A new survey of American consumers has revealed that many people do not see
netbooks as a replacement for their
laptop, but as an additional device instead. 63 per cent of consumers questioned by Pricegrabber.com felt that the limited capabilities of a
netbook PC render it an inadequate alternative to
notebooks, though 15 per cent of those surveyed did own a netbook, while 11 per cent said they planned to buy one this year.
The findings are consistent with the pricing structure that
computer manufacturers have adopted for the sale of netbook
PCs, which are typically much cheaper than
laptops . As a result, some consumers who may not consider a netbook a feasible alternative may still purchase a mini
notebook as an auxiliary device given its portability and affordability. The low priced PCs, which offer
internet connectivity, have also put pressure on laptop manufacturers, with Pricegrabber reporting a 20 per cent decrease in the average
laptop PC on their website last year.
Netbooks have been the subject of much discussion following the launch of the
Apple iPad . Experts appear divided on whether the iPad will significantly erode the netbook market, though
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has dismissed the iPad as a ‘nice reader’.