Is the iPad affecting netbook sales already?

Jake Widman
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 10:47

Your IT - Mobility

According to an online survey by shopping site Retrevo.com, netbooks are maintaining their popularity vis a vis laptops, but are losing their luster when compared to the iPad.

The survey of more than 1,000 netbook, laptop, and iPad owners and buyers about recent shopping decisions and future plans.

The results showed that the announcement of the iPad last January influenced 70% of netbook shoppers to delay their buying decision. (30% bought a netbook anyway.)

Of the 70% who waited, 4 in 7 eventually bought a netbook, but 3 in 7 (30% of the total) bought an iPad instead.

Current shoppers are even more drawn toward the iPad. When asked if they were leaning toward buying an iPad or a netbook, 78% picked the iPad.

That makes sense in light of the reasons people said they chose netbooks over laptops: 54% said "small and light" was the most attractive feature of netbooks, and that certainly applies to iPads.

For those trying to choose between a netbook and a laptop, the former is holding its same minority position. Of those making the choice last year, 35% chose a netbook; of those making the decision now, 35% are leaning toward a netbook.