You know a device is in vogue when all the big-name computer manufacturers clamor to release their own version of it.

Since ASUS debuted the Eee PC, we’ve hardly been able to keep up with all the similar mini-notebooks to hit the market, but we’ve worked double-time to play crash dummy and test drive the most popular mini-notebooks. Our goal: to proffer solutions for the very problems you’ll encounter if you purchase one of these mini-machines.

So far, the Everex CloudBook, the HP Mini-Note, and the many flavors of the Eee PC have undergone our expert case studies. Below are all the glitches, shutdowns, and speed barriers we stumbled upon while using mini-notebooks the same way any consumer would—and the fixes we found for each.

Tips to Improve Your Mini-Notebook

ASUS Eee PC Tips 

HP Mini-Note Tips 

Everex Cloudbook Tips