Technology, Netbook | featured news

In the past two weeks, Google has started sending out its pilot notebook for testing. It is little more than a Web browser tucked inside a netbook. Yes, all it does is surf the Web. And it's going to be huge.

Despite the introduction of the iPad and the harsh words of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, netbooks will continue to thrive, say analysts and commentators, who cite the tablet's missing features and relatively high price.

Intel on Monday launched its next-generation Atom netbook processor, saying it will bring longer battery life and improved system performance to low-cost laptops.

A $600 netbook? That's the unsubsidized price of Nokia's new Booklet 3G, the company's venture into the netbook field. Or, it's $300 with an AT&T contract for two years.

Maybe it's because they are cheap. Maybe it's because they are small. Or maybe it's just because people don't need computers for much more than Net access these days.