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'''Linux''' As of January 2009, customised [[Linux]] distributions are estimated to ship on less than 10% of netbooks,<ref name="pcw-linux">[http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/160567/think_linux_rules_on_netbooks_think_again.html Think Linux Rules on Netbooks? Think Again]</ref> making it the second most popular operating system after Windows. As Linux systems normally install software from an Internet [[software repository]], they do not need an optical drive to install software. However, early netbooks like the Eee PC failed to use this benefit by disabling access to the full range of available Linux software.
'''Linux''' As of January 2009, customised [[Linux]] distributions are estimated to ship on less than 10% of netbooks,<ref name="pcw-linux">[http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/160567/think_linux_rules_on_netbooks_think_again.html Think Linux Rules on Netbooks? Think Again]</ref> making it the second most popular operating system after Windows. As Linux systems normally install software from an Internet [[software repository]], they do not need an optical drive to install software. However, early netbooks like the Eee PC failed to use this benefit by disabling access to the full range of available Linux software.

Netbooks has sparked many new linux distributions to be developed, like [[Ubuntu Netbook Remix]] and [[Easy Peasy]]. See the full [[list of Netbook Distributions]],


'''Android''' Google's [[Android (operating system)|Android]] software platform, designed for mobile telephone handsets, has been demonstrated on an ASUS Eee PC and its Linux operating system contains policies for [[mobile internet device]]s including the original Asus Eee PC 701.<ref>[http://venturebeat.com/2009/01/01/android-netbooks-on-their-way-likely-by-2010/ Android netbooks on their way, likely by 2010]</ref> ASUS has allocated engineers to develop an Android-based netbook.<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a4E9sAyqigOU Google Android May Run Asus Netbook, Rival Microsoft (Update1)]</ref> [[Freescale]] have also announced plans for a low-cost [[ARM architecture|ARM]]-based netbook design, running Android.<ref>[http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=1563 Freescale to use Android, ARM for $100 Netbook]</ref> In May 2009 a contractor of Dell announced it is porting [[Adobe Flash Lite]] to Android for Dell netbooks.<ref>http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/bsquare-port-adobe-flash-lite-new-google-android-netbook-del?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal</ref>
'''Android''' Google's [[Android (operating system)|Android]] software platform, designed for mobile telephone handsets, has been demonstrated on an ASUS Eee PC and its Linux operating system contains policies for [[mobile internet device]]s including the original Asus Eee PC 701.<ref>[http://venturebeat.com/2009/01/01/android-netbooks-on-their-way-likely-by-2010/ Android netbooks on their way, likely by 2010]</ref> ASUS has allocated engineers to develop an Android-based netbook.<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a4E9sAyqigOU Google Android May Run Asus Netbook, Rival Microsoft (Update1)]</ref> [[Freescale]] have also announced plans for a low-cost [[ARM architecture|ARM]]-based netbook design, running Android.<ref>[http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=1563 Freescale to use Android, ARM for $100 Netbook]</ref> In May 2009 a contractor of Dell announced it is porting [[Adobe Flash Lite]] to Android for Dell netbooks.<ref>http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/bsquare-port-adobe-flash-lite-new-google-android-netbook-del?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal</ref>

Revision as of 20:25, 11 May 2009

For the Psion Netbook, see Psion netBook.
An ASUS Eee PC netbook.

A netbook is a small portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet.[1]

Primarily designed for web browsing and e-mailing, netbooks rely heavily on the Internet for remote access to web-based applications"[2] and are targeted increasingly at cloud computing users who require a less powerful client computer.[3] Netbooks typically run either Windows XP or Linux operating systems[2] rather than more resource-intensive operating systems like Windows Vista.[4] The devices range in size from below 5 inches[5] to over 13,[6] typically weigh 2 to 3 pounds (~1 kg) and are often significantly cheaper than general purpose laptops ($400),[2] with some even in the $50–100 range under some circumstances.[7]

According to Deloitte, as of the start of 2009, the established definition of a netbook was a notebook computer with a low-powered x86-compatible processor (compatible with PC standard software), small screen (no larger than 10 inches), (usually) small keyboard, equipped with wireless connectivity, lightweight (under three pounds/1.3 kilograms) and no optical disk drive. Netbooks are typically low cost, relative to other notebooks.[8]

The word netbook is a portmanteau of the words Internet and notebook.

History

Netbook market popularity within laptops in second half of 2008 by PriceGrabber[2]

The origins of the netbook can be traced to Psion's discontinued netBook line, the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project and the Palm Foleo — these were all small, light network-enabled computers.[9][10][11] The upsurge of netbooks, however, began in 2007 when Asus unveiled the ASUS Eee PC. Originally designed for emerging markets, the 8.9 × 6.5 in (23 x 17 cm) device weighed about two pounds and featured a 7-inch display, a keyboard approximately 85% the size of a normal keyboard, and a custom version of Linux with a simplified user interface geared towards netbook use.[10] Following the Eee PC, Everex launched its Linux-based CloudBook, MSI released the Wind, Dell and HP both released a "Mini" series (the Inspiron Mini and HP Mini), and others soon followed suit. Windows XP models were also introduced.[10]

By late 2008, netbooks had begun to take market share away from laptops.[12] It is estimated that almost thirty times more netbooks were sold in 2008 (11.4 million, 70% of which were in Europe[13]) than in 2007 (400,000).[14] For 2009, sales are expected to jump to 35 million, rising to an estimated 139 million in 2013.[15] This trend is reinforced by the rise of web-based applications as well as mobile networking and, according to Wired Magazine, netbooks are evolving into "super-portable laptops for professionals".[16]

Microsoft and Intel have tried to "cement" netbooks in the low end of the market to protect mainstream notebook PC sales, because they get lower margins on low-cost models. The companies have limited the specifications of netbooks, but despite this original equipment manufacturers have announced higher-end netbooks models as of March 2009.[17]

At the start of 2009, models based on ARM[18][19] and PowerPC[20] architectures were released, indicating a shift away from Intel processors like the Atom (though some hybrid models contain both Intel and alternative architectures[21]). Models using a MIPS System-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture also appeared around the same time, resulting in very low-cost systems.[22]

As modern versions of Windows require x86-family microprocessors, it will not run on these netbooks.[23] Linux, however, has fully supported non-x86 architectures such as MIPS, ARM, and PowerPC for many years.

Trademarks

In 1996 Psion started applying for trademarks for a line of netBook products that was later released in 1999[24]. International trademarks were issued (including U.S. Trademark 75,215,401 and Template:Community trademark) but the models failed to gain popularity[25] and are now discontinued (except for providing accessories, maintenance and support to existing users)[26]. Similar marks were recently rejected by the USPTO citing a "likelihood of confusion" under section 2(d)[27][28][29].

Despite expert analysis that the mark is "probably generic"[30], Psion Teklogix issued cease and desist letters on 23 December, 2008[31][32][33]. This was heavily criticised[34][35][36], prompting the formation of the "Save the Netbooks" grassroots campaign which worked to reverse the Google AdWords ban, cancel the trademark and encourage continued generic use of the term[37]. While preparing a "Petition for Cancellation" of U.S. Trademark 75,215,401 they revealed[38] that Dell had submitted one the day before[39] on the basis of abandonment, genericness and fraud[40]. They later revealed Psion's counter-suit against Intel, filed on 27 February 2009[41].

It was also revealed around the same time that Intel had also sued Psion Teklogix (US & Canada) and Psion (UK) in the Federal Court on similar grounds[42]. In addition to seeking cancellation of the trademark, Intel sought an order enjoining Psion from asserting any trademark rights in the term "netbook", a declarative judgement regarding their use of the term, attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements and "such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper"[43].

Some trademark experts argue that the petition will be upheld[30][44], in which case Psion's trademarks will be "vulnerable to cancellation across the globe"[45].

Technology

Hardware

A netbook motherboard featuring the Intel Atom processor

Netbook users typically rely on online applications and services which do not require powerful hardware on the local computer.[46] Some netbooks do not even have conventional hard[47] or optical disc drives. Such netbooks use solid-state storage devices instead, as these require less power and are smaller, lighter and generally more robust and durable. On machines with no optical disk drive, application software is typically downloaded from the web or read from a USB device. An external IDE drive can be used with a USB-to-IDE converter.

All netbooks on the market today support Wi-Fi wireless networking and many can be used on mobile telephone networks with data capability. Mobile data plans are supplied under contract in the same way as mobile telephony[48].

Processor architectures

ARM ARM is designing and licensing high-performance chips requiring a relatively low power envelope, which would constitute an ideal basis for netbooks, and has touted these as an alternative platform.[49] Despite this, ARM has had very little success in establishing a market for their chips in netbooks, likely because of incompatibilities of their ARM architecture to the established x86 software ecosystem (primarily the dominant Microsoft Windows operating system, Linux is fully compatible). Freescale, a manufacturer of ARM chips, has projected that by 2012 half of all netbooks will run on ARM[50] and there has been much speculation as to a version of the upcoming Windows 7 compatible with ARM.[51]

MIPS Some Ultra-Low Cost netbooks feature a MIPS CPU. [52] The 64-bit Loongson MIPS microprocessor is also used for higher-end applications. [53]

Intel One report at the end of 2008 suggested the typical netbook featured a 3-lb (1.4 kg) weight, a 9-inch (23 cm) screen, wireless Internet connectivity, Linux or Windows XP, an Intel chip, and a cost of less than US$400.[54]

VIA Technologies The x86-compatible VIA Technologies C7 processor is powering netbooks from HP[55] and Samsung.[56] VIA has also designed the Nano, a new x86-64-compatible architecture targeting lower priced, mobile applications like netbooks.

Software

Windows As of January 2009, over 90% of netbooks are estimated to ship with Windows XP,[57] which Microsoft was later estimated to sell ranging from $15 to $35 per netbook.[58][59] Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows XP for ultra-low cost personal computers from June 2008 until June 2010,[60] possibly to keep netbooks from gaining market share at the expense of desktops and "value" laptops[61] and to avoid increased use of Linux installations on netbooks.[62]

Netbook with Accessories

Microsoft is also testing[63] and has demonstrated[64] a 'Starter' edition of Windows 7 for this class of devices which is limited to three running applications.[65][66] Windows CE has also been used in netbook applications, due to its reduced feature design, that keeps with the design philosophy of netbooks. [67]

Linux As of January 2009, customised Linux distributions are estimated to ship on less than 10% of netbooks,[57] making it the second most popular operating system after Windows. As Linux systems normally install software from an Internet software repository, they do not need an optical drive to install software. However, early netbooks like the Eee PC failed to use this benefit by disabling access to the full range of available Linux software.

Netbooks has sparked many new linux distributions to be developed, like Ubuntu Netbook Remix and Easy Peasy. See the full list of Netbook Distributions,

Android Google's Android software platform, designed for mobile telephone handsets, has been demonstrated on an ASUS Eee PC and its Linux operating system contains policies for mobile internet devices including the original Asus Eee PC 701.[68] ASUS has allocated engineers to develop an Android-based netbook.[69] Freescale have also announced plans for a low-cost ARM-based netbook design, running Android.[70] In May 2009 a contractor of Dell announced it is porting Adobe Flash Lite to Android for Dell netbooks.[71]

Mac OS X Mac OS X has been demonstrated running on various netbooks as a result of the OSx86 project,[72] although this may be in violation of the operating system's End User License Agreement.[73] Apple has complained to sites hosting information on how to install OS X onto non-Apple hardware (including Wired and YouTube) who have redacted and removed content in response.[74] Although Apple has previously taken legal action regarding such installations (see Psystar), a February 2009 federal court ruling may result in the eventual removal of this restriction.[75]

Other Netbooks have been demonstrated running other operating systems including FreeBSD, OpenBSD and Darwin.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ Intel.com: Thoughts on Netbooks
  2. ^ a b c d Netbook Trends and Solid-State Technology Forecast (PDF). pricegrabber.com. p. 7. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  3. ^ "Disruptor: The 'netbook' revolution". Fortune Magazine, Michael Copeland, October 16, 2008.
  4. ^ "Cheap PCs Weigh on Microsoft". Business Technologies, The Wall Street Journal, December 8, 2008.
  5. ^ UMID Netbook Only 4.8″
  6. ^ CES 2009 - MSI Unveils the X320 “MacBook Air Clone” Netbook
  7. ^ "Light and Cheap, Netbooks Are Poised to Reshape PC Industry" (The New York Times - April 1, 2009: "AT&T announced on Tuesday that customers in Atlanta could get a type of compact PC called a netbook for just $50 if they signed up for an Internet service plan..." - “The era of a perfect Internet computer for $99 is coming this year,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, a maker of PC graphics chips that is trying to adapt to the new technological order.
  8. ^ "Disrupting the PC: the rise of the netbook". Deloitte Technology Predictions.
  9. ^ "Jeff Hawkins and the World's First Netbook". PCMagazine.com, Tim Bajarin, November 21, 2008.
  10. ^ a b c "Netbooks vs. Notebooks". PCMagazine.com, Tim Bajarin, September 12, 2008.
  11. ^ Psion's NetBook Pro Abandons EPOC in Favor of Windows CE
  12. ^ Ian Lamont (2008-10-04). ""Netbooks" Move Up In Notebook Rankings". Slashdot. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  13. ^ 70% of Netbook sales are in Europe
  14. ^ Analysis: Did Intel underestimate netbook success?
  15. ^ ABI Research: 35 Million Netbook Shipments Expected in 2009: An Era Begins
  16. ^ Puny, Trendy Netbooks Are Growing Up to Suit Business Users
  17. ^ http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9130757
  18. ^ LimePC: $199 Freescale-powered netbook - Video
  19. ^ Pegatron showcases prototype $199 netbook
  20. ^ LimePC linux on Freescale MPC-5121e PowerPC CPU
  21. ^ [http://www.eetimes.eu/213402291 ARM processor runs applications in some Intel-based PCs, claims executive]
  22. ^ Windowsfordevices.com Jz47xx SoCs descriptions
  23. ^ Older versions of Windows NT, up to and including Windows 2000, ran on some non-x86 architectures: Windows NT 3.1 supported PC compatible Intel x86, DEC Alpha, and ARC-compliant MIPS. Windows CE also supports several non-x86 architectures.
  24. ^ Psion netbook news release
  25. ^ Save the Netbooks: fighting a trademark on extinct hardware
  26. ^ Psion Teklogix Discontinued Products
  27. ^ U.S. Trademark 77,527,311 for 'G NETBOOK' rejected 31 October 2008
  28. ^ U.S. Trademark 77,580,272 for MSI's 'WIND NETBOOK'
  29. ^ U.S. Trademark 77,590,174 for Coby Electronics' 'COBY NETBOOK' rejected 13 January 2009
  30. ^ a b How To Lose A Trademark: “Netbook” Is Probably Generic
  31. ^ Netbook enthusiast web sites getting C & D using term “netbook”
  32. ^ http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/release?id=16302
  33. ^ Psion threatens netbook sites over trademarks
  34. ^ ‘Netbook’ trademarked already, we’re all doomed
  35. ^ Using the Word 'Netbook' Could Get You Sued
  36. ^ Cease and Desist: the netbook war of words
  37. ^ Save the Netbooks: fighting a trademark on extinct hardware
  38. ^ Dell accuses Psion of "fraud" over netbook claims
  39. ^ Dell fights back against Psion netBook trademark rampage
  40. ^ Dell Goes 'Nuclear' Over Netbook Trademark
  41. ^ Newsflash: Intel counter-sued by Psion in "netbook" trademark lawsuit; jury trial demanded
  42. ^ Intel Wants 'Netbook' Trademark Canceled
  43. ^ Complaint for Injunctive Relief, Declaratory Judgment & Cancellation of Federal Trademark
  44. ^ Face it Psion: Netbook is gone
  45. ^ Dell applies to have the term 'netbook' released from Psion ownership
  46. ^ Shoot For the Clouds
  47. ^ What is a Netbook computer?
  48. ^ The Next Netbook Trend: Cellphone-Like Contract Deals
  49. ^ Fermoso, Jose (2009-03-02). "'Touch Book' Brings Netbook and Tablets Together With Detachable Parts". Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ Tofel, Kevin C. (2009-02-18). jkOnTheRun http://jkontherun.com/2009/02/18/freescale-says-arm-will-power-half-the-netbook-market/. Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  51. ^ Vance, Ashlee (2009-04-06). "Microsoft's Netbook Conundrum". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  52. ^ Hermann, John (2008-12-09). "$170 Alpha 400 MIPS Netbook is as Expensive as it is Desirable". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ "The Gdium Liberty 1000 clearly stands out from the pack - Gdium Products". Gdium. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
  54. ^ "Tech's hope in 2009 - or curse?". Fortune Magazine, December 24, 2008, Jon Fortt.
  55. ^ Crothers, Brooke (2009-04-09). "Why HP chose Via chip over Intel for Mini-Note". CNET News. Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Samsung's VIA-powered NC20 netbook now available". Electronista. 2009-04-03. Retrieved 2009-04-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ a b Think Linux Rules on Netbooks? Think Again
  58. ^ Microsoft shares hit 11-year low
  59. ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124018108488732939.html
  60. ^ Microsoft Announces Extended Availability of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs, April 3, 2008 Press release
  61. ^ Microsoft to limit capabilities of cheap laptops, IT World May 12, 2008
  62. ^ Microsoft U-turn to stop Linux dominating ultra low cost PC
  63. ^ Microsoft seeking Win 7 testers for netbooks?
  64. ^ Ars@PDC: Steven Sinofsky on Windows 7 and netbooks
  65. ^ Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions
  66. ^ Confirmed: Windows 7 'netbook edition'
  67. ^ Windows CE takes on Linux in low-end netbooks
  68. ^ Android netbooks on their way, likely by 2010
  69. ^ Google Android May Run Asus Netbook, Rival Microsoft (Update1)
  70. ^ Freescale to use Android, ARM for $100 Netbook
  71. ^ http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/bsquare-port-adobe-flash-lite-new-google-android-netbook-del?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
  72. ^ Mac OS X Netbook Compatibility Chart (Updated)
  73. ^ It Lives! Gadget Lab's Netbook Running OS X Leopard
  74. ^ Gadget Lab Video: Running OS X on a Netbook
  75. ^ Mac clone maker wins legal round against Apple
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Netbooks.
Look up netbook in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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