Purchasing a new laptop...

Wasn't sure where to post this so feel free to move it accordingly...

I am going to be travelling to Europe this summer and would like to buy a laptop to take with me.  I don't want to get the cheapest available but at the same time I don't need a really high performance one either.  So I was hoping to get some advice.

All it needs to be able to do is run Skype, Netflix (in HD :) ), and other "simple" websites (ie. facebook, e-mail, youtube, and chess.com of course!).  I'm not so sure about Skype and Netflix but from what I know the rest of it doesn't take much to be able to run (other than internet of course).

Any input/advice would be great, looking to spend no more than $700-$800 US.

Do you really need a proper laptop?  I think a netbook would be sufficient.

Your budget is huge for your requirements, save money for beer.

As long as the screen isn't too small (I like to spoil myself when watching videos/movies or playing chess :P).  What is the price range and screen sizes for netbooks?  I get the feeling I can google this myself lol...

Thanks for the idea though, I don't know anybody with one so the thought hadn't really occured to me (perhaps why I fail at chess, I don't seem to see all the possibilities lol).

Of course, screensize will be the compromise but do you really want to carry a large device, on your travels?

Expensive electronics may attract the wrong sort of attention.

I could live with a 10 inch screen, I'm going to be sitting right in front of it anyways.  But when purchasing expensive electronics I usually don't mind investing a little more if it is worth it in terms of quality and longevity, because I do hope to use it after this trip.  I've always wanted some sort of laptop but it was never "necessary" until now with this trip I am taking.

I am intrigued by the netbook idea though. My only concerns are if it can run movies/tv shows on netflix? And how it can handle skype/does it have a webcam? Everything else I need it seems to be a perfect fit.