The latest small thing in computers

Sales of lower-cost, 8-to-10-inch-screen 'netbooks' expected to double this year

Verizon has started selling netbooks by offering a subsidized, lower price  in exchange for a two-year commitment to a data plan.

Some industry analysts expect that at least one U.S. cell phone company will begin offering free netbooks this year.

There is no precise, common definition of a netbook. They are generally described as lightweight, averaging around 2 or 3 pounds, with built-in ability to link wirelessly to the Internet. Netbooks typically contain slower processors than laptops, which reduces the drain on batteries and lowers their cost. The less powerful processors make netbooks ill-suited for heavy lifting such as editing photos.

Netbooks are designed to run online software more than installed programs. This means much of the processing will be handled by the Internet servers, so they don't have as much need for a robust processor. They typically don't have CD or DVD drives, which helps reduce weight.

Some run Linux operating systems, others run Windows XP, and a few run Windows Vista.

Netbooks, by some definitions, typically run on chips made by Intel or AMD. San Diego-based Qualcomm is pushing a similar category of portable devices that run on top-of-the-line cell phone chips. That makes the Qualcomm-based devices more like scaled-up smart phones, while netbooks based on Intel's chips are similar to scaled-down laptops.

To distinguish from the laptop-related netbooks, Qualcomm uses the name “smartbook.” The devices will feature “always on” and “always online” networking, similar to a BlackBerry or iPhone with a bigger screen and keyboard, Qualcomm says.

Sereral manufacturers are planning to build smartbooks using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. The company has announced deals to sell the chip to at least 15 major device manufacturers, including LG, Acer, Samsung and Asustek.

Qualcomm won't say how many of those manufacturers will make smartbooks, but has said some Snapdragon devices appearing this year would have 10-to 12-inch screens.

The company expects carriers to offer smartbooks this year in addition to netbooks, chip division spokesman Luis Pineda said.

“We're happy that Verizon is selling a notebook with 3G connectivity,” Pineda said. “We're excited that the carriers are looking at selling smartbooks. We're waiting for that first device.”

The New York Times News Service contributed to this report.

Jonathan Sidener: (619) 293-1239;


