Netbook demand soars

A new research study reveals that 11% of consumers plan to buy a netbook PC this year, according to the PriceGrabblers Web site, reports Smarthouse.

According to the research, which was conducted in several countries, the percentage of online consumers who own a netbook has increased from 10% last year to 15% this year.

Netbooks are more of a complement than a replacement for laptops. Some 55% of consumers do not see a netbook as a feasible replacement for a laptop while 63% indicate a netbook is best described as an additional device while on the go.

Intel Malaysia and Packet One Networks Malaysia unveiled the country's first WiMax-ready 4G laptops aimed at boosting the use of broadband, writes Sun2Surf.

The netbooks and notebooks are manufactured by Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, MSI and Toshiba.

With the WiMax-ready 4G laptops, users no longer have to stay within a WiFi area to be connected, thanks to the addition of the new dual-mode module Intel Centrino Advanced-N+ WiMax 6250 embedded chip that supports the P1 WiMax network.

A recovery in the personal computer market has helped Apple grow its New Zealand market share in the category to more than 10% for just the second time ever, says Business Day.

With Apple's long-awaited iPad due for release this month, figures from research company IDC show the company's more traditional products still have pulling power.

Out of eight major PC vendors, only Apple, Asus, Toshiba and Acer saw gains in overall market share for the March quarter over the previous quarter.