Research and Markets: Four Main Driving Forces Behind the Global and China Netbook Industry

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global & China Netbook Industry Report, 2008-2009" report to their offering.

The netbook, theoretically a laptop device advantaged in portability and cost-performance, was the term coined by Intel at Taiwan Computex Exhibition in 2008. Research and Markets defines the netbook as a laptop that focuses on Internet connection and ranges in size from over 7 to 12 inches and is cheaper than the mainstream price of laptops. It also called a mini-notebook.

The research firm found four driving forces that promote the development of the netbook. Firstly, consumers' reliance on the Internet. Secondly, technology advancement. Due to the high cost of laptops, the market was lacking a product that was low in price and lightweight. However, since Intel launched the Atom platform, plus the integration of various fields of technologies such as mechanical and electronic technology, the netbook had its birth and will enjoy dramatic growth, the firm said.

Thirdly, profit-seeking by mobile operators. The lightweight feature of netbooks was originally designed for mobile Internet, and will certainly meet the needs for the networks of telecom operators. In addition, the arrival of 3G and 3.5G has also laid the solid foundation for its applications. Meanwhile, Asus and Acer, in cooperation with telecom operators, are preparing to launch free netbooks.

Lastly, low pricing. Like mobile phones, telecom operators may subsidize netbook manufacturers to realize extra low prices or even free netbooks in order to stimulate the development of the netbook market.

www.researchandmarkets.com