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From the year of the netbook to the year of the smartbook
Netbooks are the fastest-growing segment of the personal computer sector. In 2009 they held centre stage. But their reign was ephemeral. Smartbooks have just the market, to leave their mark.
"In 2009 netbooks set the pace in the industry. Their small size, ease of use and connectivity took their popularity to unforeseen heights. World sales exceeded all forecasts, with annual growth of 103% up to 33.3 million units, according to data from the American consultants DisplaySearch. The ranges of practically all computer manufacturers now include models of this format.
But the experts say that 40% of netbook users are not fully satisfied with their performance. They are easy to carry about, but their low power and limited battery life do not please everyone, according to a survey by the firm NPD Group. The boom has come to its end. In 2010 their sales are expected to lose momentum, with growth of just 19%. The netbook is yielding the top spot to the smartbook.
The new invasion began at the last International CES, held in Las Vegas in January 2010. Smartbooks were the great novelities presented at the world’s top consumer electronics fair (along with IFA in Berlin).
Market shakeup
The first to leap into the ring was the American microprocessor manufacturer Freescale Semiconductor, which has created a hybrid between the netbook and the smartphone with a touchscreen, the Android OS and nonstop internet connectivity, with the firm intention of shaking up the market. The new smartbook will be sold in the United Status for 200 dollars (less than 150 euros).
Lenovo also took the lead in Las Vegas, where it presented its version of the smartbook. It has a number of advantages over the netbook, though many highlight the convenience of a battery that lasts nearly all day with no need for recharging. The top people at Lenovo are convinced that the potential of smartbooks is greater than that of netbooks.
A few months earlier, in September 2009, it was Sharp that surprised the experts with its NetWalker PC-Z1. The other big names in the industry already have similar products ready to launch. The analysts say that by the summer there will be more than 30 different models in the shops to choose from."
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Published in Electronics and Telephony by Marco O. Brik on 10/05/2010
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