I guess the first thing that should be asked is, does everyone know what a netbook is?  Just in case you don’t, this is what Wikipedia says:

The term netbook was re-introduced by Intel in February 2008 to describe a category of small-sized, low-cost, light weight, lean function subnotebooks optimized for Internet access and core computing functions (e.g., word processing) — either directly from applications installed on the netbook itself or indirectly, via cloud computing. More than 50 million Netbooks are expected to be in widespread circulation by 2011. Netbooks (or sub-notebooks as they may be known) typically come with a 7-inch to 10-inch screen.

When I think netbook I think about a device somewhere between my laptop, a Macbook Pro, and my iPhone.  Basically something I can take anywhere without weighing me down too much.  This is not a desktop replacement or something I would use as a primary machine.  I would use this as a change-of-pace laptop or something I would take on the road.

Of course something else has to be attractive about these small laptops and that something is price.  Two examples of this category is the MSI Wind and Asus Eee PC.  Both these systems can be had for $500.  That isn’t chump change, but it isn’t much more than a gaming console.  Be quiet and don’t tell my wife, but I’m eyeing the Eee PC and I have a birthday and Christmas coming up.

These machines may not hold all of your music, movies and other files – some actually do have a lot of space – but it will allow you to surf the internet, write a document and check email, all in a small easy to transport package.

Is this a fad or are is there value in this category?