For a while there, it seemed that netbook computers were going to fade away into the sunset. But, as cloud computing continues to grow, netbooks just might make a lasting impression with a new use. With its low profile, a netbook computer is a more affordable and more portable way to complete productivity-type tasks.
What many may find interesting is that netbook computers are outselling tablets, four to one. In 2010, there were 43 million netbooks shipped worldwide, but only about 11 million tablets were sent out. Experts like to point out that netbooks are actually one of the fastest growing consumer products of all time. And, even with all the hype surrounding the iPad, netbooks continue to outsell tablets.
One of the only negative aspects of the netbook is that its performance is sub-par when compared to a full-size laptop. But, as cloud computing grows, the need for hefty hardware will go away and netbooks just might take over and push laptops to the curb.
Although netbooks are still selling strong, and they could be the perfect interface with cloud computing, it looks like they may not stand the test of time. Experts feel that over the next few years, netbooks will be squeezed out by more powerful tablets, lighter, smaller, and cheaper laptops, and even smarter mobile phones.
Netbook manufacturers are out to prove the experts wrong and are doing all they can to stand their ground. Intel has some new hybrid and convertible designs that it will be rolling out in 2011, like the Dell Inspiron duo. HP has recently released a line of netbooks geared toward business professionals, which it hopes will do well with the cloud momentum. Even Apple is playing along with a new Macbook Air, which will run full OS like a laptop, but it will probably be just as expensive as a full laptop.