14 DAY TRIAL // Regardless of how well tablets are doing, they are still not enough to actually shut down the netbook market, as proven by how not all rumors about companies, like Acer, backing out of this segment are true.
Market analysts were very optimistic about netbooks at the start of 2010, but the arrival of the media tablet put a dent in those predictions.
Where the segment was poised to just grow over the next years, said growth ended up slowing down significantly.
Some companies have already given up on making entry-level mobile computers, leaving only so-called higher-tier players battling for supremacy.
Acer has long been one of the most avid supporters of the netbook and, despite rumors saying otherwise, will keep on making such machines.
For those in need of an update, rumors supposedly started by Acer employees stated that several x86 tablets and ARM ones are to be delivered in 2011, and that slates are expected to become important enough in the future to justify Acer's gradual retreat from the netbook competition.
As a recent report from Digitimes has it, however, this kind of device will maintain their position of high relevance in its marketing strategy.
To emphasize this, a new model is said to be almost ready for introduction, as shown by what is described as a promotional poster at the company headquarters.
Furthermore, Compal Electronics (major manufacturer of Acer machines) already said that its netbook shipments throughout 2010 were stable and, although 2011 might not prove as promising, volumes were still strong.
Finally, even JT Wang himself (Acer's chairman) reportedly stated that, while the tablet impact in the UK and US was real, netbooks would remain an important product on emerging market.
All that remains is for the entry-level laptop said to be in the making to come forth from the shadows.