Netbooks Finding Success Between Laptops and Smartphones: ABI Research

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Netbooks Finding Success Between Laptops and Smartphones: ABI Research

6:06 am on February 19, 2009 | Category: Mobile Devices

Small ‘netbook’ computers are experiencing a “perfect storm” of success that will increase device shipments for the next several years, according to recent analysis by ABI Research.

A number of social and technological factors are fueling netbook shipments, which are expected to hit 35 million this year and rise to 139 million in 2013.

“PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) began our reliance on instant accessible data while traveling,” says ABI Research director, Kevin Burden, explaining the historical background of the netbook boom. “When PDA functionality converged with cellular voice, smartphones became the new darling of mobile professional technology that many expected to evolve into the hub for all data and communication needs for travelling professionals. Today, with a better understanding for what a smartphone is, is not, and may never be, along with a reality check on the usefulness of UMPCs, the market remains open for new device types.”

Netbooks tend to be very light-weight with low-cost processors. They are smaller and cheaper than traditional notebooks, but bigger and more powerful than smartphones. This mix of mobility and features may turn out to be the “right-sized” solution for many productive travelers, ABI predicts.