The State of the Netbook, Part I: WEee have lived before

Ars Technica has a nice retrospective of how netbooks came to be. It touches on several iconic products, including two of my personal favorites, the HP200LX and the Toshiba Libretto. It would have been nice if the Tandy Model 100 were included also, though it would be stretching the definition of a netbook.

The article also refutes the common misconception of netbooks being an overnight success by tracing the evolution of the now ubiquitous form-factor. While it has some facts wrong, like the introduction of netbooks - not at the beginning of 2008 but rather announced in June 2007 and delivered October 2007 (Asus Eee PC 701), it does provide interesting trivia for those unfamiliar with computing history.

All in all, it makes for an interesting, educational read. Can't wait for the second part.