Netbook computer sales are the current driving force in PC sales growth. Recent reports on netbooks show that consumer demand for these low cost, lightweight computers continues to explode with new models and new CPUs being introduced. Netbooks are a relatively new and interesting segment of the PC market and I’ve written about them previous tech tips including the Netbook Computer Primer and a post on the appeal of netbook computers for students. The speed and scope of the netbook’s acceptance has been a surprised to many and current sales numbers for netbook computers show no signs of slowing down.
Netbook Computer Sales Reports
Recent reports on netbook computer sales including one from DisplaySearch in its Q3 2009 Quarterly Advanced Notebook PC Shipment and Forecast Report, provide insights on netbook computer acceptance by consumers. The data on netbook sales show:
- Netbook computer worldwide sales grew 264% year-to-year from Q2 08 – Q2 09.
- During the Q2 08 – Q2 09 period netbook computer sales revenue grew from $845M to $3.07B worldwide.
- The sales of other portable PC segments fell up to 31% during same time period.
- Average sales price of portable computers decreased between 10% and 29% depending on category during the same period.
- Netbooks accounted for over 22 percent of all portable computer sales worldwide in Q3 2009 although only 11% of sales revenue.
- All major PC manufacturers are making netbook computers with the exception of Apple.
In a shift in worldwide computer sales rankings netbook sales by Acer, including their popular Aspire One model, have help the company leap into the number two position in worldwide computer sales, overtaking Dell. Worldwide, HP remains the top selling computer manufacturer although in the US Dell leads in sales but is in very close competition with HP for the top spot.
Netbook Computer Growth Dampens Laptop Computer Demand
Part of the growth in netbook computer sales has come at the expense of the more established laptop and notebook segments. As part of this shift low-cost netbooks are putting increased downward pressure on the pricing of other types of portable PCs. All of this is good news for consumers. Rather than spending $500 or more on a laptop, price sensitive shoppers can view netbooks as a less expensive way to buy a portable computer or replace an old one for only $250 – $350. While there are definite limitations on what a netbook can do compared to a laptop computer, netbooks can do enough to effectively meet the needs (and budgets) of many people.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
There a few mobile phone shops in Australia that give away free netbook with a 24-month mobile phone plan. With sim slotted directly into the notebook. I think it’s been long time coming. Netbooks are great.
@John D — Yes, there are different mobile phone service providers and ISPs either giving netbooks away or selling them at a very reduced rate. The vendors vary by geography but the numbers seem to be growing. Agreed, netbooks are pretty slick. Thanks for stopping by.
@Internet Strategist — Good question but I don’t have any detailed numbers on netbook giveaways or loss-leader sales for cellular plans. I have seen a couple mentions that the numbers may be significant but still have not seen any hard numbers. I will let you know if I come across anything. Thanks for your question/comment.
–Mike
I wonder what percentage of those sales are not consumer purchases, i.e., are being given away by major phone companies to promote their mobile Internet access? Any idea?
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I think what you’ve written should be a great news for Google in view of the fact that next year Google Chrome operating system is going to be launched for Netbook computers. An annual growth of 264% for netbook computer is really awesome, more so when seen in the context of 31% fall (negative growth) for other computers during the same period. This means that people are buying netbook computers instead of other ones (desktops or laptops). It should definitely please Google.
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@Ashok — Yes, it definitely looks like Netbooks are here to stay. Their rapid growth has surprised a lot of people in the PC industry. Plus a lot of the growth in Netbooks has decreaed the sales of more expensive laptops. The small form factor plus the low cost has captured many people’s interests. New CPUs for Netbooks will be arriving in 2101 so Netbooks will gain more power and performance plus better graphics. It remains to be seem what impact these advances will have on battery life.
It’s going to be interesting to see how things play out with Google Chrome. Having a free OS like Chrome on a Netbook could make the computers even less expensive. However, Netbooks running the free Linux OS haven’t had much of an impact so I think Chrome will have a steep uphill battle.
Regarding Apple’s lack of netbooks, Jobs has said its impossible for Apple to make a quality laptop for $500. I think thats a cheap shot at everyone else. I’m a mac guy but I’m looking at getting a netbook instead of a $1,000 entry level Apple laptop.
@Dave Slow computer — Yes, netbooks present a bit of a connundrum for Apple. It may be impossible for Apple to make a “quality laptop for $500″ but a netbook is not a laptop. Personally I think the biggest reason is that an Apple netbook would have a serious impact on the company’s profit numbers.
The two top selling points for netbooks are size/weight and price and not necessarily in that order. Would people be willing to pay say $700 for an Apple netbook instead of $350 for a Toshiba, Asus, Dell, Acer, etc. netbook that is Windows-based? My guts level instinct says no. But I’ve been wrong before.
2010 should be an interesting year in the computer world
Thanks for stopping by.
Mike, I’m that person you mentioned. For a netbook purposes I’d likely just buy the $350 unit over anything Apple pumps out. But that said I think Jobs will never ok the production of a low cost netbook. Not worth it bottom line financial for Apple. Razor thin profit and a large percentage of potential buys are make loyal so they’ll buy used Mac or buy something new and bit the price point bullet.
Total side note , netbooks.ca domain is available from the Canadian domain registry (CIRA-drop process) next week. I’m trying to get it but it might end up costing some big bucks.
@Dave Slow Computer – Yes, I don’t really see Apple jumping into the low margin/high volume Netbook arena. I think it would cannablize the sales of their $1,000 plus laptops.
While there are many people who would prefer to go with the Mac brand and pay more it really depends on what you want to use the computer for. If you are mainly using it to access the web, send/receive email, access Facebook, Twitter, etc. then what do you get by spending an extra $600 -$1,000 for a Mac book? Another case of the right tool for the right job(s) Pun intended
Thanks for the “heads-up” on the netbooks.ca domain.
–Mike
Worldwide, HP remains the top selling computer manufacturer although in the US Dell leads in sales but is in very close competition with HP for the top spot.