Netbooks: So Hot Right Now

Caleb Brown

I was surprised today at linux.conf.au at how many people were carrying around netbooks.

At breakfast someone at my table was demonstrating an application on one. And as I looked around the lecture hall during the Systems Administration Miniconf I spotted numerous ASUS Eee PCs, and Acer Aspire Ones.

I asked someone what the appeal was and they told me it's the incredible portability of the devices that makes them so attractive.

I find it interesting that a category of computers that barely existed at the start of 2008 is now emerging as a preferred choice amongst many technology professionals over the larger laptop, and I expect this year we'll see this strong grow continue.

But it gets me wondering: How many of those who regularly use a netbook also regularly use a laptop? And is there anything besides their portability that makes them desirable?