If in doubt, get a Netbook!

Electronics are ridiculously easy to sell these days because instead of needing to worry about some type of built-in obsolescence, engineers simply make the same thing only better, faster and more importantly: smaller and cheaper.

Well they've done it again. It is called the Netbook.

"A netbook is a new type of laptop that is purely designed for wireless communication and access to the internet" (Wikipedia).

It is important to realize what the second part of this definition entails. "Access to the Internet" is an extremely broad phrase. As I will explain, these days the internet contains everything most computer users need.

Bear with me for a moment as we look into the near future:
Computers are quickly becoming close to only one thing - A tool for accessing the internet and all it has to offer. We are approaching an age wherein everything in our lives will be somehow linked to the world wide web. No matter whether it is our jobs or a trip to the grocery store, you will soon not be able to do any of these tasks without the internet somehow knowing about it.

This is already happening in many ways. So how does the introduction of the netbook symbolize a new age of technology? Simple. No matter whether its email, programs, documents, music and entertainment...It's all online. How often do you go into the store to purchase software anymore? Most of us haven't done this in a while unless it's just for nostalgic purposes. This is where netbooks come in. they are a type of newly evolved form of laptops without the soon-to-be outdated components such as CD drives, thus saving you a lot of money (average netbook price approx. $350, with Windows XP).

So why still buy a laptop?
Many still prefer the full capabilities of a laptop computer, including a bigger workspace/keyboard, and a bit more power. They are still a different style of computing that many will need to get used to but in the near future, most laptops will merge with netbooks in style, design and portability.