Following the sucess of Google’s Chromebook pilot program, Samsung launched the Series 5 Chromebook. The Series 5 is outfitted with Wi-Fi and Verizon 3G connectivity, and sells for $449 including 100MB per month of free cellular data for the first two years. A Wi-Fi-only version is also available for $429, while Acer’s take on Chromebook – with its smaller, 11.6-inch display – sells for $349, or $429 if you add 3G to the mix.

Pros:

• Fantastic battery life
• Excellent keyboard
• Lightning quick boot and resume times
• Chrome OS is an interesting concept with potential for consumer computing

Cons:

• As simple as Chrome OS is, there’s a learning curve that runs counter to your Windows/Mac habits
• Why Chrome and Android? Will Chrome OS last?

You can purchase the Samsung Series Chromebook with 3g at Amazon now for $449.

Asus Eee PC 1005PEG – Amazon.com  $331.20

• Intel Atom N450 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 Cache); Kindle for PC pre-installed
• 3G module built-in and AT&T SIM card allows connectivity via AT&T DataConnect Pass plans
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 1 SODIMM Slot, 2 GB Max; Intel UMA graphics; 160 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
• 10.1-Inch Color-Shine 1024X600 WSVGA LCD Display; wireless 802.11 b/g/n; 0.3MP Webcam
• 6 cell battery for up to 11 Hours of Battery Life; Windows 7 Starter Operating System

It was rumored back in August, and was due for a September release, but even at a month late, we’re happy to see the new ASUS 1015PN.  The 1015PN is a familiar site on the netbook front with its 10.1-inch, 1024 x 600  screen and familiar design.  Under the hood, though, it has a brand new dual-core Atom N550 processor, 1GB of RAM, 250GB HD, and most importantly, NVIDIA Ion 2 graphics with Nvidia’s new Optimus switching tech.

All of that impressive hardware  means an estimated 9.5 hours of longevity on a charge.  It’s expected to sell in the US for $429, but we haven’t found it in any stores yet.

- Asus Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 w/Atom N450, Win 7 Starter, 6 cell battery for $349.99 – Amazon

Looking for a cheap netbook with 3g wireless service built in? Verizon has just started selling the Samsung N150. When you sign up for a 2-year mobile broadband contract you can pick one up from a Verizon store for $49.99 after rebate, or you can snag one for just $29.99 from the Verizon Wireless web site.

This is the first Samsung netbook available from Verizon. The wireless carrier also offers 3G netbooks from HP and Gateway. But at just under $30, the Samsung N150 is the cheapest model you can currently get from Verizon.

The Samsung N150 features a 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, and a 6 cell battery. It runs Windows 7 Starter Edition and includes 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 160Gb hard drive, 1GB of memory, and a flash card reader.

Quick Specs:
Intel Atom N455 1.66 GHz (supports DDR3 RAM)
1 GB DDR2 RAM (I wonder why the description says DDR2 – see here)
250 GB Hard Drive
10.1 Inch 1024×600 resolution screen
6 cell battery for 8 hrs battery life
(see full specs)

The Toshiba NB255 is a brand new model that features the latest Intel Atom N455 1.66 GHz which offers support for DDR3 RAM. I’ve contacted Toshiba to confirm that the netbook does ship with DDR3 but the description on Amazon states DDR2. In either case, with DDR3 or without this is sure to be a great netbook as Toshiba has created some of the best netbooks on the market.

You can buy it now, from Amazon, for $299