Netbook PCs: A Platform Battleground

Phoenix, Arizona June 25, 2009 - Netbooks are a new emerging category of Personal Computers. It has also become a new emerging battleground. There are two battles shaping up. The first is among the chip vendors – x86 vs. ARM. The second battle is the operating system – Microsoft vs. Linux.

In its latest report, “Netbook PCs: A New Platform Battleground”, Semico Research examines the usage models, market dynamics and key players for this emerging market. What are “smartbooks?” What are the market and technology trends? What has been the impact of netbooks on the MPU market? Learn more about the competition among both chip vendors and operating systems for netbooks, such as Windows and Android.

There have been several efforts over the years for a low-cost and compact mobile PC. The introduction of the Intel Atom microprocessor in 2008 spurred the growth of netbooks, reaching 12.5 million units in 2008.

The success of Atom-based netbooks has spurred interest in competing designs. Via Technologies has been shipping its 80x86 compatible Nano. Several companies have ARM-based designs that hit the market or are expected to launch in 2009. The processor vendors for these netbooks include Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Freescale, and Qualcomm.

The netbook PC market is opening up new opportunities for chip vendors other than Intel. Learn more about the market dynamics that are developing, the technology and marketing trends in this new market.

Semico’s “Netbook PCs: A New Platform Battleground” is available for immediate delivery. To receive a copy of the Table of Contents, including a list of tables and figures, or to purchase this report and spreadsheets for $3,995, please contact Susan Cadel at 607-368-7600 or at susanc@semico.com and reference “Netbook PCs: A New Platform Battleground”, report number ML102-09.

About Semico

Technology manufacturers, vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, utilize Semico’s experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical business, product and technology decisions. Semico’s vision is derived from both a deep technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines each segment of the supply chain for each market. Regular and ongoing end-user demand and primary research surveys are the foundation of the analysis, enabling Semico to provide insightful market analysis and guidance on future market opportunities.

Semico is a strategic partner with leading technology companies, with access to an extensive worldwide electronic network, technology databases and expert personnel. Semico was founded in 1994 by a group of semiconductor industry experts and has offices in Phoenix, California, New York, Japan and Taiwan.