Laptop or netbook?

If all you really want is web browsing capability, then a netbook will probably be your best option. They're generally less expensive, and they're also a lot more portable and handy if you move around a lot. Most of them are also good for basic capabilities like word-processing. A netbook is not a good option if you want to store or edit photos, so if you're one of those people who puts a million photos on their Facebook or Myspace, you'll either want external storage or a laptop. Netbooks also are not good for gaming, which is one of the main reasons that I chose a laptop instead of a netbook. My laptop is Acer brand, and I've been very happy with it ever since I got it. Acer makes one of the more popular netbooks and I've heard good things about it.

For thee things you want to do, netbook will be better option, economical as well as effective and efficient.

probably a netbook. But when you're opening multiple tabs each having flash/java then a netbook tends to be super slow.

I suggest you go for the netbook. It is especially made for functions like internet surfing, e-mails, and online chats/messaging programs. Also, it is smaller and easier to carry around.