Microsoft and Intel don’t want to give up on the netbook market just yet, despite the trend towards more the powerful notebook and tablet. Instead, according to DigiTimes, the two companies hope that the new Windows 8 can breathe new life into the netbook. The dynamic duo will rely on a combination of low prices and thin, lightweight devices with integrated touchscreens. According to sources in Taiwan, Microsoft and Intel believe that there is a market for very small thin notebooks with 10 to 12-inch touchscreen displays and a very fast startup.
Priced would settle below the $400 mark, to make them attractive for budget-minded customers. Probably things will move in the direction of more advanced netbooks with touchscreens based on the new Intel Atom “Clover Trail” processors, which will also come in x86 tablet with Windows 8. Ultimately, the netbook price range they’re aiming for could work in response to the growing demand of many new customers in emerging markets and developing countries who can not afford expensive touchscreen ultrabooks or simply don’t want a tablet.
Source: DigiTimes
