NetbookHP mini 110-3500 runs VERY slow.

Question

Some time ago I purchased the HP Netbooks 110-3500. So VERY disappointed in it. Its so slow that it sits around unused because I find it too slow to use. I did purchase it at the low end of costs, but still I'd expect it to run decently. I generally would use this size computer for internet usage and email, as its nice and light and compact to take with me where ever I go. 
But sadly, I have hardly used it at all. I will most likely have to resort to calling HP. I am tired of spending so much time with computer companies overseas with my computer problems. 
Any suggestions?  I had seen many netbooks work very well and thought at least internet and email would work well on this brand. If HP made this to be a real cheapy why bother if it doesn't run well. This has Win7 Starter. Intel Atom CPU [email protected]; 1gig RAM; 32bit OS. 
Thanks for any help. 
[Personal Information Removed]
Thx!

Answer 1

I would, generally, had wanted this netbook for internet and facebook games. Also reading my webmail. But even WORD comes up slow. Just in general EVERYTHING is lagging. 
Oh....and I just remembered something else....after it being off for months, I did start it and try again, and when I gave up and shut it down, it had 6 updates to do. It said NOT to shut it down until the updates were completed. So I set it to the side, went about my evening, came back after a couple hours and it wasn't even done with Update 1. I said to myself this is reduiculous, but ok...I kept it on ALL NIGHT and after another 7 hours, it had only got to Update 3. After another almost 3/4 of a day it finished finally.   
Oh...and NOW it says Configuring Windows Updates 24%. Whatever that means. 
My laptop doesn't do that and if I have updates its usually just minutes to complete. 
I do appreciate your responses. Like you said, I will check on the changes to the hardware and see how it goes.