First of all, a very Happy New Year from Pimp My Netbook. This blog was only launched towards the end of 2008, but it is now starting to see a steady number of visitors - and hopefully it will see a lot more growth in the coming year!
With the global economy having such a tough time at the moment, the netbook is in a prime spot to give everyone access to a computer, without having to pay the earth to get one.
Although netbooks have a much lower price than other mobile computers, this doesn’t mean that they are cheap. In fact quite the opposite! They represent excellent value for money - something that will be at the forefront of most people’s minds when buying anything during 2009.
The netbook has enjoyed a successful year in 2008. Millions of them have been purchased, and there are now plenty of different models to choose from. However, netbooks look set to have an even more successful year in 2009.
Here are the new developments that are likely to arrive this year, making netbooks even more desirable;
Nvidia Graphics
- At the moment, netbooks struggle to cope with graphically intensive tasks - such as photo/video editing, and playing games or HD video. Nvidia could make this possible in 2009, with the introduction of their new Ion platform.
- This would give netbooks enough graphical power to carry out more graphically intensive tasks, and offer game playing capabilities.
- The offering of better graphical capability will also benefit the release of Windows 7, which will take advantage of the enhanced graphics to make the operating system run better.
- More in-depth information available HERE.
Touchscreen
- With touchscreen control being an integral part of Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch, many users of other operating systems have been keen to see the technology available on their platforms.
- There were some demonstrations of this technology at the various tech shows that took place in 2008, but the technology isn’t expected to become widely available until this year.
- Asus is planning to launch touchscreen netbooks during the first quarter of 2009, with other manufacturers certain to follow thereafter.
- Using a touchscreen interface may well be the fashionable way of interacting with your device by the end of the coming year.
Windows 7
- Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 7, is expected to launch sometime in 2009. Whilst cosmetically it won’t look that different to Windows Vista, there will be a lot of under the hood changes which will allow it to run more efficiently.
- The benefits of a more efficient operating system are of a huge advantage to netbooks. Netbooks have less powerful processors and system memory.
- This was why Windows XP was chosen for netbooks, as Windows Vista was often too resource hungry for netbook specifications.
- Windows 7 should change all that, with better memory management and less demand on system resources, allowing it to run on netbooks smoothly.
Built in 3G/Mobile Broadband
- Towards the end of 2008, built in 3G and mobile broadband started to appear in netbooks. Radioshack announced a $99 netbook, providing you signed up for a data contract at the same time.
- With the demand for information on the move increasing, the inclusion of 3G and mobile broadband in netbooks as standard will increase further.
- Expect the number of mobile communication providers that offer netbooks as part of a 3G/mobile broadband deal to increase, with some good deals to be found.
Netbook Customization
- Whilst some netbook manufacturers have offered their range of netbooks in a few colors, it has never really quenched the thirst of those who like to stamp their individuality on their netbooks.
- Pimp My Netbookwas launched in order to discuss netbook customization and other netbook related issues.
- The most common internal upgrade that most people carry out is to increase the system memory (RAM) in order to allow more programs to run at he same time.
- Another increasingly popular choice is to buy a netbook skin, which is a pre-made or custom designed vinyl adhesive that is applied to the netbook to make it look unique. They can turn a dull black netbook case into a funky colorful eye catcher.
- Find out more about netbook skins HERE.
Even Lower Prices
- With netbook manufacturers having perfected their crafts, and netbook sales growing rapidly, it means that they are able to buy components in bulk and therefore at lower prices.
- Expect a few bargain basement models to be released this year. Although they may not have all the bells and whistles of other models, as a second computer in the home, they will provide a viable option.
Dual Core Intel Atom Processor
- There has been speculation that Intel will release a dual core version of its Atom processor this year. At the moment, it is not clear if this will be available in netbooks, as the increased power levels to run this processor may reduce battery life.
- Either way, it is likely that at least one netbook manufacturer will try and offer a dual core Atom powered notebook in 2009.
So, there we have it… 2009 looks like being a good year for the netbook, with plenty of exciting developments to look forward to. Tens of millions of units are expected to be shipped around the world, and we hope that they all pay a visit to Pimp My Netbook!!!
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