http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/ Engadget Comments for Netbook study finds that netbook buyers don't know what netbooks are http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
What on earth? I thought you said that Apple won! Why are you so concerned about the Apple haters when you've made it so clear that Apple has won and everyone else is wrong in their liking of other products?

In other words, STFU.]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Can I help you, sir?

Henry Crun:
Are you a policeman?

Seagoon:
No, I'm a constable.

Henry Crun:
Oh, what is the difference?

Seagoon:
They're spelt differently.]]>Jun 24th 2009 4:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Most netbook buyers just think they are cheaper laptops.

As long as they are happy with their purchase, so what.

]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
How does an "average" consumer make a reasonable purchase decision with all the high tech lingo, acronyms and large variety of similar hardware floating around the market. I feel for them.

For example: How to tell the difference between all the atom cpu's or intel GMA's. ]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Simple, you reseach your purchase. You wouldn't buy a house without checking everything was in order (surveys, deeds etc). If you dont know what DDR RAM, CPU, SSD, or FSB mean, look them up! Not only will you make a more informed purchase, you'll learn something as well.]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 3:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 3:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Whereas people who bought gOS machines through Newegg knew what they were getting and proved, for the most part, quite satisfied by the transaction.

I think it's the people who stood at BJs and saw a $400 lappie and said, "WOW, a $400 lappie!" who proved unsatisfied. Either linux to noobs or XP on a netbook w/512mb RAM will prove a massive disappointment if you're not prepared for the experience.

Actually, XP is a massive disappointment on anything short of 2gb, really...]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Most people don't even know whether or not their monitor is plugged in. ]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
(most people call the screen the "computer" because they call the case/tower the "cpu" ]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/

....or If the cpu specs say "Atom". :)]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ

My apologies if you've already seen it (which is likely). ^-^]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Computers aren't going away. They control every aspect of your life nowadays. I say, if you're going on the internet, you should at least have a basic idea of what a computer is, the parts of it, and how it works. The problem though is that people just get overwhelmed with the jargon that computer salesmen throw out. Although really, there are only about 5 things you really need to know: Screen size, processor/speed, hard drive size, ram, and type/inclusion of an optical drive. Anything more than that is just personal preference.

It's horrible that people merely see the computer hardware as a portal to the internet. I've met many people who have simplified the computer to "a box" that connects them to the internet. This isn't wrong, but it explains people's total helplessness as far as troubleshooting/ understanding goes.

The worst part about this lack of knowledge is that it doesn't end with the older generation. I've met plenty of high school students that have barely an inkling about computing technology. This is not good. There is something clearly wrong with the educational system if people are leaving high school with less than basic knowledge of computers. I'm not saying that they should know how to take them apart and put them together, but they should at least know enough to be able to solve some basic problems (aka. not enough ram, software troubles).

Because what people don't realize is that their lives are controlled by tech people. You want your banking to work correctly? Facebook? Ordering anything online? Telephone infrastructure? Power? Radio? Cell phones?

I realize that liking of computers has to do with a love of problem solving. Some people don't like to problem solve and simply prefer that answers are handed to them on a silver platter.

Because of this, I and others like me, have dedicated our lives to helping people understand technology and giving advice and help whenever we can. There are those who would be douchebags and say "No I will not fix your comptuer": I am not one of them. I will fix your computer, and maybe teach you something along the way. In this manner, we can stop the bloodsuckers (computer manufacturers/ greedy salesmen/ price gouging tech support) from manipulating the population.]]>Jun 24th 2009 3:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
but you know what, this same logic can be applied to everything else in life.

Who knows everything about their car?
how about fixing something in your house?
maybe fix a little button on your shirt...

better yet...you can put together your own computer?....but you can barely put together a decent meal?

just because you know a lot about computers doesn't mean everyone else should be the same.

]]>Jun 24th 2009 4:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
As to the other things: the magic of the internet.

Like I said, you don't have to be a master at everything. Just have a sense of how things work and how to do things so that you aren't completely helpless.]]>Jun 24th 2009 5:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
There were about a dozen times when I literally had to spend ten minutes teaching someone what a mouse does. How can you possibly survive in today's society without ever encountering a mouse?]]>Jun 24th 2009 6:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
"I've met plenty of high school students that have barely an inkling about computing technology. This is not good. There is something clearly wrong with the educational system if people are leaving high school with less than basic knowledge of computers."

Let's teach them to read and write first. Then we can teach them the "hard" stuff.]]>Jun 26th 2009 3:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
That'll be PC WORLD's company mission.]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/the other part is conning them into buying cheap cheaply-made crap.....
]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
After all, the customer is always right..."right price", that is...]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
I have no problems with Netbooks but people that point out that laptops are 200 bucks now, yea thats misleading. Laptops are not 200 dollars.. Netbooks are cheap. A decent laptop is 4 to 5 times that price. I agree there would be alot more satisfied customers if they actually knew what they needed, and not went with what they think they want. ]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Wow. You couldn't have summed up the success of Windows any better if you tried.]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
Good job, It’s a PC.]]>Jun 24th 2009 2:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/I guess I never really understood the "buy something without doing SERIOUS research" part of the average consumer.]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/@Devin

I agree on both points. I've always researched my purchases, it ensures you're getting what you need/want and avoids disappointment later down the line.

Places like; Staples, PC World, Comet, Currys, [insert high-street electrical/tech retailer] dont just prey on the average customer having no/inadequte knowledge, they rely on it because those who are tech-savvy and know what we want/need shop elsewhere.

I ocasionally pop into these stores, never with the intention of buying but to check out a specific product in person. Whilst there I'll quiz the sales staff from the perspective of an average user to assess their knowledge and often have to correct them.]]>Jun 24th 2009 3:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/Jun 24th 2009 2:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/netbook-study-finds-that-netbook-buyers-dont-know-what-netbooks/
1) Mail
2) Firefox
3) Adium
4) Entourage

There's just no way to run all of that smoothly on a "netbook". And part of the problem is the name. I know that netbooks are intended just to have the web browser open most of the time and do the heavy lifting, but if that's the case, then the name should be WEBbook, and not netbook. Besides, most of these netbooks such majorly at Flash, making even the web something it can't do that well.

Maybe in a couple years, the market will short itself out. Right now, it's just going through a LOT of growing pains (with absolutely no market strategy).]]>Jun 24th 2009 1:19PM