the ability to take a netbook along to most places.

As the technology evolves and more power can be packed into smaller spaces, it is reasonable to expect to see netbooks appearing on the market with more and more features. For now, netbooks fill what was once a large gap in the marketplace: affordable laptops for more casual computer users.

Presently, netbook users are forced to trade performance and functionality for cost and convenience. The success of netbooks indicates, however, that consumers are more than willing to make this tradeoff. Price and ease of use are likely always going to be a key factor in the purchasing decisions of a large number of potential laptop buyers. It stands to reason that while their popularity may dip, a strong market consisting of those with less performance requirements and who aren't willing to pay for features they don't need should continue to develop.