The market for Notebook computers took a huge turn in recent times with the resurgence of Tablets. Tablet computers have been languishing in the marketplace for many years and ignored by most users. Some of this was because of the need for a stylus to use onscreen keyboards. Due to the hugely successful I-Pad, manufacturers have been scrambling to get new competitive Tablet products on the shelves. This has made the choices available in these new machines quite varied and interesting.
Tablets from almost all manufacturers are available, and some add fold out or snap off keyboards for users who do not like the standard onscreen keypad. One thing for sure; the stylus is relegated to the past.
Netbooks are still popular though this may be simply because of their attractive pricing. New Netbooks include the latest from Samsung, who released their latest idea; the Chromebook.
This is an internet only device, quite small and compact. It is set up to use Google Chrome and the software available through the Chrome web browser. Users can make use of all the online software products that function in the “Cloud”, and cannot download any software to use locally. There are both USB and Flash card slots, for other functionality like uploading digital photos.
Netbooks and Tablets that function only in the”Cloud” seem to be the future of Notebook computing, as the versatility and size make them very attractive. More standard Notebooks loaded with options and features are available, but fading in popularity as of this writing.