Netbooks have officially arrived

Thought that Atom CPU shortage a few months back was just posturing by Intel? Take a look at the top 10 list of best selling "Laptop Computers" over at Amazon. All but one laptop (the 13.3-inch MacBook) is a netbook and 8 of the 10 devices are powered by Intel's 1.6GHz Atom processor. Guess this makes it official: the age of the netbook has indeed, arrived.

[Via MacRumors and Cult of Mac]

[Fusco @ Sep 25th 2008 10:11AM]

Damn, the fist Vista machine is 21

[obo @ Sep 25th 2008 8:17AM]

You'd think Vista-fisting would be much more popular.

[megamouse @ Sep 25th 2008 7:58AM]

the age of inferior, maybe

[ben @ Sep 25th 2008 8:05AM]

don't troll, man

[Flashpoint @ Sep 25th 2008 8:10AM]

The race to the bottom is now complete MUUUWAHAHAHAHAHAH

[thedesolate1 @ Sep 25th 2008 10:36AM]

Is it safe to say that people are shifting towards apple notebooks and they are buying netbooks as secondary notebooks for carrying around and simple tasks like school work etc.... Possibly as poor mans macbook airs?

[d00b @ Sep 25th 2008 11:21AM]

Microsoft can't be too happy. None of the top 20 products use Vista. Better crank up that marketing campaign.

[OneLove @ Sep 25th 2008 11:49AM]

Holy crap! When did the Acer aspire go 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery for $399??? Why is black $419?

[catter12 @ Sep 25th 2008 7:58AM]

Too bad the Macbook's costs is two, to three times the cost of even the most expensive netbook. Thus making it totally not a netbook, but rather just a laptop.

[Vcize @ Sep 25th 2008 10:52AM]

Maybe that's why they said all of them EXCEPT the Macbook were netbooks.

Reading comprehension down?

[Jash Sayani @ Sep 25th 2008 11:01AM]

MacBooks are really cool but Apple does not have sense about pricing ! They have priced Mb and MbAir at 3 to 4 times the amount of other netbooks ! They are seriously insane !!!

Anywyas, I love the EeePC 1000H. Its the best !!

[well weapon @ Sep 25th 2008 1:44PM]

"MacBooks are really cool but Apple does not have sense about pricing ! They have priced Mb and MbAir at 3 to 4 times the amount of other netbooks ! They are seriously insane !!!"

3-4 times as expensive, and _still_ selling enough units to get into amazon's top ten list. i'm no expert, but that strikes me as incredible business sense.

[KC @ Sep 25th 2008 2:23PM]

The real question is why are people buying Apple notebooks on Amazon instead of the Apple Store, or the Apple web store? Do you get better deals on Amazon?

[Fahad @ Sep 25th 2008 8:01AM]

.. and 7 out of the 10 run windows ..

[iEye @ Sep 25th 2008 8:10AM]

Thats because most people are idiots... imagine dealing with customers that cannot even use windows based PC's trying to use linux...

oh the Humanity!

You average cup-of-joe can't even tell you how much memmory is in his/her computer...

[maveric101 @ Sep 25th 2008 9:48AM]

while i often disagree with iEye and he seems to be fading into nothingness, i would agree. even ubuntu, while great, probably isn't the best solution for most consumers.

[Silvio @ Sep 25th 2008 10:09AM]

Come on! Have you tried the Linux EEE? It's like super easy!

[Jason Litka @ Sep 25th 2008 11:03AM]

So what? I've got an eeePC with linux and a Dell Inspiron 910 with Windows XP and the latter is far more useful. Windows XP on a netbook is what is making them popular with the masses.

[frankXchange @ Sep 25th 2008 8:14AM]

And your punctuation, is good too!

[Rob Bourne @ Sep 25th 2008 8:24AM]

I quite, agree!

[Flashpoint @ Sep 25th 2008 8:18AM]

I'm glad most of these run Windows.

#1 Microsoft has been aggressively marketing their products all around the world. Most servers either run Server 2003 or one of the other Microsoft Server additions.
Businesses like the various departments of education in cities around America buy Dell computers every single year and Dell servers. Its not fun being the only Mac person to a windows XP group. In fact, its not easy connecting macs to windows based servers...managing them is nearly impossible.

I've actually run Mac Server Leopard and Tiger on a former job before I got promoted. I think Mac Server is 1 million times easier than Windows Server. I learned to use it in 2 weeks...but if you're dealing with City budgets which give commission to a specific company to build reliable servers and groups, then your stuck getting what they say is best.

If I were setting up a classroom using laptops, and the small school budget only permitted a server and 20 or so laptops, you'd better believe the Principal will take the cheap way out, buy a bunch of netbooks, and then hire someone who knows Windows Server 2003

#2 Nobody feels like waiting for Apple software to come out and no one feels like having to pay more for apple software or, to shop harder for linux software. Microsoft software is EVERYWHERE and so much of it is leftover from the XP days, it just makes setting up labs, workgorups and servers so much easier.

I wouldn't buy a netbook without having XP. Soon, they'll have Vista. I love Vista on my DV series HP laptop. Any criticism of Vista is mostly due to people trying to use Vista on older computers with less efficient hardware.

[Eric @ Sep 25th 2008 8:35AM]

Apple servers are a joke and open directory is a nightmare. Whoever would prefer it over Linux or Windows Server is beyond fanboyism, moved to completely insane.

[Nick Catalano @ Sep 25th 2008 9:52AM]

I would rather have 2003 or Linux for directory services/apache/mysql/etc. The only time I would ever go with one of today's OS X servers would be if I have to run Apple-specific server software.

[oZ @ Sep 25th 2008 9:56AM]

OpenDirectory is the best thing about that platform, and is really quite fantastic once you get the hang of it. The rest of OS X Server I could leave, except for that delicious hardware. But seriously, Open Directory? Worth the cost of OSXS.

Flashpoint seems to be completely ignoring open source, though, as most servers are not WS2003, they're a UNIX variant such as Linux, Solaris, or FreeBSD, followed closely by Windows, and way way way way back there is OS X Server, which most data centers don't give a crap about.

[John B @ Sep 25th 2008 8:18AM]

Does anyone else find it somewhat ironic that the majority of those netbooks are running Windows but the sources of the article are Mac related?

And what's the purpose of that comma? I'm no grammar Nazi (for the most part) but that one is confusing the hell out of me.

[phelix @ Sep 25th 2008 4:45PM]

That's because we are finally jealous of something Windows users have that Mac owner don't have! :-P

I have an iMac but need a 2nd computer but I need
- something I can do basic things on.. ie docs, surfin and email. with the Mrs is using the desktop
- a laptop "lite".. as I dont want something as big (nor as expensive) as a MB or MBP as its only for basic operations.

I would love it if Apple brought out a netbook, but will have to wait till 14th Oct for any news...

(May consider the "installing" OS X on a netbook option....)

[humps @ Sep 25th 2008 10:57AM]

because the mac community has been screamming for a smaller laptop since the 12" ibook was discontinued. It also shows the mac community's disapproval of the MBA as an alternative.

[Nick Catalano @ Sep 25th 2008 8:21AM]

I love my new Dell Inspiron Mini 9
And that isn't even listed there

[gareth @ Sep 25th 2008 8:51AM]

Nick, How is the resolution on that thing? does 1024x600 get in your way when surfing the web? I'm seriously considering an inspiron 9 but I cannot get past that tiny resolution.

Which brings me to my next wish- I wish there was more of a variety of features besides a 3 or 6 cell battery. These companies seem to be offering nearly identical featuresets. The thing that sets the Dell apart in my book is that its passively cooled- no fan for the processor. making it a great deal quieter.

If I had my wish, it would be the resolution of the HP mini note (1280x800) in the (fanless) body of the Dell.

[Jeff @ Sep 25th 2008 9:15AM]

Lets put it this way, if the resolution was any higher, you'd need a magnifying glass to use a computer.

[Nick Catalano @ Sep 25th 2008 9:34AM]

I have found the resolution to be... annoying... mostly because of how small it makes each pixel and how difficult it is to read full PDF documents.

Browsing the web is fine though. I am getting useto it.

As has been mentioned in many reviews, pretty bad keyboard layout... the ' and " key are on the bottom row, which is making getting accustomed to the keyboard a bit difficult (but not impossible)

I can recommend only 2 things:

Google Chrome. If it wasn't for the lack of plugins (like Adblock) it would be absolutely perfect for just about any Atom-based netbook where screen space is at a premium.

and

Dropbox (from GetDropbox.com ). You can sync up your Mac/Win-PC/Linux-PC with the thing from anywhere. The subscription to that Box service that comes with the Mini 9 pales in comparison to dropbox

[hi im a mac @ Sep 25th 2008 8:33AM]

go on apple make a 11.1 inch macbook air

[Nick Catalano @ Sep 25th 2008 9:38AM]

Very unlikely this would happen... Netbooks simply aren't profitable enough for AAPL

[swissfondue @ Sep 25th 2008 8:36AM]

Why list the MacBook as a netbook when there is the MacBook Air?

[gareth @ Sep 25th 2008 9:00AM]

Because unlike a Netbook, you cant get a Mac for less that $1100

[7on @ Sep 25th 2008 9:14AM]

Because the Macbook sold more? This is a list of the best selling laptops according to amazon

[Ian @ Sep 25th 2008 10:18AM]

Recently the Intel share price has been under pressure, but if these stats are truly indicative of Intel sales then INTC is a good BUY!

[MMaster23 @ Sep 25th 2008 8:38AM]

Reading this on my trusty 1000H running Windows Vista Ultimate :)
Runs perfectly smooth, runs 5 hours on standard battery and runs Office 2007 just great.

Netbook + Onenote 2007 FTW!

[Geoff @ Sep 25th 2008 8:50AM]

Look at those commas! What am I reading, a blog?

[ttturambar @ Sep 25th 2008 9:08AM]

And the most shocking thing from Amazon? The Nokia Internet Tablet N810 comes in at #22. What? Huh? I bought the N700 or whichever it is. Never use. Ever. Who's buying this?

[Matjaz @ Sep 25th 2008 8:58AM]

As the matter of fact, I'm just writing this from my 120 GB Aspire One and it's incredibly useful, I don't regret a cent spent on this thing. :)

[Tes @ Sep 25th 2008 10:40AM]

Linux or XP? I'm thinking of saving myself the extra £50 and getting the Linux version in white.

[MaHe @ Sep 25th 2008 11:53AM]

Well, that's up to you. I'm dual-booting on my machine and feel more comfortable in Windows (unfortunately, some Linux drivers are unfunctional or missin -- for instance the multi-card reader hardly works at all), but then again, I might be just nit-picking. I wouldn't recommend getting the 512 MB + 8 GB SSD version though - while it's cheaper and the battery lasts roughly about half an hour more (due to lower power consumption), you quickly get to feel cramped on such a small capacity - not to mention Firefox having issues with SSD.

It's a great netbook to lug around in a bag or use in anywhere in my house. :)

[naptownman @ Sep 25th 2008 9:05AM]

Have they come of age or do most people buy laptops from somewhere other than Amazon? Amazon would be a likely outlet for netbooks but I think there may be better sources for laptops.

[Adam @ Sep 25th 2008 9:09AM]

@swissfondue

They aren't listing the MacBook as a netbook, please read the article. These are the top selling "Laptop Computers," most just happen to be netbooks, which is the point on the article.

[IG @ Sep 25th 2008 9:10AM]

Netbooks are a great idea.....

but, they have one very serious problem, they get too warm. Processor thermal technology still needs a lot of improvement to keep these Netbooks running cooler.

My big 6 pound laptop never gets too warm.

I am saying this from experience and from what I am reading on the Netbook reviews websites.

[vagvoba @ Sep 25th 2008 9:16AM]

This shows how Apple laptops are the most popular real laptops in America. According to the latest statistics, in the $1000+ price range Apple has over 60% market share both in the laptop and the desktop computer market. So while other manufacturers kill each other by having an insane competition in the sub $1000 range, Apple comfortably rules the middle-to-high-end.

Although the MacBook is only in the 6th place, it cost as much as the first 3 together. And since Apple has much higher margins than other manufacturers, I guess the MacBook makes as much profit for Apple as all the other 9 on the list together for their own manufacturers.

[Neeko @ Sep 25th 2008 9:39AM]

Please STOP..Shhhh..No Shhhh Dont say another word.


THANK YOU

[Kamokazi @ Sep 25th 2008 11:16AM]

Okay, I know this it's hard for you mindless Apple fanboys to use logic and reasoning, but I will take it slow for you.

How many different laptop models does Apple sell? Well, go to the Apple store, and count the varieties of MacBooks and MBPs and Air.

Yes, I know you had to use two hands....that's righ! Eight!

Okay. Now how many HUNDREDS (if not thousands) of Windows laptops can you pick from?

So let's be generous and say 10% of people are buying Apple laptops, and 90% other. Let's say 5,000 people bought laptops in a day.

10% of 5,000 is 500. That is how many people bought Apple laptops. The 13.3 MB is the more popular, probably taking a third of those, or about 167 of them.

Now you take the 4,500 people that bought Windows laptops. Even if there were 100 of them that would be only 45 of each. But there are many, many more than that, so the numbers thin down.

That is why Apple laptops take the sales rank...the smaller portion of people that buy them have less choice, so individual ones sell more units than individual Windows laptops.

Yes, I understand that hurt your head. Just say "You're stupid and M$ Windows sucks!" and everything will be ok.

[Cargojack @ Sep 25th 2008 11:01PM]

I just bought a Lenovo S-10. I already have an R40 I bought in 2002 and it still runs. I have owned an APPLE ][+, way back in 1981, I once owned an Osborne, I had an Amiga, then a vanilla PC, a Zeos laptop in '94 (205 meg of HD space, a 30 MHZ CPU, B&W display. I have used Unix when I worked for Wang Labs, and for Xyvision. I know longer program. XP works fine for me. I have no need to go to LInux or one of its variants. I do not need a Macintosh. Even if Macintosh is " better," even if Linux is better, when the business world, and most of my colleagues, and everyone in my company is using XP, it makes sense to use what everyone else uses. Sometimes a decision is based upon expediency and not technological elegance. On my personal machine, I use Open Office, Firefox and Thunderbird (and Opera and Chrome). I do not play games, or do graphics. It is puerile to attack someone because they use the existing dominant operating system. Yes, we all still remember our rebellious 20 something days when the evil Redmond hegenomy was to be attacked, and we went to work in t-shirts and torn jeans, but, I am looking forward to my XP running S-10 netbook. For the tasks for which I use a computer, XP is adequate.