Netbooks

I recently went on an overseas vacation, and I wanted to bring my laptop since I knew we'd be in hotels with free WiFi but didn't want to carry all that extra bulk while we schlepped from city to city. So I picked up a small laptop before I left, and throughout the trip I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight and convenient it was. Even so, as soon as I had my sub-13-inch laptop in my hands I had to do a few things to make sure I was getting the most out of it. Learn my tips for optimizing your travelling laptop when you read more.

If you're a pink person, you're going to really dig the latest news coming from HP. Announced today, HP will be wrapping its Mini 210 in a few new shades this Summer — Preppy Pink (which is using HP's 3D cover print technology to give the shell a 3D effect) and White Crystal. Coming stocked with all the tech specs of the previous 210 model, you can now choose to play up your girlie side with a bright pink hue (which is splashed on the keyboard as well) or dare to sport white all year round.

While the 210s get a boost in color, the entry-level HP Mini 110 is getting a bit of help in the power department with an upgrade from its previous three-cell battery to a six-cell, which should power you through eight hours of work and play. All Mini models will be hitting shelves June 15, with the Mini 210s priced at $354, while the powerlicious 110 will set you back $280. Being an HP Mini girl myself, I'm pretty excited about the battery upgrade, but I don't think these new cover colors can stack up to the designer Vivienne Tam edition, which has been on my wish list all year. Can't complain though — a girl can't have too many options.

To see more photos of the 210, just read on.

I've become a big proponent of netbooks. They're light, easy on your back, and you can pack them along in nearly any bag. So if you're traveling light this holiday season with more than one netbook user, save some luggage space and pick up this iGo Netbook Charger ($50) — which allows you to charge almost any netbook with its packable adapters — rather than toting all your netbook power cords.

Additionally, if you happen to lose your stock charger that came with your 'book, then consider grabbing up one of these instead of replacing your branded one. Why? Well, if you end up replacing your netbook at any time, you'll always have a backup. And I'm all about having a plan b when it comes to my battery power.