Apple iPad vs. netbook (or should you get a hybrid?)

If you've been thinking about purchasing a small and light mobile computer, you may have considered an inexpensive netbook. These tiny notebooks average $300-400 (or less) and are very small and light. What's great is that you can actually try them out at Best Buy, Staples, and even Sam's Club, Costco, and BJs.

Now that the Apple iPad has emerged on the scene, should you go for a netbook or should you get the iPad with the detachable keyboard? Keep in mind that the iPad runs the iPhone OS. Most netbooks run Windows 7 (and some still run Windows XP). How do you plan to use a tiny mobile computer? Business or pleasure?

I still think the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid may be the "ideal" device for people who are truly looking for a hybrid experience. If you want something that combines both a slate and a keyboard, then the U1 Hybrid could be the device for you. You can read a review of the U1 Hybrid on laptopreviewscentral.com and then you'll probably need to get your hands on one to decide if a hybrid makes sense. I'm still waiting to see how the HP slate compares with the iPad and the U1 Hybrid.