Group 2: Chelsea Katelyn Mc Briggs, Jessica Kristine Lacey, Pearce Colton Cymbalisty, Jessica Lena Schacht, Dylan Lee MacDonald

Group Members
Jessica Schacht, Chelsea Briggs, Dylan MacDonald, Jessica Lacey and Pearce Cymbalisty

Project Statement
Our goal was to investigate the newly emerging Netbooks and their effect on the PC market. In their short history they have been able to globally connect people who before could not afford, or where not able to have access to, the same technology as the rest of the world. Netbooks are currently the fastest growing segment of the PC market, and have taken over a significant portion of Notebook sales.

Introduction
A ‘netbook’ is a specifically designed class of laptop computer that is intended for the purpose of wireless communication and access to the Internet. Primarily designed for web-browsing and web-based applications, netbooks are smaller than regular laptops, boasting solid wireless connectivity and basic mobile computing at an extremely low cost, and have less applications and programs due to the web-based nature of their designed usage. Netbooks have specifically designed features such as built-in wireless capabilities, a unique miniature design, a unique readable screen designed to be read outside in direct sunlight (for children who go to school outside), and are extremely durable and energy-efficient. In exploring the history, the pros and cons, and the technology behind the invention of the netbook, we can further explore the reason behind the surge in popularity of netbooks.

One Laptop per Child (OLPC)
The non-profit OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) initiative led the way in building the first lightweight, rugged, low-cost, and kid-friendly laptop. Personal computers with Internet access are powerful educational tools, so OLPC sought to make and distribute $100 laptops to developing countries for classroom use. Due to the increasing importance and capabilities of technology, it has become a very effective educational tool, and netbooks offer children in third-world countries an educational advantage that they otherwise would not have.

Mary Lou Jepsen, a pioneering LCD screen designer, did not intend to overturn the computer industry with her invention of the netbook, she simply wanted to provide an inexpensive computer for children in developing countries. Half the world's kids had no hope of ever seeing a computer—until she developed a whole new laptop. Jepsen was responsible for the creation of the hardware, mechanics, display, manufacturing and environmental footprint of the netbook technologies during her tenure at OLPC and is OLPC's founding chief technology officer.

Mission Statement: "To create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future."

Processor
The majority of netbooks come with an Intel Atom processor (1.60 GHz). This processor is the smallest made by Intel and was specifically made for netbooks to be simple and affordable. The Intel ATOM processor is good for internet usage and basic applications, but not built for larger applications such as gaming, creating video or editing large pictures.

Screen
Netbook screens usually come in at about 8 inches of viewable display area, but can range from 7 to 10 inches with at least 800 pixels across. This is more than adequate for web browsing and watching video.

Battery
The majority of models come with a 3 cell battery which will give a user approximately 2 1/2 hours of life, but some companies offer the option of a larger battery for an extra charge. A six cell battery will offer the user 5 hours of battery life.

Keyboard
Netbook keyboards tend to be about 88%-92% the size of a full size QWERTY keyboard. By adjusting the layout, shape and size of the keys, netbook producers have been able to utilize their space well and keep keyboards from feeling cramped. In general netbook keyboards are far bigger and easier to use than one might expect.

Software
Windows XP and Linux are the primary operating systems available on netbooks. Windows XP is a much better fit for the slimmed down CPU than the newer and clunkier Vista. Linux is an attractive option for two reasons. It runs light, which makes it perfect for the ATOM processor and it is also cheaper than Windows, cutting costs for producers and helping to keep netboooks inexpensive for the consumer. Both of these operating systems come with very little in the way of on board software so many netbook users choose to utilize online applications.

Advantages
Netbooks are now the fastest growing segment of the PC market. The original goal behind these miniature computers was to offer consumers an efficient laptop at an affordable price. With a price range of $300 to $400, it did just that. A netbook also offers several other advantages. On average, its dimensions are only 6.75 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches and its weight is between 2 to 2.75 lbs, which makes it light and portable. People who travel a lot can use netbooks on the airplane as they are more convenient and space efficient.

All netbooks are wireless and most come with basic software such as OpenOffice Suite, Skype, Firefox, photo manager and even simple games. Beyond this software, netbook users also have access to a large array of programs available online, such as google docs for word processing and youtube for online video needs. Netbooks with Windows accepts any Windows-compatible software. Netbooks are user-friendly and reach out to those who are not as familiar with computer technology because they are simple to understand and operate. Netbooks are versatile in that they appeal to people of all ages, occupations and lifestyles.

Disadvantages
Essentially, a Netbook is a stripped down version of a Notebook, and to some, many of the most important features are lost through making Netbooks as compact as they are. By making the Netbook so compact and portable, the keyboard is shrunk to approximately 88-92% of regular Notebook size, which may make typing difficult for some users. Additionally, the screen must also be shrunk significantly to ensure portability, resulting in a reduction in screen resolution. Furthermore Netbooks do not have optical drives, eliminating CD or DVD integration with Netbooks.

Netbooks have decreased memory space in comparison to Notebooks, ultimately limiting their potential usage. Their reduced power makes gaming on Netbooks impossible, which essentially leaves gaming for desktops and more powerful notebooks. It is possible that the smaller size could lead to more people misplacing their Netbooks, and may also make them a more attractive target for thieves. Netbooks are not compatible with Windows Vista or Mac OSX, which may limit their market to people who are familiar with other operating systems. In essence, Netbooks have two main markets, those who are interested in a cheaper alternative to a notebook, and those who are looking for a more compact, portable, stripped down version of a notebook. As these markets continue to grow, so will the sales and number of Netbooks available to the consumer.

Marketing Netbooks
The Marketability of netbooks was mainly successful due to the economic downfall and the ‘One per house’ to One per person’ PC goal. Netbooks were introduced right before the market crashed when peoples' budgets were being restricted. The low cost is appealing to everyone and the popularity has taken the PC world by storm. What was once thought of as a PC for developing countries is now a major part of all PC sales. IDC India market tracker estimates its netbook sales went from being non existent in 2007 to 16% of all their PC sales in 2008. Worldwide over 10 million netbooks were sold in 2008 with that number expected to double in 2009. The netbook sales are predicted to increase the norm of ‘One per household’ to ‘One per person’. With combined ease of use and low costs there are even hopes of reaching out to the elderly demographic.

Marketers in countries such as Japan have taken the netbooks normal low costs even further through making their products available to all social classes. Specifically, EMobile netbooks range from $500 to $700 Canadian but are now being packaged in their campaign known as “One-Coin PC”. Netbooks can be bought for one cent as long as customers use their data services for a minimum of two years. This initial low cost and spread out fee makes notebooks much more appealing to even those strapped for cash.

Conclusion
As more companies continue to develop and produce netbooks, it is likely that the profitability of these small computers will be on the rise. The definition of netbooks will continue to evolve as more companies enter the market and the next generation of netbooks becomes available.