One Shot Design

I have repeatedly written about the potential of Netbooks. For many years Netbooks have mistakenly been targeted at business users, always resulting in power-focused expensive devices. Yet there has always been an obvious demand for small and low-cost computers. Heck! In 1999 I was able to complete my Masters degree with what could have been called a Netbook.

Palm almost got it right in 2007 before skillfully blowing up the Foleo project. In the meantime, Asus was working one the idea of a low-cost Flash-memory computer and got it just right. The eee became a landmark in the history of comuting, and the market for Netbooks has been booming, despite attempts by chipmakers to downplay the phenomenon. Netbook sales have risen by 160% in the third trimester of 2008. More than 10 makers have followed in the steps of Asus to offer small, portable and low-cost mini-note computers.