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| url = http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/12/08/cheap-pcs-weigh-on-microsoft/}}</ref> directly from the netbook itself.
| url = http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/12/08/cheap-pcs-weigh-on-microsoft/}}</ref> directly from the netbook itself.


While the devices' screen sizes range in from below 5 inches<ref>[http://www.elitezoom.com/umid-netbook-only-48-display.html UMID Netbook Only 4.8″]</ref> to over 12<ref>[http://apcmag.com/scoop_we_review_the_inspiron_mini_12__dells_supersized_yet_superslim_12_inch_netbook.htm WORLD FIRST review of Inspiron Mini 12: Dell’s super-slim netbook!]</ref> and weigh between 2 and 3 pounds<ref name="pricegrabber">{{cite book|title=Netbook Trends and Solid-State Technology Forecast|publisher=pricegrabber.com|pages=7|url=https://mr.pricegrabber.com/Netbook_Trends_and_SolidState_Technology_January_2009_CBR.pdf|accessdate=2009-01-28}}</ref>, at the end of 2008 the typical netbook featured a 3-lb (1.4&nbsp;kg) weight, a 9-inch (23&nbsp;cm) screen, wireless Internet connectivity, [[Linux]] or [[Windows XP]], an [[Intel]] [[central processor|chip]], and a cost of less than US$400.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web | title = Tech's hope in 2009 - or curse? | publisher = Fortune Magazine, December 24, 2008, Jon Fortt | url = http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/24/technology/fortt_netbooks.fortune/index.htm}}</ref>
Netbooks can vary in size from from below 5 inches and can weigh between 2-12 lbs.<ref>[http://www.elitezoom.com/umid-netbook-only-48-display.html UMID Netbook Only 4.8″]</ref> <ref>[http://apcmag.com/scoop_we_review_the_inspiron_mini_12__dells_supersized_yet_superslim_12_inch_netbook.htm WORLD FIRST review of Inspiron Mini 12: Dell’s super-slim netbook!]</ref><ref name="pricegrabber">{{cite book|title=Netbook Trends and Solid-State Technology Forecast|publisher=pricegrabber.com|pages=7|url=https://mr.pricegrabber.com/Netbook_Trends_and_SolidState_Technology_January_2009_CBR.pdf|accessdate=2009-01-28}}</ref> One report at the end of 2008 described typical netbook features as: a 3-lb (1.4&nbsp;kg) weight, a 9-inch (23&nbsp;cm) screen, wireless Internet connectivity, [[Linux]] or [[Windows XP]], an [[Intel]] [[central processor|chip]], and a cost of less than US$400.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web | title = Tech's hope in 2009 - or curse? | publisher = Fortune Magazine, December 24, 2008, Jon Fortt | url = http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/24/technology/fortt_netbooks.fortune/index.htm}}</ref>


Netbooks represent a "greener" alternative to larger laptops "thanks to lower power demands, fewer toxic components, and a resource-efficient approach to computing."<ref name="bw">[http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2008/tc20081219_892825.htm Why Netbooks Are Greener than Laptops]</ref><ref name="upenn">[http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2107 The Net Impact of Netbooks? It Depends on Who Uses Them for What]</ref>
Netbooks represent a "greener" alternative to larger laptops "thanks to lower power demands, fewer toxic components, and a resource-efficient approach to computing."<ref name="bw">[http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2008/tc20081219_892825.htm Why Netbooks Are Greener than Laptops]</ref><ref name="upenn">[http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2107 The Net Impact of Netbooks? It Depends on Who Uses Them for What]</ref>
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== The term ''Netbook'' ==
== The term ''Netbook'' ==
This article refers to the term "netbook" as a [[Genericized Trademark|genericized trademark]].
⚫
Led by the popularization of small-form-factor laptops by [[Asus]] and then others, the term "netbook" has been used [[Genericized trademark|generically]] since early-to-mid 2008<ref>[http://www.google.com/trends?q=netbook&ctab=0&date=2008 Google Trends for 'netbook' in 2008]</ref><ref>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/psion-says-its-only-going-after-those-profiting-from-the-term/</ref><ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2008/dec/24/psion-netbook-threats</ref> as an industry classification rather than a reference to a particular [[trademark|trademarked]] product. By April 2008, [[Intel]] had begun officially using the term netbook to recognize a specific sub-category of laptops.<ref name="intelblog">{{cite web | title = Thoughts on Netbooks | publisher = Intel.com, Paul Bergevin, March 03, 2008 | url = http://blogs.intel.com/technology/2008/03/thoughts_on_netbooks.php}}</ref><ref name="trusted">{{cite web | title = Intel Sets Out Netbook and Nettop Plans | publisher = Trustedreviews.com, Edward Chester, 4th Apr 2008 | url = http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/news/2008/04/04/Intel-Sets-Out-Netbook-and-Nettop-Plans/p1 }}</ref>


A [[Trademark|trademark]] by definition applies to specific product or service. A [[Genericized trademark|genericized trademark]] is a trademark that has become the [[colloquialism|colloquial]] description for a general class of product or service, rather than the specific meaning intended by a trademark holder.
⚫
Trademark regulations apply to business entities relative to specific products and services, but not to the use of a term in an editorial context{{fact}}. [[Psion]], which had previously trademarked the term ''netBook'' for a specific product,<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/release?id=16302 Psion netbook news release]</ref> has attempted to enforce the trademark with respect to websites using the term in their site names, suggesting that they could profit from the term. See: ''[[Psion#Psion and the term Netbook|Psion and the term Netbook]]''

⚫
Led by the popularization of small-form-factor laptops by [[Asus]] and then others, the term "netbook" has been [[Genericized trademark|genericized]] since early-to-mid 2008<ref>[http://www.google.com/trends?q=netbook&ctab=0&date=2008 Google Trends for 'netbook' in 2008]</ref><ref>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/psion-says-its-only-going-after-those-profiting-from-the-term/</ref><ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2008/dec/24/psion-netbook-threats</ref> as an industry classification rather than a reference to a specific product. By April 2008, [[Intel]] had begun officially using the term "netbook" colloquially to recognize a specific sub-category of laptops.<ref name="intelblog">{{cite web | title = Thoughts on Netbooks | publisher = Intel.com, Paul Bergevin, March 03, 2008 | url = http://blogs.intel.com/technology/2008/03/thoughts_on_netbooks.php}}</ref><ref name="trusted">{{cite web | title = Intel Sets Out Netbook and Nettop Plans | publisher = Trustedreviews.com, Edward Chester, 4th Apr 2008 | url = http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/news/2008/04/04/Intel-Sets-Out-Netbook-and-Nettop-Plans/p1 }}</ref> The term has since proliferated.

⚫
By contrast, [[Psion]] has previously trademarked the term ''netBook'' for a specific product,<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/release?id=16302 Psion netbook news release]</ref> and has attempted to enforce the trademark with respect to websites using the term in their site names, i.e., using the term to describe a specific, for-profit service.

A similar genericized trademark is [[Slow cooker|Crock-Pot]]. Crock-Pot is sold by [[Sunbeam Products|Rival Industries]], but "crock pot" and "crockpot" are common synonyms used by cooks to describe [[slow cooker]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ochef.com/764.htm | title=Is Slow Cooker Synonymous with Crock-Pot? | work=Food News Service | accessdate=2008-01-24}}</ref>

:See also: ''[[Psion#Psion and the term Netbook|Psion and the term Netbook]]''
:See also: ''[[Trademark]]'' and ''[[Genericized Trademark]]''


== Hardware ==
== Hardware ==
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== Software ==
== Software ==
Netbooks typically employ as their operating system either [[Microsoft]] [[Windows XP]] or a netbook-specific variation of [[Linux]] ([[Ubuntu Netbook Remix|Ubuntu]], for example), with Microsoft estimating 70% of netbooks employing Windows XP.<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a3VyE_ofSwwE&refer=news Microsoft Missing Netbook Growth as Linux Wins Sales (Update2) ]</ref>
Netbooks typically employ [[Microsoft]] [[Windows XP]] as their operating system or a netbook-specific variation of [[Linux]] (e.g., [[Ubuntu Netbook Remix|Ubuntu]]). Microsoft estimates 70% of netbooks employ Windows XP.<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a3VyE_ofSwwE&refer=news Microsoft Missing Netbook Growth as Linux Wins Sales (Update2) ]</ref>


Microsoft has extended the availability of [[Windows XP]] for ultra-low cost personal computers from June 2008 until June 2010,<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/apr08/04-03xpeos.mspx Microsoft Announces Extended Availability of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs], April 3, 2008 Press release</ref> possibly to keep netbooks from gaining market share at the expense of desktops and "value" laptops<ref>[http://www.itworld.com/Comp/2218/microsoft-windows-on-lowcost-pcs-080512/ Microsoft to limit capabilities of cheap laptops], IT World May 12, 2008</ref> and to avoid increased use of [[Linux]] installations on netbooks.<ref>[http://www.computerworlduk.com/technology/hardware/laptops/news/index.cfm?newsid=9006 Microsoft U-turn to stop Linux dominating ultra low cost PC]</ref> [[Microsoft]] is also testing<ref>[http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1838 Microsoft seeking Win 7 testers for netbooks?]</ref> and has demonstrated<ref>[http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2008/10/28/arspdc-steven-sinofsky-on-windows-7-and-netbooks Ars@PDC: Steven Sinofsky on Windows 7 and netbooks]</ref> a 'Starter' edition of [[Windows 7]] (limited to three running applications<ref>[http://www.pcworld.com/article/158861/windows_7_to_ship_in_six_different_versions.html Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions]</ref>) for this class of devices.<ref>[http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49300490,00.htm Confirmed: Windows 7 'netbook edition']</ref>
Microsoft has extended the availability of [[Windows XP]] for ultra-low cost personal computers from June 2008 until June 2010,<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/apr08/04-03xpeos.mspx Microsoft Announces Extended Availability of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs], April 3, 2008 Press release</ref> possibly to keep netbooks from gaining market share at the expense of desktops and "value" laptops<ref>[http://www.itworld.com/Comp/2218/microsoft-windows-on-lowcost-pcs-080512/ Microsoft to limit capabilities of cheap laptops], IT World May 12, 2008</ref> and to avoid increased use of [[Linux]] installations on netbooks.<ref>[http://www.computerworlduk.com/technology/hardware/laptops/news/index.cfm?newsid=9006 Microsoft U-turn to stop Linux dominating ultra low cost PC]</ref> [[Microsoft]] is also testing<ref>[http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1838 Microsoft seeking Win 7 testers for netbooks?]</ref> and has demonstrated<ref>[http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2008/10/28/arspdc-steven-sinofsky-on-windows-7-and-netbooks Ars@PDC: Steven Sinofsky on Windows 7 and netbooks]</ref> a 'Starter' edition of [[Windows 7]] (limited to three running applications<ref>[http://www.pcworld.com/article/158861/windows_7_to_ship_in_six_different_versions.html Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions]</ref>) for this class of devices.<ref>[http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49300490,00.htm Confirmed: Windows 7 'netbook edition']</ref>

Revision as of 13:38, 13 February 2009

An Asus Eee PC netbook.

Netbooks are a class of laptop computers that are small, light, and inexpensive, with reduced specifications and processing power relative to larger laptops. Like their desktop counterparts, nettops, netbooks are well-suited for accessing web-based applications, cloud computing, and rich Internet applications, and are less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensive applications[1] directly from the netbook itself.

Netbooks can vary in size from from below 5 inches and can weigh between 2-12 lbs.[2] [3][4] One report at the end of 2008 described typical netbook features as: 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.[5]

Netbooks represent a "greener" alternative to larger laptops "thanks to lower power demands, fewer toxic components, and a resource-efficient approach to computing."[6][7]

History

The current influx of small form-factor laptops categorized as netbooks began in 2007 when Asus unveiled the ASUS Eee PC, originally designed for emerging markets.[8] 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 strongly simplified user interface (GUI), geared toward netbook use.[9] Following the EeePC, Everex launched its CloudBook in mid February 2008 with a more classical Linux version, MSI released the Wind, Dell and HP both released a "Mini" series (the Inspiron Mini and HP Mini), and others soon followed suit. Due to market forces Asus and other netbook makers also began to deliver models that used Windows XP instead of Linux.[8]

By late 2008, netbooks had begun to take market share away from laptops[10] and overtook iPhone sales by 900,000 units in Q3.[11] It is estimated that almost thirty times more netbooks were sold in 2008 (11.4 million, 70% of which were in Europe[12]) than in 2007 (400,000),[13] and for 2009 sales are expected to grow a further 189% to 21.5 million[13]. Sales are projected to increase up to 50 million by the year 2012.[14] This trend is compatible with 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".[15]

At the start of 2009, models based on ARM[16][17] and PowerPC[18] architectures were released, indicating a shift away from Intel processors like the Atom. (Interestingly, some hybrid models contain both Intel and ARM architectures, where the ARM chip runs some of the applications to increase power efficiency, while Windows compatibility is achieved with the x86 Intel processor.[19]) Models using a Chinese Ingenic "XBurst" 400 MHz MIPSII-compatible System-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture also appeared around the same time, resulting in very low-cost systems.[20] As every version of Windows requires an x86-family microprocessor (except Windows NT-based versions up to and including Windows 2000)[21] these systems currently only run Linux or Windows CE.

Antecedents

The roots of the netbook can be traced to Nicholas Negroponte and the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project,[22][8] as well as the development and failed launch of the Palm Foleo by Jeff Hawkins, cofounder of Palm Computing. The Folio presaged the netbook as a light, small computer and the concept of mobile computing tied to the Internet and connected servers.[22]

As well, the netbook follows the concept of the NetPC,[23] conceived by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. The NetPC was designed to make unnecessary the purchase of ever-more-powerful PCs, instead allowing the use of terminal-type PCs with little processing power and no disk drives to run programs on Internet-connected servers instead of on the PC itself.[23]

The term Netbook

This article refers to the term "netbook" as a genericized trademark.

A trademark by definition applies to specific product or service. A genericized trademark is a trademark that has become the colloquial description for a general class of product or service, rather than the specific meaning intended by a trademark holder.

Led by the popularization of small-form-factor laptops by Asus and then others, the term "netbook" has been genericized since early-to-mid 2008[24][25][26] as an industry classification rather than a reference to a specific product. By April 2008, Intel had begun officially using the term "netbook" colloquially to recognize a specific sub-category of laptops.[27][9] The term has since proliferated.

By contrast, Psion has previously trademarked the term netBook for a specific product,[28] and has attempted to enforce the trademark with respect to websites using the term in their site names, i.e., using the term to describe a specific, for-profit service.

A similar genericized trademark is Crock-Pot. Crock-Pot is sold by Rival Industries, but "crock pot" and "crockpot" are common synonyms used by cooks to describe slow cookers.[29]

See also: Psion and the term Netbook
See also: Trademark and Genericized Trademark

Hardware

While specifications and features of netbooks continue to evolve (for example with the introduction of 12-inch screens and ARM processors), 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.[5] Microsoft will only allow XP to be installed by the manufacturer on netbooks with no more than 1 GB of RAM, requiring Windows Vista otherwise. It is permissible for a user to purchase and install a copy of Windows XP although it may not be supported by newer hardware, and could be difficult or impossible to install.

Netbooks may also forgo hard[30] and optical disc drives, instead using solid-state storage devices such as internal solid-state hard drives and SD cards for their small size and weight, robustness, and durability (although solid-state mass storage may often not use less power than traditional disk drives). Software must be downloaded or read from a flash drive on machines with no optical drive. An external USB optical drive can be used to address this limitation, although it is usually unnecessary for Linux-based systems. 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.

Software

Netbooks typically employ Microsoft Windows XP as their operating system or a netbook-specific variation of Linux (e.g., Ubuntu). Microsoft estimates 70% of netbooks employ Windows XP.[31]

Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows XP for ultra-low cost personal computers from June 2008 until June 2010,[32] possibly to keep netbooks from gaining market share at the expense of desktops and "value" laptops[33] and to avoid increased use of Linux installations on netbooks.[34] Microsoft is also testing[35] and has demonstrated[36] a 'Starter' edition of Windows 7 (limited to three running applications[37]) for this class of devices.[38]

Some users install other operating systems (including other distributions of Linux, netbook-specific operating systems like Jolicloud and Easy Peasy, other editions of Windows XP, or Mac OSX) if compatible with the device's hardware and application software, but users typically rely on online applications and services which do not require powerful hardware on the local computer.[39]

Gallery

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Netbooks.
Look up netbook in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  • Comparison of netbooks
  • Nettop, a desktop equivalent of the netbook
  • Operating systems
  • Netbook Trends and Solid-State Technology Forecast (PDF). pricegrabber.com. p. 7. Retrieved 2009-01-28.

References

  1. ^ "Cheap PCs Weigh on Microsoft". Business Technologies, The Wall Street Journal, December 8, 2008.
  2. ^ UMID Netbook Only 4.8″
  3. ^ WORLD FIRST review of Inspiron Mini 12: Dell’s super-slim netbook!
  4. ^ Netbook Trends and Solid-State Technology Forecast (PDF). pricegrabber.com. p. 7. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  5. ^ a b "Tech's hope in 2009 - or curse?". Fortune Magazine, December 24, 2008, Jon Fortt.
  6. ^ Why Netbooks Are Greener than Laptops
  7. ^ The Net Impact of Netbooks? It Depends on Who Uses Them for What
  8. ^ a b c "Netbooks vs. Notebooks". PCMagazine.com, Tim Bajarin, September 12, 2008.
  9. ^ a b "Intel Sets Out Netbook and Nettop Plans". Trustedreviews.com, Edward Chester, 4th Apr 2008.
  10. ^ Ian Lamont (2008-10-04). ""Netbooks" Move Up In Notebook Rankings". Slashdot. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  11. ^ NetBookBoards.com (2008-12-12). ""Netbook" Sales Overtake iPhone Sales". Retrieved 2008-12-10.
  12. ^ 70% of Netbook sales are in Europe
  13. ^ a b Analysis: Did Intel underestimate netbook success? Cite error: The named reference "ee2009-01-10" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  14. ^ Nicole Kobie (2008-08-12). "Netbook sales to top 50 million by 2012". PC Pro. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  15. ^ Puny, Trendy Netbooks Are Growing Up to Suit Business Users
  16. ^ LimePC: $199 Freescale-powered netbook - Video
  17. ^ Pegatron showcases prototype $199 netbook
  18. ^ LimePC linux on Freescale MPC-5121e PowerPC CPU
  19. ^ [http://www.eetimes.eu/213402291 ARM processor runs applications in some Intel-based PCs, claims executive]
  20. ^ Windowsfordevices.com Jz47xx SoCs descriptions
  21. ^ Windows NT3.1 was released for Intel x86 PC compatible, DEC Alpha, and ARC-compliant MIPS
  22. ^ a b "Jeff Hawkins and the World's First Netbook". PCMagazine.com, Tim Bajarin, November 21, 2008.
  23. ^ a b "Beware the Netbook Hype Machine". PCMagazine.com, Lance Ulanoff, November 19, 2008.
  24. ^ Google Trends for 'netbook' in 2008
  25. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/psion-says-its-only-going-after-those-profiting-from-the-term/
  26. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2008/dec/24/psion-netbook-threats
  27. ^ "Thoughts on Netbooks". Intel.com, Paul Bergevin, March 03, 2008.
  28. ^ Psion netbook news release
  29. ^ "Is Slow Cooker Synonymous with Crock-Pot?". Food News Service. Retrieved 2008-01-24.
  30. ^ What is a Netbook computer?
  31. ^ Microsoft Missing Netbook Growth as Linux Wins Sales (Update2)
  32. ^ Microsoft Announces Extended Availability of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs, April 3, 2008 Press release
  33. ^ Microsoft to limit capabilities of cheap laptops, IT World May 12, 2008
  34. ^ Microsoft U-turn to stop Linux dominating ultra low cost PC
  35. ^ Microsoft seeking Win 7 testers for netbooks?
  36. ^ Ars@PDC: Steven Sinofsky on Windows 7 and netbooks
  37. ^ Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions
  38. ^ Confirmed: Windows 7 'netbook edition'
  39. ^ Shoot For the Clouds

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Netbook&oldid=270437591"