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Sep 23, 2008 -- Netbooks should be a deal this holiday season
The netbook trend has really taken off in the world of electronics retailing. Netbooks are ultra-cheap lightweight mini-laptops. Their genesis goes back to an MIT initiative to provide cheap computers for Third World children.
The for-profit computer manufacturers responded quickly when they caught wind of MIT's non-profit plan. One of the first companies to make money with netbooks was Asus with their Triple E PC. Today, the Triple E retails for around $279 and has sold some 6 million units.
Other manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Acer all have their own netbooks. The typical screen size is about 9 or 10 inches and they generally operate on Windows XP or Linux. For around $350, a business traveler can take a 2-pound netbook as a substitute for a regular laptop.
During the coming holiday season, you should see netbook prices in the $250-$500 range. So if you're a road warrior, you don't need to spend a grand for a heavy old laptop anymore!
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
I was totally surprised about your "pointy head" Linux comment during the show yesterday.
You clearly do not know what you are talking about on this one Clark.
Ubuntu Linux is a computer operating system that is everything a consumer could want: easy, stable, complete. It includes all the computer software that 90% of us could possibly need and it is totally free!
Some of my friends always seemed to have computer problems until I installed Ubuntu Linux on their desktop or laptop. As a matter of fact I'm using it right now on my own laptop because I prefer it 10 to 1 to the Vista that's also on this laptop.
Have someone install for you on your computer, try it and come back on this one?
Zero dollar Ubuntu Linux is probably one of the best consumer deals in the world today.
Sincerely, Ernst
Netbook
I bought the Acer Aspire One with XP Home; 120 gigHD. I absolutely love it. I cant wait until the new fuel cell batteries come out
Netbooks
I need a computer to surf web and download itunes (songs and movies) Can i do this with a netbook or should I get a laptop?
Netbooks
These things ARE full featured computers, right? Not just for e-mail?
Acer Aspire One
I just bought the Acer Aspire One netbook for $370. It's tiny in size but pretty powerful processor. ONLY downfall is the lame battery life--2 hour... Still, whether you buy another battery or bring around the charger, this little guy has made life much more convenient for me at school!
Unlike a PDA or Blackberry, you have a full keyboard, USB and SD expansions for a mouse, memory, etc; the Windows XP version comes with 120G of space and 1G Ram (Linux is 8G/1G), there is no CD drive but there is built-in Wireless, webcam, and ethernet port.
As a college student and a techy-girl I researched for months before purchasing and was excited to hear Clark promoting Acers. They really are quite amazing, reliable, inexpensive, and cute!! I get a lot of compliments on my blue one which only allows me to brag more on its awesome specs!
I could go on, but check out acer.com and see for yourself! This little guy is not a super-computer, but it's light and super convenient!
Netbook computer
Hi, I am in Orlando, and I would like to purchase a netbook computer. Can you tell me where I could find them here.
Myrna
Acer Netbook
I just bought a Acer 1570 Netbook from Walmart. Great concept. i use it to travel only. Easy to take on the plane and great to log into my work network. This should be a big hit.
Clark, why do you dismiss good free stuff?
If you see a quality product for free, but you have to learn just a little to use it, will you be interested? What if it's a viable alternative to the products of a monopoly that uses its market power to rip off consumers? Well, Clark, you've just dismissed Linux as "...something for the pointy heads." I think you should give it a second look -- especially Ubuntu, which can be downloaded and set up for free and, for many users, works well right out of the box.
But if you'd rather support an abusive monopoly and spend lots of time and money fighting viruses than spend a few hours learning how to set up and use something better, it's your choice...
