Developers typically ask me what is so different about applications for netbooks? My response to them is, netbooks, as compared to a traditional laptop, have limited hard disk space, less processing power, lower memory and limited UI/screen display. Your application needs to fit with the typical usage model of a netbook. Let me explain.
The usage models for netbooks fits right in between a mobile phone and a laptop. Users are demanding applications related to entertainment, productivity, communications and security without compromising on either performance or usability.
When I am travelling I typically carry the following devices.
iPhone for apps & to make phone calls, Blackberry for enterprise email, netbook for email & other productivity tasks, and a laptop for more processing intensive applications. I also carry a Kindle, and a GPS.
These are the apps I would like to see on my netbook that fits my usage model:
• Typical office applications (word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, presentation, some drawing app like Visio, etc.)
• Instant Messaging apps
• Games (Sudoku, and other puzzle games)
• Anti-virus app
• Browsers
• Task manager (to help organize my tasks and to-do lists)
• Audio/ Video Player
• PDF reader/writer
• Picture organizers/ Picture upload software
• Basic image/video editing software
• Remote computer connect - something that allows me to connect to my desktop or server.
• Contact / Personal information organizer
• Password Manager
• Social networking clients (twitter, facebook, likedin). I prefer a client as opposed to using the website.
• Skype
• Maps
• RSS reader/ News reader
• Note taker / organizer
• Stock ticker/ weather widgets
• Cam recorders/ video organizers
• Book reader - like a Kindle app or something
• Backup software - that backup my data somewhere secure
• Deal finder apps - for airline/hotel reservations, etc.
• Blogger client
• More games.
Can you think of other applications you would like to see on your netbook? I also would like to know your typical usage of a netbook.
ps* If you are interested to develop any applications for netbooks or already have applications you would like to optimize for netbooks, then do connect with me.
Brown Belt
Comments
Hi Ajay,
Great article, I was just making a list of possible apps to develop for netbooks and you basically covered it all up.
I believe most existing applications can be modified and adapted to the current usage model of the netbooks.
Let´s see what people create with this exciting program.
Regards ,
Hi,
I would like to see Intel put a little more effort into making OpenSolaris run better on NetBooks instead of most of it going into Linux.
The OpenSolaris kernel is much more mature then the Linux one and with just a little more effort from Intel to optimize OpenSolaris for the Intel architecture is could be *really* good.
A select few RFE I would like to see fixed *soon* please are as follows:
http://bugs.opensolaris.org/view_bug.do?bug_id=5070897
http://bugs.opensolaris.org/view_bug.do?bug_id=6537876
Please please *do* forward this on.
Thanks,
Edward.
Wicho,
Thanks for your comment. Yeah, I am also really curious to see how the developers can push the envelope and create exiting apps.
So, can I ask what is your usage of a netbook?
Hi all,
Maybe need for pack office files: http://www.7-zip.org/ is free, is lite.
Regards,
Rene.
I agree with Edward.
More OpenSolaris love. All HW should work Out-of-the-Box.
Hi Again Ajay,
My netbook is primarily used for travel , quick meetings and basic office processing.
I use it more everyday that even my primary laptop is kinda jealous ;)
What about you?
Regards,
I travelled with my netbook and cell phone. Don't use it much at office or home because I have other more powerful machines.
Netbook is light which is great for a woman like me. :-) I use netbook to do the following things while travelling:
1) IBM symphony (office software) to prepare my charts and documents for work
2) web browser for my gmail, calendar, to-do list, social network (twitter, facebook, linkedin) access
3) web browser again for searching info for work
4) and web browser again for reading news, checking weather, watch video clips
5) I thinking to migrate to Google doc to see if it fits my needs of productivity requirements.
So if all work out maybe I will only need a web browser for my netbook. :-)
Hello All,
I use my small ASUS EeePC 701 mainly just to show PowerPoint presentations and make last minute changes using Office 2007. Base OS is XP Home.
Skype helps to keep in touch with my buddies. And all this fits onto a 4GB SDD ;)
My private main PC is now a Nvidia ION with Atom N330 CPU. Superfast ...
Best Regards,
Andre B.
Intel® Atom™ Developer Program Support Team
Dear Ajay,
Thank you for listing up the applications that are possible :) I would expect lot of creative products people will create with this exciting program.
Cheers,
Raj
Thanks for your article. it is necessary to every company who sale laptops and notebooks gives best service to their customers. but i am happy that you also try to give your best service. i really appreciate you. Btw It's really nice to discuss with you. I am happy but now I am collecting the hot video for my friends and other persons. Because I my aim to provide best and knowledgeable material. And I hope you will also like and help me to continue this
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