Has anyone bought one of those mini laptops?

I am getting some young ones laptops for X-mas and all I want them to be able to do is type documents(OpenOffice), use Itunes, and surf the net, must have headphone jack and usb ports too, but that is probably standard.

My main question is can the mini books use the programs I want to use them with? Is it possible to run an external hard drive with programs on it through the mini laptop?

I found these on CNET reviews.......

HP Compaq Business nx7010
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook
Sony Vaio VGN-P588E Lifestyle PC

Any advice?

 

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