From their humble beginnings in 2007, netbooks and netbook manufacturers could only have dreamed where these portable computing and internet machines have come to and where they are going. When first introduced, their original intent was not to be a popular, portable internet and computing device that so many would fall in love with, but instead as an inexpensive option for third world countries education systems. OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) led the charge, beginning their production of low cost, durable and easy to use netbooks but after selling a large quantity (around 300,000) in a short time, other big names in computer manufacturing such as Dell and Acer decided to try their hand at this as well. Since their release in 2007, netbooks have continued to grow in popularity with sales jumping to new highs every year. This being said, netbooks have not been without their problems but despite these setbacks, netbooks have the opportunity to be a consumer favorite for the everyday user here in the near future.
Yes, netbooks are very cool, they are a computer that ranges in size from a 7-11 inch screen weighing anywhere from 1-4 pounds with the majority of them having wifi capabilities, with some of the new ones including new features such as Bluetooth, cameras and SSD (solid state hard drives). Another feature that makes them even more popular is the price. Right now, the average price for a netbook ranges anywhere from $200-$300 which is a couple hundred less than a lot of laptops.
Despite these attractive features, there have been some problems brought up concerning these computers. One of these issues is the screen size and resolution, which makes viewing web pages or whatever else you are doing on your netbook inconvenient. Another issue is the fact that most netbook keyboards are a fraction of the size of a full size laptop making typing uncomfortable (I wouldnt recommend writing a research paper on one!) The fact of the matter is, with the compact size and price; sacrifices had to be made to accomplish what the manufacturers set out to do, so not everyone is pleased.
Honestly though, with sales jumping from year to year since their release, it is hard to tell (despite some scathing reviews) how happy or unhappy consumers are. A big factor (regardless of popularity) that has influenced their jump in sales is the ever evolving market of web based applications allowing even more to be done on netbooks. As of right now however, people are still critical, worrying about lack of the hard drive and RAM capabilities of a laptop but advances are being made in the field of netbooks just like other technology fields, hopefully making these issues disappear.
Netbooks, I feel are here to stay, no they arent going to replace the larger, more powerful laptop computers but for the on the go person who doesnt like a lot of baggage, the netbook is great, with a price that is more than perfect.
Michael Blumreich is a contributor for the aptly named computer review site, LaptopReviews.com. He’s currently a university student and lover of all things tech.
