so my computer monitor has finally died, and I want to replace it. I was planning on my next computer being a laptop, but I want to play Final Fantasy XIV on it, and I know a laptop that nice would be a little bit expensive. but in browsing laptops, I found some netbooks and minis that are cheap enough that I could still afford a second desktop, meaning I don't need a laptop that can play Final Fantasy XIV. then I could just use my netbook for music composition and RPG Maker while on the bus/at work.

since I am dumb about computers, though, I have some questions.

- why are netbooks so cheap? I know they aren't full-featured (missing an optical drive, for example). but will they be able to run most basic music creation software and old Windows programs like RPG Maker 2000?
- if a netbook is a good option, are there any brands I should look at or avoid?

I'm not a high-end computer user, I just want a gaming computer for FFXIV and other games, and a portable computer so I can waste time on the bus and at work on creative stuff. as far as I can tell, a netbook with USB is all I need for my purposes, since you can easily buy supplements like an external DVD drive if you really need one, or a midi device that goes through the USB port. but before I take the plunge, I need opinions from people who actually know stuff.

here are a couple netbooks and minis that I'm looking at. I'm not in the market for a new desktop yet, so I haven't searched any. I figure I'll put off that purchase as long as I can.

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineS...=22&l=en&s=dfh

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Compaq+-...&skuId=9576951


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+...&skuId=9605125

I haven't looked too hard, just picked some of the cheapest ones I could find that meet the minimum requirements (Windows, USB, decent hard drive, decent RAM). let me know if I'm way off the mark.

I appreciate the help.