Το iPad θα σκοτώσει τα NetBooks;

The iPad and likeminded tablets have the potential to introduce a new paradigm for personal computer that just might kill the netbook space altogether.

I speak with a number of folks in Taipei who build parts for leading PC companies, including Dell, HP, and Acer. Many of them have asked me the same question: could the iPad kill netbooks? The reason for their concern is clear—at present, about 40 million netbooks are sold a year. A major decline in that number could have a huge effect on their business.

When answering this question, I point out that most market forecasters believe that the netbook market has already peaked, and it will gradually decline over the next few year. This prediction is anchored in the fact that mainstream laptops are getting thinner, lighter, smaller, and cheaper. They're already encroaching on the netbook space. The ideal small computer for most consumers has a 12 or 13 inch screen, full-sized keyboard, weighs less than three pounds, and is priced below $700. Netbooks will continue to be cheaper, but they are well known for their limited functionality. Most PC manufacturers believe that they can persuade consumers to "upgrade" to ultra thins. Netbooks won't go away completely, but the space will certainly decrease in popularity over time.

But the iPad and other tablets may become a major disruptor in mobile computing. If manufacturers get things right, the world of mobile computing may change rapidly. Sure we have had commercially available tablets for more than 20 years now, and all have failed to catch on in a major way. Still, we have never seen a tablet quite like the iPad before. Apple's device has an elegant ecosystem of hardware and software and an easy-to-use multi-touch interface.

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Δεν ξέρω αν θα τα σκοτώσει ή όχι. Πως μπορείς να σκοτώσεις κάτι που δεν υπάρχει; Εγώ από την πρώτη στιγμή είπα ότι για μένα αυτά τα προϊόντα δεν υπάρχουν. Στην κυριολεξία. Είναι σαν τα ρούχα του Αυτοκράτορα. Βλέπω ξεκάθαρα ότι δεν υφίστανται. Δεν πάτε να αγοράζετε και 80 εκατομμύρια NetBooks; Είναι σαν τα Windows και το Office. ΔΕΝ ΥΠΑΡΧΟΥΝ αυτά τα προϊόντα για μένα.

Είναι από τα χειρότερα προϊόντα που έχει παράγει η πληροφορική τα τελευταία χρόνια μαζί με τα Windows, το Office και όλα τα υπόλοιπα προϊόντα της Micro$oft. Αρνούμαι να τα δουλέψω για προσωπική ή εταιρική χρήση. Ακόμη και για ένα δευτερόλεπτο.

Ελάτε. Πείτε την αλήθεια. Και σεις δεν τα γουστάρετε. Πείτε την αλήθεια. Στον καθρέφτη. Δεν χρειάζεται πουθενά αλλού.