These low cost mini laptops have been flooding the market general public and appear in the catalogs of all the major brands. Are netbooks also a viable option for the professional world?

Asus, Dell, Lenovo… Every computer company has launched netbooks. They sell in between $300 and $600 on average, and weight generally less than two pounds. Intended for the general public, they are starting to find their ways in more and more businesses as well. For example, 10% of Lenovo netbook sales end up into businesses. Is it possible for a laptop with a screen smaller than 10 inches and a small keyboard (not practical for any regular user) to find a place in the professional world?

According to the computer companies themselves, these notebooks are not well suited for companies, they often recommend the 12 and 13 inches version of their netbooks that a better mix and more practical, allowing regular work and presenting some advantages for heavy travelers. Small and bigger notebooks have found niche uses within some businesses. Truckers, delivery people, repair teams… have regular use of a netbook for short amount of times (i.e a few minutes at a client site).

Right now, the use of netbooks is anecdotal in companies, it may stay that way for a while but it is not reasonable to see them gain some momentum as they get faster, more powerful… Technical innovations such as the foldable screens (yes they are working on that as we speak) may also drastically increase their appeal.