Netbook dominates Computex 2009

Many netbooks weigh less than 1kg, cost about $ 250 to heat Computex 2009 - Asia's largest IT exhibition opened yesterday in Taiwan .

This 5-day event has the distinction of being attended by 36 Chinese exhibitors for the first time since Computex Taipei has been around for 29 years.

At Computex, the interest of netbook visitors exceeds those of expensive computers and this is understandable because the world economy is facing many difficulties.

Demand for netbooks worldwide this year is expected to more than double to 32 million compared to 13 million last year.

Asustek (Taiwan), famous for its "Eee PC" line, demonstrated the latest models right after the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Equipped with a 10-inch screen, Asustek's Eee PC Seashell 1008HA weighs 1.1 kg and the battery runs continuously for up to 6 hours.

Asustek's rival, Acer, the No. 2 computer maker behind HP, launched the first Aspire One netbook that uses Google's mobile operating system, Android. Acer also announced this netbook for faster Internet speeds.

Analysts say Taiwanese computer firms hope to win 60% of the global netbook market share in 2009.