[travelbug]

Hello all,

I'm new here. I've been searching for a netbook to take backpacking around Europe for a year -- something in which to store music and photos, surf the net, and also on which to do my writing and editing work. No rocket science.

I've been going crazy with trying to choose a netbook. I don't have a technical bone in my body, so I'm finding it all very confusing and difficult to decide on what's best for me. I've read so many reviews and spoken to so many sales people who all have differing opinions. I would really appreciate any help I can get from you unbiased folk.

The most important things for me are:

* Weight (I'll be carrying it around for a year, so this point is crucial)
* Battery life (definitely need six cell)
* Keyboard comfort
* Windows XP Home (I've been told this is what I should go for...)
* Internet connectivity
* Durability and quality of the brand's technical support
* Price -- hopefully around the AU$400 mark (US$350)

I live in Melbourne, Australia, so it needs to be available here. The netbooks I've been considering have been the Lenovo S10e, the Toshiba NB200 and the MSI Wind U123H. The MSIs seem to be the lightest netbooks around -- true? Are any of these choices advisable? I've been warned away from HP and Dell brands...

Thanks so, so much!