In the upcoming 0.47 release Inkscape is usable on 1024x600 netbook display. From my experience with similar computer (eeepc 901), there are two nuisances, but that's it. First, if the drawing fits on the screen, it's too small to work with details. This is unavoidable with such a small screen, though. Second, picking some tools requires one extra click. Possible solutions to this have been given in comments above.
In the upcoming 0.47 release Inkscape is usable on 1024x600 netbook display. From my experience with similar computer (eeepc 901), there are two nuisances, but that's it. First, if the drawing fits on the screen, it's too small to work with details. This is unavoidable with such a small screen, though. Second, picking some tools requires one extra click. Possible solutions to this have been given in comments above.