If you haven't tried it yet, try using the 'Other Downloads' option and select 'Portable Devices' as the download source.
Don't be fooled by the name, it doesn't restrict you to an iphone sized picture, it merely reduces the resolution.
Typically a 650Mb download reduces in size to about 250Mb in this format.
You don't utilise the iplayer to manage your downloads in this way, it is the more traditional windows download. The saved file is usually held in 'My Downloads' by default, started by the usual double click on it, and runs using Windows Media Player. Don't forget to delete them when you are finished.
The resolution is lower of course, but this in turn means that your netbook won't be struggling to process the data. On a netbook screen the resolution in this format will be fine for everyday use. I actually run this format on a 21 inch monitor driven by an ancient Thinkpad and it works OK for viewing across a small room.
The other option you will see in 'Other Downloads' is 'Windows Media Player'. this is a half way house of resolution with a typical comparable download size to the above of 400Mb
You might get away with that.
Last edited by Cheerio; 24th Mar 2010 at 10:47.