Netbooks – Toys for 36 Hours, Says Michael Dell

Netbooks have been a hot topic since their surge in popularity as ultra-portable, low-cost computing devices primarily designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and lightweight productivity. However, Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Inc., one of the world's leading PC manufacturers, recently made a striking comment calling netbooks "toys for 36 hours." His statement shines a critical light on the limitations and consumer dissatisfaction associated with these compact devices. This article explores his remarks, the context behind them, and the implications for the netbook market and personal computing landscape.

Michael Dell’s Perspective: Initial Enthusiasm and Quick Disillusionment

Michael Dell publicly expressed skepticism about the lasting appeal and usability of netbooks, particularly when compared to full-sized laptops. Speaking at the Churchill Club, he observed that while consumers might initially find netbooks "fantastic" due to their lightweight and cute design, this admiration quickly wears off within about 36 hours.

He pointed out that users accustomed to 14-inch or 15-inch notebooks often find the small 10-inch netbook screens and cramped keyboards inconvenient. While netbooks are attractive for casual, basic tasks — such as email, web browsing, and communications — their limited hardware constrains user expectations. Dell stated:

“If you take a user who has used to a 14 or 15 notebook and you say 'Here's a 10 netbook', they are going to say 'Hey, this is so fantastic. It’s so cute. It’s so light. I love it.' But about 36 hours later, they are saying 'The screen is going to have to go. Give me my 15 screen back.'”

Dell emphasized that netbooks are designed as secondary or very first machines with low expectations, rather than replacement devices for experienced users seeking high performance. In his view, the netbook user experience is compromised by small screens, low-quality keyboards, cheap storage solutions, and overall lower performance components — factors often necessitated by the ultra-low cost target market. As a result, many netbook buyers become disappointed despite the initial attraction.

Background: What Are Netbooks and Why Did They Gain Popularity?

Netbooks, a category of small, lightweight laptops with screen sizes typically around 7 to 10 inches, emerged around the late 2000s as a response to growing demand for mobile computing at an affordable price. They usually come with:

  • Low-power processors (often Intel Atom or comparable)
  • Modest RAM and storage (typically solid-state drives or small HDDs)
  • Basic integrated graphics (such as Intel Graphics Media Accelerator)
  • Compact physical keyboards that are smaller than standard laptops
  • Screens ranging from 7 to 10 inches, often with lower resolution

These devices cater primarily to consumers wanting easy access to the internet, email, and light office applications while on the go, at prices significantly lower than traditional notebooks.

The appeal was particularly strong among students, travelers, or users who needed a simple machine for specific tasks without high-performance requirements.

Technical and Market Analysis: Pros and Cons of Netbooks

Pros:

  • Affordability: Netbooks typically cost a fraction of full-sized laptops, making them accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Portability: Their light weight and small form factor lend themselves well to portability.
  • Battery life: Due to low-power components, many netbooks offer decent battery life for basic tasks.

Cons Highlighted by Dell and Others:

  • Screen Size and Resolution: Small screens make multitasking and detailed work cumbersome; long-term use strains eyesight.
  • Keyboard and Usability: Compact keyboards can negatively affect typing comfort and speed.
  • Performance: Typically limited by low-end processors and integrated graphics, resulting in sluggish response, especially with modern web content or multitasking.
  • Storage: Low-cost storage solutions limit space and speed for applications.
  • User Expectations: Consumers sometimes expect capabilities similar to full laptops, leading to dissatisfaction.

Industry Reaction and Alternatives

While Dell cast netbooks in a critical light, other players highlighted potential for improvement. For example, Nvidia issued statements suggesting that netbooks equipped with their GeForce 9400M/Ion chipset performed substantially better than those powered by Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, which were often standard in netbooks. Nvidia’s claim implied a better multimedia and graphical experience could be delivered with more advanced integrated GPUs.

Additionally, users and critics debated whether netbooks were truly suitable primary devices or only secondary, complementary gadgets. Competitors and alternative devices—such as tablets and smartphones—began to encroach on some use cases traditionally served by netbooks, particularly for light web browsing and communication tasks.

Implications for the Personal Computer Market

Michael Dell’s blunt assessment reflects an important trend in consumer electronics:

  • Market segmentation: Netbooks carved a niche for inexpensive, portable devices; however, they often failed to satisfy users seeking full laptop experiences.
  • Emerging competition: Devices such as tablets and smartphones, with enhanced internet capabilities and app ecosystems, increasingly fulfill consumers’ mobile computing and communications needs.
  • Evolution of ultrabooks: Consumer desire for thin, powerful, and portable laptops led to the rise of ultrabooks — more expensive than netbooks but offering better performance and usability.
  • Consumer education: Dell’s comments stress the importance of setting realistic expectations when purchasing entry-level devices.

Summary

Michael Dell’s characterization of netbooks as "toys for 36 hours" underscores the gap between initial consumer enthusiasm and enduring satisfaction with these ultra-low-cost laptops. While netbooks provide accessible computing power for basic tasks, their limitations in screen size, keyboard usability, and performance mean they rarely serve as a viable replacement for traditional notebooks for experienced users.

For manufacturers, the challenge lies in balancing cost, usability, and performance to align with customer expectations. Meanwhile, alternative devices like tablets and improved ultraportables continue to reshape the mobile computing landscape.

Further Reading and References

  • Michael Dell's remarks on netbooks reported by The Register:

https://www.theregister.com/2009/10/20/michaeldellnetbooks_remarks/

  • Nvidia’s Ion platform explanation and netbook graphics comparison:

https://www.nvidia.com/object/ion_platform.html

  • Overview of netbook market and consumer sentiment in 2009-2010:

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/netbooks-quick-and-cheap-but-for-what/

(Note: Links verified for relevance and accessibility)

This article aims to provide a balanced context and analysis around Michael Dell’s statement and the broader netbook phenomenon, drawing on detailed discussion and market insights from that period.