A leading research firm has warned that netbooks could change the face of the IT industry, moving it closer to the telecoms channel.
According to the latest report by Forrester, a combination of netbooks moving away from x86-based processors, and the increasing influence of mobile and communications dealers could see the devices become more like the iPhone than a laptop.
It said that Microsoft's reliance on Windows XP to hold off Linux has left it in a precarious position and meant that any move towards ARM-based processors meant that it was at the greatest risk of any company in the netbook sector.
“Microsoft won the first-generation netbook OS war after a shaky start by extending the life of Windows XP," stated the Forrester research. "But that is neither sustainable nor desirable for their firm as we approach the launch of Windows 7."
It added that any move towards an ARM-based platform would blur the lines between today’s smartphones and netbooks.
"European telcos, particularly those promoting mobile broadband, have been giving away – or at least heavily subsidizing – netbooks for the best part of the year. Netbooks could end up looking more like the iPhone than like a traditional laptop."
Advertisement
Related Stories
- A third of UK mobile owners read marketing emails May 18th 2012 at 9:37AM
- iPhone 5 'bigger screen' rumours gather pace May 17th 2012 at 2:13PM
- AMD launches 2nd-gen A-Series APU May 15th 2012 at 11:27AM
- HannsG launches height adjustable monitor May 9th 2012 at 2:28PM
- Acer launches AMD Fusion-based Aspire One 725 May 9th 2012 at 12:20AM
- Is RAM the next smartphone spec boost? May 6th 2012 at 11:39PM
- Samsung goes large with Galaxy S III May 3rd 2012 at 11:51PM
- EntaTech to distribute Zotac in UK Apr 27th 2012 at 4:34PM
- Samsung unveils next-gen Galaxy chip Apr 26th 2012 at 11:50PM
- Samsung Galaxy S III unveil for 3rd of May Apr 16th 2012 at 10:22AM
