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Netbooks - The new trend?
Recently you may have heard some talk about Netbooks, and you may have even seen a few whenever you visit your favorite computer shop. But what is a Netbook?
Netbooks emerged in 2007 with the launch of the ASUS Eee PC, and seems to be gaining popularity by the day. The device featured a 7-inch display, a keybord slightly smaller than that of a normal notebook (about 15% smaller) and weighed about 2 pounds.
The 8.9 x 6.5 inch (23 x 17 cm) netbook boasted a custom version of Linux as well as a simplified user interface. Soon after, other pc manufacturers also followed suit and began introducing netbooks, and eventually Windows XP based models were added.
Towards the end of 2008, netbooks became more popular than Laptops, and even outsold iPhones during the third quarter of 2008. The marketshare in 2008 increased dramatically with approximately 11.4 million units sold. Of the 11.4 million, 70% were sold to customers in EuropeThe 2009 sales forecast is estimated to gain momentum to approximately 35 million units, and then on to 139 million by the end of 2013. The idea behind netbooks seem to be geared towards increased portability and mobility for the user, while also simplifying internet connectivity. The device basically makes it easier to be mobile and connected.
Hardware seems to be moving away from Intel processors, with MIPS System-on-a-chip (SoC), resulting in low-cost systems, becoming more popular.
As with almost all new technology, netbook specifications and features will most likely continue to evolve and develop over time, but for now the typical netbook weighs approximately 1.4 kg, has a 23 cm screen, has wireless internet connectivity, and operating systems are typically Linux or Windows XP with an Intel chip.
With popularity of this product growing, it seems quite possible that a new trend may be emerging. With its' obvious focus on mobility and connectivity, combined with the possiblity of an increased battery life, Netbooks seem to be here to stay. Its' lightweight, compact and stylish design make it quite difficult to resist. Being considerably smaller than a typical Laptop, thereby giving a user the ability to be truly mobile, the modern Netbook has taken the traditional Laptop through an evolution of sorts.
Netbooks emerged in 2007 with the launch of the ASUS Eee PC, and seems to be gaining popularity by the day. The device featured a 7-inch display, a keybord slightly smaller than that of a normal notebook (about 15% smaller) and weighed about 2 pounds.
The 8.9 x 6.5 inch (23 x 17 cm) netbook boasted a custom version of Linux as well as a simplified user interface. Soon after, other pc manufacturers also followed suit and began introducing netbooks, and eventually Windows XP based models were added.
Towards the end of 2008, netbooks became more popular than Laptops, and even outsold iPhones during the third quarter of 2008. The marketshare in 2008 increased dramatically with approximately 11.4 million units sold. Of the 11.4 million, 70% were sold to customers in EuropeThe 2009 sales forecast is estimated to gain momentum to approximately 35 million units, and then on to 139 million by the end of 2013. The idea behind netbooks seem to be geared towards increased portability and mobility for the user, while also simplifying internet connectivity. The device basically makes it easier to be mobile and connected.
Hardware seems to be moving away from Intel processors, with MIPS System-on-a-chip (SoC), resulting in low-cost systems, becoming more popular.
As with almost all new technology, netbook specifications and features will most likely continue to evolve and develop over time, but for now the typical netbook weighs approximately 1.4 kg, has a 23 cm screen, has wireless internet connectivity, and operating systems are typically Linux or Windows XP with an Intel chip.
With popularity of this product growing, it seems quite possible that a new trend may be emerging. With its' obvious focus on mobility and connectivity, combined with the possiblity of an increased battery life, Netbooks seem to be here to stay. Its' lightweight, compact and stylish design make it quite difficult to resist. Being considerably smaller than a typical Laptop, thereby giving a user the ability to be truly mobile, the modern Netbook has taken the traditional Laptop through an evolution of sorts.
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