This discussion has been informative.

Off topic, I had to look up the meaning of "netbook." Low and behold, it turns out that I use a netbook as my main computer. It's an Acer, 500GB, 4GB RAM, 11.5" display, for around $300. The screen is about as clear as it gets, without being a retina display. I forgot how many Hz, but I remember selecting this computer because the Hz are NOT that high (less battery drain).

This computer can do everything I need it to do, and just as fast or faster than my other computers that are considerably more expensive. In the past, I purchased only the highest end 17" laptops. Those days are over. They're too unwieldy for traveling for one thing. Also, we've reached a point in technology where higher performing hardware offers diminishing returns. For example, faster and bigger processors mean faster battery drain, while offering no benefit for regular software applications. Unfortunately, the prices for netbooks are creeping up.