Rise of the netbook

As more of what we do moves online, why not design a simple notebook computer that's intended primarily to gel us there?
That's the idea behind the net book, and the success of early models from makers including Asus and Dell suggest that 2009 will see this category of computer gaining widespread attention. The appeal of net books is obvious: they're about half the size, and half the weight, of a typical all-purpose notebook computer. They focus on what matters to working online: a decent keyboard and a nice- screen, fast wireless Internet connectivity, and enough local storage- in the form of a solid state disk - to store the essentials. Gone are the CD/DVD, power hungry screens, and traditional hard drives. The result: a notebook that's a joy to carry. pleasant In use. and that gets vein online to check your e-mail, write documents, or surf the Internet This year will no doubt be all about saving money for many, and the tech products that w ill excite us next year will justify their place in our lives by providing an obvious return on investment They'll help us In save time, money, and lo do more with less. What more could we ask for?