Netbooks have been the rage for the past few years as they can do most things that people want to do with a laptop but at a much cheaper price.
Larry Magid, writing for the Mercury News, said that the fact that they are lighter and smaller than laptops also gives them an advantage.
"It’s ironic that smaller machines are now cheaper than bigger laptops. Until a few years ago, users who wanted a small notebook PC would pay a premium. It wasn’t uncommon for machines under three or four pounds to cost two or three times as much as heavier notebook PCs," he added.
Mr Magid commented that the fact netbooks use Windows XP also gives them an advantage as that operating system is easier to use than Microsoft’s follow-ups such as Vista and Windows 7 which are now running on laptops.
Netbooks are also proving popular with techie fans as they are a perfect size to fit inside a rucksack and take to work or use on the train.