ABI predicts massive growth for netbooks in 2009
updated 12:25 am EST, Tue January 27, 2009
Netbooks '09: huge growth
Social and technological factors have conspired to make 2009 the year of the netbook, according to analysts. ABI Research expects a "perfect storm" to form this year, leading to a market explosion in the netbook category, calling for 35 million units to ship in '09, with an estimated 139 million units shipping by 2013. The convergence of PDA functionality, the data-hub theory of smartphone technology and the mobility of ultramobile PCs find a home in netbooks at a time when low-cost, low power processors and light-weight form factors have arrived.
The smartphone industry has run its course, with the next logical step being netbooks, according to the research firm. ABI's comparison of the mobile device market, including mobile handsets, ultramobile devices, broadband-enabled electronics and cellular modems leads the firm to conclude that netbooks will enjoy "very strong market growth" in the next five years.
And Apple......
01/27, 05:20am reply
And Apple does NOTHING...
Apple could put out an outstanding netbook if they wanted to. Why aren't they capitalizing on this?
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
I don't know
01/27, 07:17am reply
...what Apple is thinking. They claim that they cannot put out a decent netbook at a lower cost since they are all junk.
How about a look at the new Sony netbook. It is sleek and has enough power for and day-to-day job. It is in the price range of what I would expect Apple to charge for a netbook as well. I would pick up the Sony netbook if it didn't have Vista (too much for such a weak processor - common among netbooks).
Apple needs to get off their duff and create an inspirational netbook. What I would like to see is a touch screen netbook with the option of a bluetooth keyboard....the newton grown up for the new millennium.
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
Apple lies!
01/27, 07:27am reply
If the market is so big, they are not ignoring it. They are just not jumping in with a half-assed effort.
Who is buying these netbooks? I've never seen one - only the hype on-line.
Eriamjh
Addicted to MacNN
Joined: Oct 2001
It's business
01/27, 07:45am reply
I think that netbooks are low margin products that cannibalize the sales of higher margin laptops. Apple's probably thinking the same thing.
chefpastry
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Coffee
01/27, 08:05am reply
Quote: "The smartphone industry has run its course"
I'm just glad I had set down my coffee cup before reading that.
kimhill
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
What are they smoking?
01/27, 08:57am reply
I have yet to see anyone using a netbook, and I don't know anyone who thinks that an underpowered laptop is a good idea.
My bet is that next year they'll proclaim 2010 as the year of the netbook, due to the perfect storm of blah blah blah.
iBricking.com
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2007
True, true...
01/30, 02:41pm reply
While netbooks are good for many things, and internet access is one of those things.... they are not for everyone.
One other big factor everyone here forgets.
They sell 100 million netbooks and make a buck each.. These parts cost money, and while they are cheaper than a laptop, you get a 9 inch screen vs a 13 inch screen and only save $100.
Just a thought.
en
Eldernorm
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Joined: Sep 2007