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I'd state that netbooks have a shorter life because more often than not they run using flash memory and it can only be written to and over so many times. Laptops don't have that problem since they use an actual hard drive. That being said, with just using it for notes and basic internet, netbook would probably work better for prices.

Brands, have to steer you towards more of an HP, Gateway, or Dell. Asus is even good. I do not recommend Acer in any form or fashion since they seem to be the buggiest laptops and computers in general that I have ever dealt with. Also, might consider getting a Macbook Air since they are really user friendly and more what you would be looking for for functionality.