The netbooks were first on the market in late 2007 and were available as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost.  To do this, the netbooks eliminated the optical drive and had smaller screens and keyboards with reduced computing power.  A true netbook can range in size from 2-3 pounds with a screen between 5" diagonal and 10.1.  Recently, wireless data carriers have begun to offer netbooks "free of charge" with an extended service contract purchase.

History

The origins of the netbook can be traced to the network computer concept of the mid-1990s.  In March 1997 Apple Computer introduced the eMate 300 as a subcompact laptop that was a cross between the Apple Newton PDA and a conventional laptop.  The eMate was discontinued along with all other Newton devices in 1998.  The generic use of the term "netbook" began in 2007 when Asus introduced the ASUS Eee PC as a small device that weighed about 2 pounds and featured a 7 in display.  The keyboard was approximately 85 percent the size of a normal keyboard and contained a solid-state drive and a custom version of Linux. 

Following the Eee PC, Everex launched its Linux-based CloudBook.   Windows XP  and Windows Vista models were also introduced; Micro-Star International released the Wind Netbook, Dell and HP both released a "Mini" series (the Inspiron Mini and HP Mini), and others soon followed. .

By late 2008, netbooks had begun to take market share away from notebooks.  In contrast to earlier, largely failed attempts to establish mini computers as a new class of mainstream personal computing devices built around comparatively expensive platforms requiring proprietary software applications or imposing severe usability limitations, the recent success of netbooks can also be attributed to the fact that PC technology has now matured enough to allow truly cost optimized implementations with enough performance to suit the needs of a majority of PC users. This is illustrated by the fact that typical system performance of a netbook is on the level of a mainstream PC in 2001, at around one quarter of the cost. The current recession is also helping with the growing sales of netbooks.

In 2008 a report indicated that the typical netbook featured a 3 pound weight, a 9 inch screen, wireless Internet connectivity, Linux or Windows XP, an Intel Atom processor, and a cost of less than $400.  By mid 2009 the average weight was 2.6 pounds and the price had dropped to $300 with a 10 inch screen, 1gb RAM, 160GB hard disk drive and a wireless receiver for the Internet. 

Today, Apple is selling the iPad as a small, light weight device that competes with the netbooks on the market.