My wife got a netbook for use while RV’ing. The thing is as slow as molasses. That is probably more the fault of the Windows OS. I should have steered her to Linux, but didn’t want the headaches of trying to learn (much less teach her) something all new to us.
If it's an EeePC, go to wiki.eeeuser.com, and read up on the tips on how to make Windows faster, it really does make a difference. Surprisingly, Windows 7 runs /very/ well on netbooks, and I have to admit, if there's a way to draw me back to Windows, Microsoft needs to get that thing to market.
But yeah, these netbooks aren't speedy, but the 30watts of power they draw when charging an empty battery certainly is easier on the RV's power supply. :)