the issues of running firefox on a SSD(i.e. netbook) have bee well addressed: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/AspireOne/110L#Speed%20up%20Firefox
you just have to get your hands a little dirty
what specific design choices in chrome makes it faster than Firefox, i.e. what caching/ database ect
TFA says notebook, i.e. a laptop, (but don't put it on your lap or you'll sterilise your little solders with the heat)
a netbook is the small cheap low power device which you are thinking of.
this is a subtle distinction to do with marketing
We will have solar energy as soon as the utility companies solve one technical problem -- how to run a sunbeam through a meter.