In the quick guide the main differences between the two are outlined but this article will explain in a little more detail the purpose that both Tablets and Netbooks serve.

Essentially Netbooks are better for content creation while Tablets enhance content consumption.

You may not be surprised to learn that the average person will spend 75% of their computer time consuming content; whilst spending just 25% creating it. So, if you put it down to statistics most people would be best suited to a tablet - but what happens when one wants to compose a long email or write an essay;  would a netbook be the best choice then?

People appreciate the compact nature of netbooks but when it comes to consuming content the tablet is the optimal device. In terms of  portability the tablet is slightly superior to the netbook, mainly due to the fact that they are essentially just a touch screen, and it is this straight forward touch screen interface that has made consuming media and online content simpler and more responsive than ever before. Your online life is instantly accessible - Facebook, Twitter, blogs, ebooks, movies, games, apps - are all literally at your finger tips. The flexibility of tablets suggest they could become an integral part of everybody's digital lifestyles but it is important to mention here that the presence of tablets will never defunct the need for desktops or laptops when it comes to serious content creation or heavy content management.

According to market research and some industry professionals the demand for netbooks has already peaked and customers are now becoming preferential toward tablets and the new hybrid models such as the Lenovo Ideapad. However it is difficult to make any sweeping generalisations about future sales as the ipad and other tablets are very much the new kids on the technology block and faddy behaviours along with celebrity endorsements may wain in the future.

Yet, when it comes to users whose priority is online consumption on a light, portable, responsive device the tablet may win out. Our constantly developing digital lifestyles mean that our dependency on access to content is growing - this is where tablets come into their own enabling users to access their online lives anytime, anyplace, anywhere - My friend insists on carrying his ipad everywhere and by that I mean from the sofa to the kitchen, he even takes it to the bathroom!

Touch screen technology and the emergence of the tablet along with smartphones has changed the way we think about computers and their role in our life.

For laptop lovers who can afford to splash out on other gadgets a tablet may be a quirky supplementary device but it will never be viewed as a PC substitute. As a writer I will always prioritise a netbook or laptop over a tablet - It's all about the keyboard for me and dabbing away on a touch-pad-keyboard just doesn't cut the mustard in my opinion. Yet the tablet may prove to be a vital device for individuals who for one reason or another are not computer literate - whether that be through a medical condition or just lack of education - the tablet's simple user interface allows anyone to browse online content in the simplest and most direct way.

So, the netbook wins the war in my house but the tablet is undoubtebly going to hold its place in the market, and quite rightly too.

Perhaps the hybrid can convince me...

Featuring an Intel Atom Processor, 512mb Ram, 4gb fast SSD storage, an 8.9" screen and Ubuntu (linux) this is really worth £149!

You can "upgrade" the Dell Mini 9 to 1gb ram and 8gb storage for an extra £30, which we think is probably worth it.

Go to Dell.co.uk now to get a great deal on a cheap netbook!

Full Specification:

Inspiron Mini 9(N03M0901)

Intel ® Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512K cache)
512MB 533MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
4GB Solid State Hard Drive
Integrated Intel® Graphic Media Accelerator 950
Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
UK/Ireland 30W AC Adapter
N-Series Inspiron Mini 9 Diagnostics and Drivers
English Documentation
4-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (32 WHr)
Dell 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Mini-Card
8.9" WSVGA (WLED) Truelife Display
1Yr Limited Warranty - Collect & Return
Ubuntu 8.04

Dell Inspiron 9 Mini Netbook

Featuring an Intel Atom 1.6ghz processor, 1gb of ram and a 16gb SSD flash drive, its a pretty standard affair. It looks very nice and glossy though.

Buy Dell Netbook online now.

The Inspiron 910 (not the Dell E-Series Netbook as previously thought) is the company's answer to the raft of netbooks that have emerged since the release of the Eee PC late last year, which have seen healthy sales.

Like the most recent Eee PC versions from Asus, the tiny Dell notebook will feature an Atom processor from Intel running at 1.6GHz, along with either 512MB or 1GB of RAM. The laptop will only be available with an SSD, rather than a traditional hard disk, in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities.

An 8.9in screen will ship with all configurations,running at a resolution of 1,024 by 600 pixels. Wi-Fi support is also built-in, but Bluetooth will be an optional extra via the MMD slot.

As with many netbooks already on the market, customers will be given the choice between two operating systems; Windows XP and Linux.

Interestingly, though, Dell has opted for Ubuntu. The company previously unveiled a distribution aimed directly at low-cost notebooks called Netbook Remix. Asus has been using a Xandros-based distribution until now, which does not have the same attractive interface that Ubuntu provides.

The details, leaked on Gizmodo, suggest that prices for the 910 will start at just $299 in the US. However, no details of UK pricing are given.

Earlier this year rumours of the upcoming Dell netbooks started to circulate online. Computer manufacturer Compal has allegedly received a production order for 450,000 of a yet to be released 10in model, as well as 250,000 for the 910.