Two software-related developments this week bode well for netbooks and smartbooks.
First, Laplink Software announced the availability of an application, PCmover, specifically for netbooks. The software helps users move files, settings and programs from one computer to another. The netbook edition of PCmover (available only for Atom-based systems) recognizes the fact that most netbooks don’t have CD drives, so the app comes on a USB drive for installation. The kit also includes an Ethernet cable for connectivity between the source PC and netbook.
That ISVs are developing software specifically for this segment (we eagerly await Adobe’s Flash for ARM-based devices) speaks volumes to its promise and the company’s confidence in its growing importance.
Second, a research firm called Net Applications reported that Internet Explorer has lost nine points of market share in the last year. Google’s Chrome Web browser grew faster than the number two browser, Firefox. Currently, Chrome has 3.6% of the market while Firefox has 24%. While IE is still the dominant browser with nearly 65%, this news is significant for smartbooks because it shows that Microsoft’s software stranglehold is loosening.
Of course, Chrome is currently available only for Windows. It will likely see a spike when Google releases the browser for other platforms and Linux-based smartbooks finally hit the market.
Lisa
