Recently I had the opportunity to use a netbook for a few days. I never really took them seriously before, just thought that they were a cool toy with minimal use. My mind has been changed. I can understand why netbook sales are taking off.
If you travel or just cart your laptop around all day the smaller size and lighter weight will be much appreciated. Most weigh between 2-3 lbs and battery life can reach up to 12 hours without a charge. I did not find the 10 inch screen or smaller keyboard (92% of the size of a laptop keyboard) to be a detriment at all. One of the interesting things that I found in doing some product research is that some of the vendors (Asus for one) are offering on line storage free for a period of time with the purchase of a system. When I consider the online storage services available, SaaS future, and the basic online application services (google apps and soon Microsoft as examples) I can see a future where devices such as these do not have storage in them and are merely a screen, keyboard (or just a touchscreen keyboard), a fast wireless capability and the OS on a chip. This scenario could eliminate a number of the security issues and support issues faced by IT organizations in business and government.
These units are not a case of form over function. They are extremely functional, and powerful with a price point between $200 - $400. With budgets for most of us declining and fewer technology dollars to go around I expect that I will see an increase in the number of these units that will be purchased. I know that I will be be purchasing one - very soon
If you travel or just cart your laptop around all day the smaller size and lighter weight will be much appreciated. Most weigh between 2-3 lbs and battery life can reach up to 12 hours without a charge. I did not find the 10 inch screen or smaller keyboard (92% of the size of a laptop keyboard) to be a detriment at all. One of the interesting things that I found in doing some product research is that some of the vendors (Asus for one) are offering on line storage free for a period of time with the purchase of a system. When I consider the online storage services available, SaaS future, and the basic online application services (google apps and soon Microsoft as examples) I can see a future where devices such as these do not have storage in them and are merely a screen, keyboard (or just a touchscreen keyboard), a fast wireless capability and the OS on a chip. This scenario could eliminate a number of the security issues and support issues faced by IT organizations in business and government.
These units are not a case of form over function. They are extremely functional, and powerful with a price point between $200 - $400. With budgets for most of us declining and fewer technology dollars to go around I expect that I will see an increase in the number of these units that will be purchased. I know that I will be be purchasing one - very soon
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