The future is small
Laptop prices are set to drop. A new wave of computer manufacturers are developing cheaper, lighter entry level machines.
Small manufacturers like UK-based Elonex and Taiwan’s Asus have launched a range of laptops known as sub-laptops, or netbooks. As the name suggests, netbooks are designed primarily as access points for Internet and basic word processing. The makers have taken the view that with the increasing sophistication of Internet-based computer programs, laptops do not need to be that powerful because these Internet applications will provide users with what they need.
Internet-based applications like Google Docs, for instance, not only allow for word processing, but allow document storage on Google’s site. This enables netbook makers to reduce the amount of internal memory needed. Which also explains why netbooks are so light — some less than 1kg. “It’s lighter than a book,” says Elonex SA MD Graham Davies.
Prices range from R1500 to R5000. Global sales are forecast to reach 9m in 2012. Elonex expects to sell 60000 through retail chains by the end of next year. It expects the netbooks to be on the shelf in time for the festive season. Asus has already launched its Eee PC, which sells for about R3000. Not to be outdone, Acer has come out with its own range of tiny computers. It recently launched Aspire, retailing at about R5000.
Industry heavyweights Dell and HP are coming out with netbooks. The future is small machines. Very small.
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