Netbooks may have lost some of their momentum with the release of iPad and other tiny handheld devices, but they are still pretty handy for those who intend to spend some time on the road and want to have the ability to run their computer programs and get their work done. Netbooks may have been around for some time now, but they are still a work in progress. Today’s netbooks are not even comparable to the ones from previous years as they are more capable of handling graphics and more complex tasks.

If you are out shopping for a netbook and want to get your hands on a device that lets you get your work done on the road, here are 5 powerful models you should consider picking up:

• ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU17: has been among the best netbooks on the market for quite some time. It not only has a speedy processor but gives you plenty of storage (750 GB in total) and 14 hours of battery.
• MSI U160-007US Netbook: has the best battery among netbooks (on paper). It weighs only 2.4 lbs and has wireless N capability as well.
• HP Mini 210-1090NR Netbook: the best HP netbook to date. HP has improved the quality of its netbooks by improving their energy efficiency and keeping the prices low.
• ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1201N-PU17: for those who do not like smaller netbooks. It has a 12.1 inch screen and has a dual core processor to give you performance and flexibility on the road.
• Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Netbook: a tablet/netbook hybrid device that is very versatile and supports touch-based apps and activities. It has plenty of storage and lots of connectivity options.

There you have it. 5 netbooks that are not only powerful but very unique in their own right. If you are still not sold on iPad, the above netbooks make good alternatives (compare netbooks here).