Can a Netbook be Your Only Computer?

I4U's Shane McGlaun has another take on whether a netbook can function as its user's sole computer. Accordingly, a recent study claimed only 11% of consumers believe so. Yet McGlaun believes, with a few tweaks, the vast majority of users should be able to get along with a netbook as their only computer.

He points out that the two major complaints are the undersized keyboard and small screen. These are easily addressed by getting a full-sized USB keyboard and an external LCD screen. With these, the typical netbook should be able to serve as a primary computer since it has enough processing power for surfing, emailing, Office apps, blogging, and even Photoshop.

That is all true and correct. But unfortunately, I don't think most users would like to always carry with them an extra keyboard and an external monitor. After all, it is hard to assume that a user will not use a particular application just because he/she is mobile. On the other hand, it would be more prudent to assume that what a user needs at work or at home will be the same when he/she is mobile.

So while this approach may work for some users, others may find it more appropriate for them to just buy a small form factor PC similar to the Eee Box.

Nevertheless McGlaun is right in saying, based on usage and processing power, the typical netbook should suffice as a sole computer. But he is looking at the issue from the wrong side. Because from where a lot of users stand, the keyboard and monitor issues are non-issues. As conceived by Asus, the low-cost notebook was intended for the 2nd billion market - users in developed countries who have not been able to afford to purchase a computer and users in third world countries.

Trust me when I say most users in third world countries will in all likelihood never complain about the small screen and small keyboard and will be perfectly satisfied in using them. Why? Because small is relative. For the largely untapped K12 market in these countries, the netbook has just the perfect sized components. For teens and young professionals used to chatting via SMS texting, the QWERTY keyboard certainly represents a vast upgrade over mobile phone keypads. And need we mention the 7" screen's advantages over mobile phone LCDs?