I need a new netbook or similar. Please make recommendations.

[ShowOfBloodyStumps]

It's my 30th birthday soon and I really need a new netbook.

I use it for accessing the internet and writing. So able to save documents, decent battery and access to the Internet. I also like the keyboard to be a regular or near regular size.

I have a Dell Inspiron Mini atm (I know this because it says so on the screen). I like it. It's green. It has a nice keyboard on it. It's on its way out though. Loose connections, damaged screen, rubbish memory, needs a new battery and cable. Cheaper to replace than fix.

It has to be as affordable as possible. Nothing fancy.

What are reconditioned ones like? Worth it?

Shall I just get another Inspiron Mini Whatsit?

does anyone know what sort of money you need to spend to get something halfway decent? I know that pc world are doing £50 cash back if you trade in an old laptop ... but I am worried about whether the hard drive can be properly wiped clear of information before I hand it over.

Also ... is it better to store photos etc on an external hard drive ... and is it possible to do this with itunes. The last thing I want is to buy something and find its as slow as the machine I am replacing (not that that is probably even possible!).

Sorry for all the questions!

ialso recommend samsung. i have had my nc10 for almost 2 years and it is in daily constant use by me and the kids. Battery life is good, I have ms office, itunes and photoshop elements on it. I have a cheap external disk drive which i can plug in if i need to load something from a disk.
Keyboard is a reasonable size. Well built machine has stood up to a lot of knocks. Even took it on holiday, it fitted in my shoulder bag. I don't use the other computers in the house at all now.

If you get the NC10 beware there are 2 battery versions, you want the 6 cell version.

The NC10+ is the newer version of the NC10 and is slightly better spec for about £50 extra. Think we paid £280 on amazon.