Netbooks Return To Base
A survey has revealed that the upsurge in mini computer Netbooks from manufacturers isn’t being as welcome received by consumers as expected.
So far around 60,000 netbooks have been shipped; mostly with a broadband bundle. Of the 60,000, around 20% have been returned to the stores.
The price is great, often less than £300 for a fully functional machine. The problem is consumers are usually used to Microsoft Windows – and the cheaper end of the Netbook market are powered by Linux.
“They don’t want to spend time to learn it so they bring it back to the store. The return rate is at least four times higher for Linux netbooks than Windows XP netbooks.” said MSI’s Director of Sales Andy Tung.
Dixons is adamant it is getting around any problem by informing customers. “We are making big efforts to educate consumers as to the usages and limitations of netbooks versus laptops. Netbooks are perfect for people who want to keep in touch, surf the net or read documents while on the move,” said Dixons Head of Consumer PR Anina Castle when we asked her about the rumour of major netbook returns at the end of August.
“They are far more convenient and provide a full range of viewing functions required while out of the office or home, while the PC or laptop remains the prime storage hub for files and data. We are advising our staff and customers that the best way to think of them is – “Netbooks are for viewing, Notebooks are for doing!”
Netbooks Picture courtesy of CNet.
