Inhalers and nebs should be about equal when it comes to effectiveness - at least clinically they've been shown to be so. That said, there is always going to be individual variation, and I'd encourage you to try them both out to find what works best for you. I switched from the albuterol inhaler to the xopenex neb (started on albuterol neb but couldn't tolerate the heart effects) in 2008. I do think I noticed a positive difference switching to the neb, but I also have a xopenex inhaler that I use in pinch if I get tight airways and I find it works fine most of the time.
One thing to be aware of: inhalers have "propellants" in them in order to propel the medicine into your lungs (as opposed to the air used by a compressor to do the same thing when the medicine is taken through a neb). For some people with asthma, or a strong asthma component, I've heard that the propellant itself can be irritating or cause reactions. So I would speak with your doctor if you notice any signs of wheezing or discomfort after inhaler use. Also, I think this probably goes without saying, but for those using traditional albuterol or other drugs that can have an effect on the heart, you should be careful about allowing your child to inhale too much of the drug. Having them try again and again until you think they have it "right" can backfire if it leaves the tachycardic for the next hour!