You’ve probably heard about netbooks at one point or the other, but may be curious what they are and why they’ve suddenly become so popular.  On the other hand, you may have never heard of them and this is a formal introduction.

It all began with the Psion 5MX.  Years ago products like this gave people a lot of the benefits of a notebook without having to carry a large nine or ten pound computer.  From there, products like the OLPC XO got a lot of people excited because it was something that the Psion 5MX wasn’t – affordable.  With the goal of bringing computers to the masses for $200 companies began to wonder if people would buy a product with more power and for a little extra money.

With these steps and the backing of Intel and their Atom processor, netbooks were born.  They weigh around 2lbs or less (weighing less than some of the phones I used to own), have speedy processors, memory and ample hard drive space to allow you to handle most tasks.  In exchange for getting this package with an 8.9″ screen you usually don’t get a CD/DVD drive since that would add space, weight and price.  In this Connected Age, almost all the information we want to access is online so the timing of netbooks coincides with a lot of changes in technology and the way people use their computers.

This seems like the next big category with companies like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Samsung and Toshiba all coming out with products in this class.  The goal here at Netbook Reports is to capture this new evolving product type, give analysis on upcoming trends and highlight the good, the bad and the ugly.

1. Netbooks To Keep XP Alive

2. Did Smartbooks Die Before They Launched?

3. Qualcomm Snapdragon – Coming To A Netbook Near You

4. AT&T Planning To Take Netbooks Nationwide