The Acer Aspire One 531h 10.1-Inch Diamond Black Netbook is similar to Acer’s other netbooks. These models have the Intel Atom processor, a 10.1″ screen, come in 1 or 2 GB of RAM and have the same features as Acer’s other 10.1″ netbooks. The bonus here: built-in 3G. What does this mean? You don’t have to find a coffee shop or library or bookstore with wireless when you want to get online. You can sign up for an account with AT&T or Verizon and get wireless Internet anywhere you could get 3G cell phone service.  And you don’t need to get one of those annoying USB modems from the phone carrier-all built in.

If you are paying for 3G service anyway for you phone or someone in your family, this can be convenient. But make sure you know what the charges are and how much Internet service you use in a month. Most carriers offer a flat monthly rate ($60 or so in the US) for using up to 5GB of usage. After that, charges go up and quickly!

In fact, IF you are going to pay for service anyway, look for the deals you can get on the Acer netbook if you sign up for wireless data access. For instance, Best Buy is offering them for $299.99, but that deal requires signing up for two years of $60-a-month AT&T Wireless data access — that is, $1,440 worth of service. This Acer mini laptop is a good buy either way if you need wireless service anywhere.