Low cost, light weight and Internet-enabled – these are the qualities of the new segment of mobile computing devices, designated as Netbooks by Intel. The new category joins the likes of UMPCs (Ultra mobile PC), MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices) and many smartphones that are aimed at Internet access.
An excerpt from ZDNet:
Intel’s Atom processors are also now widely available and more than 100 products being built on the platform are being highlighted at Computex (Techmeme). Intel’s Sean Maloney, the company’s sales and marketing chief, gave the Computex keynote and said: “Individuals – not households – will drive the next era of growth with people each owning one or more computing devices.”
At the latest Computex Trade Show in Taipei, Taiwan, Intel stole the show with its Atom processors at the heart of next generation internet devices. No doubt that Intel is hoping for these devices to herald the next wave in hardware sales, but the larger question is whether these devices have what it takes to top laptops and notebooks as the device of choice for mobile computing. Asus and Acer have their products based on the Intel Atom ready while Dell is also thought to be working on a smaller laptop model.
An excerpt from Guardian:
The Acer Inspire One, is a typical example of an Atom-based subnotebook, and Asus has Atom versions of its products. Dell is also expected to enter the market (below). I’m hoping somebody doing Computex will compile a handy list.
Another advantage of these devices is longer battery life. Also, Intel is pushing hard to promote its Atom processor through these devices. At the same time, the price of these devices ( from $ 400 onewards) makes for some interesting competition. On one hand you have the likes of Asus Eee PC while on the other hand you might consider even going for a high end smart-phone.
There is no doubt that being Internet enabled is the buzzword that all are trying to market upon, but the question is – Do you want to take the plunge now or wait to see how the price scenario unfolds.