What are the three best netbooks of 2009? Asus and Samsung are at the top of the leaderboard.

Netbooks have quickly become the best-selling class of laptop computers. Netbooks are ultraportable laptops that are perfect for web-surfing, writing, and office-activities. Finding the best netbooks can be a daunting task, as there are more than 30 different models as of 2009. Here, we pick the three best out of the bunch, as rated by several online reviews and users.

ASUS Eee PC 1000HA http://www.testfreaks.com/netbooks/asus-1005ha/ http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-eee-pc-1005ha/4505-3121_7-33698049.html

Samsung NC10 http://www.testfreaks.com/netbooks/samsung-nc10/ http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Samsung-NC10-Netbook.13993.0.html

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/the-five-best-netbooks.aspx?pid=4 http://www.testfreaks.com/netbooks/asus-eee-pc-1000he/

1. ASUS Eee PC 1005HA
2. Samsung NC10
3. ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

The ASUS Eee PC 1005HA comes in an attractive sea-shell style case and sports a 92% full-sized keyboard and super-long battery life. There are two major models, the VU1X and the PU1X, with the former being the lower-priced by about $60 and an 8-hour battery life. The higher-priced PU1X is worth the extra money, as it increases the battery-life to 10.5 hours and has the faster Intel Atom N280 Processor.

Tech Specs (PU1X Models):

1. Intel Atom N280 Processor, 1.66 GHz
2. 160GB Hard Drive +10GB online storage
3. 1 GB RAM Memory, DDR2 800MHz
4. 10.1” screen, 1024x600
5. Built-in 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, 10/100 Ethernet
6. 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
7. 6-cell Lithium Ion battery, up to 10.5 hour battery life
8. Windows XP Home

MSRP (PU1X): $389, Street Price: $340-$389

A stylish, sleek netbook with keys at 93% the size of a standard laptop keyboard. A strong, well-designed case and a display that is solid ensures less chance for damage while traveling. It's loaded with the essential features needed for an ultra-portable laptop, including built-in WiFi, a 6-cell battery for up to 8 hours of compute time, and a nice 1.3 Megapixel webcam.

Tech Specs:

1. Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1.6 GHz, 533 MHz front-side bus
2. 160GB Hard Drive
3. 1 GB RAM, DDR2 800MHz
4. 10.2” screen, 1024x600
5. Built-in 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet
6. 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
7. 6-cell Lithium Ion battery, up to 8 hour battery life
8. Windows XP Home

MSRP: $379.00, Street Price: $340-$379

Also of note: The Samsung N110, the newer model but about $100 more than the NC10, has a seven hour battery life.

The ASUS Eee PC is a loaded netbook in a stylish case with fast Wifi (802.11b/g/n) and the Intel N280 Atom processor. The keyboard is 92% full-sized, with comfortable chiclet style keys. The touchpad features multi-touch use and the battery life is a stunning 9.5 hours.

1. Intel Atom N280 Processor, 1.66 GHz
2. 160GB Hard Drive +10GB online storage
3. 1 GB RAM Memory, DDR2 800MHz
4. 10.1” screen, 1024x600
5. Built-in 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet
6. 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
7. 6-cell Lithium Ion battery, up to 9.5 hour battery life
8. Windows XP Home

MSRP: $399, Street Price: $360-$399