Will Netbook/Desktop Combo Replace Big Laptops?

Posted by Tom Greer on May 11, 2009 in Netbook Market, Netbooks 

Laptop in Docking Station

Laptop in Docking Station

In the beginning there were desktops. Then laptops were born.

Some people added a laptop for use while traveling. Since laptops were less powerful, they kept their desktop.

Then, laptops became powerful.  Many  people traded their desktop PCs for a big, high-powered laptop and a docking station.  Laptops continued to grow in power and size and weight.

Then netbooks were born.  They were ultra-small, ultra-light and ultra-low cost.  Many people bought them to use in addition to their laptops.  They would use them in place of their laptop when they traveled, especially when they didn’t need a lot of power.

laptop-netbook

Laptop and netbook

Then netbooks grew in power and usefulness while staying small and light and low cost.  People found that they rarely took their laptops with them when they traveled.

For many people, this is where they are today.

I am guessing that when it comes time to replace their old, big laptop, that many people will replace their old laptop with a desktop.  After all, the cost of a netbook and a desktop (including a monitor, keyboard and mouse) will be less than a high-end laptop.

Dell Ultra Small Desktop

Dell Ultra Small Desktop

That will cause some real heartburn for PC makers. You see, laptops have higher profit margins than either desktops or netbooks.

I expect that this will happen sooner rather than later.  Of course, change brings opportunity to those who are prepared.

For example, if I squint as a look into the future, I see a netbook being used like an oversized PDA – where you plop it into a cradle to sync with your desktop and recharge when you return to the office.

What do you think?  When it comes time, will you replace your old laptop with a desktop?

When it comes time to replace your old laptop, will you consider a netbook/desktop combination instead of a new laptop?

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3 Responses to “Will Netbook/Desktop Combo Replace Big Laptops?”

  1. SPURGEON EDWIN says:

    ultra desktop & note will replace the laptop soon

  2. Devadittya says:

    Laptops have major issues. For one, modern laptops need replacement every 2-3 years, and true desktop replacements are bulky. The laptops have processors too powerful for a small enclosure, the laptops heat up, and eventually die way too soon.
    The desktop, netbook combo wins on many grounds. The desktop becomes the workhorse, and the netbook becomes the portable extension.
    All you need is a portable HDD.
    Not sure if this is going to be the future, let the market decide that.

  3. Shahed says:

    You’re probably right.

    But personally, I need a high-end big laptop. I need something with high performance, big screen, and mobility for work and games.

    Sure, small desktops may be mobile but it’s a hassle to bring the keyboard, mouse, and monitor with it

    Sure, a netbook and desktop combo is generally cheaper than a high-end laptop, but I’m not weighing cost. I’m weighing what I need and the few people that may fall in my category

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