What is your definition of a netbook out of curiosity? It does seem to be different then what most of the mainstream agrees to, and is complicating my understanding of your actual needs. Did you consider your Dell X1 a netbook? For me, (and it seems Bruno, and many others), a netbook is an Atom powered (this no out of order execution) based system with a screen limited to 1024x600, portable computer. The X1, Air, and other certain systems with more normal (for their time) processors, higher resolutions, and such are typically called ultra portable notebooks.

As for the non-standard BIOS, indeed, it does lack that 80s BIOS standard. It does however use an industry standard called EFI. EFI is the new boot firmware being widely deployed now, including every Dell workstation and server we have received at work for the past year. It's been around in some form for a bit over a decade now, and it's also been that long since I first booted Linux using EFI instead of BIOS. What is funny to me is how most vendors will make their first EFI systems act and feel just like BIOS, so it's sometimes hard to tell the difference, especially when the system includes the CSM for legacy support.

As for the basics, all depends on your definition there. I've had WiFi pretty much everywhere I go, so thats more basic for me then a LAN. For the rare times I don't have static WiFi, I have a small Clear branded device that creates WiFi and accesses the WiMax network running in Austin. A full size keyboard also fits into my basic needs for a computer, so that tends to exclude most netbooks.

Oh well, guess I'm just one of those happier jewel-encrusted kinda guys, using his Apple "netbook" to get work done on flights using VMWare and such :-) The new 11 inch really tempts me if I'm going to be doing work on the road with the new job, as the TSA indicated it doesn't even need to come out of a bag for screening. Not that I really agree with their arbitrary security theater rules, but hey, it's slightly less time wasted when boarding a flight.