Intel admits
Intel has admitted that
netbooks do not attract new buyers. Instead buyers of netbooks already own
PCs or laptops and just want something a bit cheaper and more
portable.
The admission means that new machines running Windows 7 for
netbooks with 10.1” screens will not turn out to be popular on emerging
markets at all. Intel had been hoping that cheap netbooks would be a way
into emerging markets. But Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief
sales and marketing officer at Intel said first-time buyers are not going to
buy netbooks.
“The first time you buy something you want the real deal.
It's consistent not just in China, but all around the world. If you are
going to spend your hard-earned money for the first time, you are going to
put a computer in your house,” he said.
Netbooks are mostly acquired by
those, who already own one or two proper personal computers, but who need to
have a very basic and inexpensive system for surfing the Internet or reading
email, Maloney said. However Intel should be happy. It was worried that
netbooks do not cannibalise sales of notebooks and if what is says is true,
it isn't.