Did you just get a new Netbook? If so, you're going to want to take care of it. In this article I'll discuss 5 ways to keep your netbook looking as new as the day you opened it.

1. First and foremost you're going to need a bag or neoprene sleeve to protect your netbook from small amounts of liquids, surface scratches, dust, bumps and drops. Netbooks are typically 10.1 inches and there are plenty of bags and sleeves that are designed for them. Bags allow you to carry additional items for yournetbook like the power supply, cords, external hard drives and cd-rom drives (for example). Sleeves are meant to only carry the netbook and protect it from scratches, small amounts of liquids and little bumps or drops. These sleeves are made out of neoprene and are pretty flexible and somewhat protective.

2. Never leave your laptop on soft surfaces (like bed covers or a rug). Netbooks usually vent heat from the processor via the bottom, back and sides of the netbook. Soft surfaces prevent heat dissipation because they obstruct clear air flow. I like to place my netbook on a table or desk. It's a nice flat surface that conducts heat and moves it away from the netbook. If you like to lay in bed with your netbook you can pick up a flexible mini table (fits right over your stomach) for about $15.00. Just remember that heat destroys electrical components. Keep your netbook cool and it'll last you a very long time.

3. Keep liquids far away from your netbook. If you spill even a small amount of any liquid inside the keyboard your netbook will most likely be ruined and require repair (the repairs for liquid damage are so expensive that you'd be buying a new netbook!).

4. The better the warranty, the less hassles you're going to have to deal with. Getting the best warranty available for your netbook means that you won't have to ship your netbook off for service (which can take up to a month). Parts and service technicians will come to your house, business or school and repair your netbook within a 24 hour period. That's a lot better than waiting for a month! Also, if you pick up your netbook at a store you can usually negotiate the supplemental warranty they offer (they took 50% off mine!). Warranties are no fun to pay for, but 3 years down the road you'll be glad you did!

5. Finally, never ever put your netbook in a closed sleeve or bag if it's turned on. The heat build-up can quickly fry your netbook and quite possibly your data. Before putting the netbook in your bag or sleeve just put it to sleep (or hibernation).

These tips may seem pretty obvious, but I rarely see any of my clients actually stick to them. So, follow the 5 tips above and you'll have your netbook in brand new condition forever!