really cheap but good notebook/mini laptop

im erming and arring about this idea that got put into my head by my mother.
ive not been keen on laptops because of how out of date they can get quickly and how lagging they can get after a few years.
but now im pondering about one.

i want a really small one just to mess about on around my flat house thing or out and about.
i wont be doing anything fancy on it, as i have my desk top for that.
i'd just be using the net, storing music and photos and watching the odd dvd on it.
so its really not worth spending loads on an all singing all dancing one.
but its gotta be a decent brand, or at least one people have heard of.

any recommendations?