Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A portable computer that is smaller than a laptop, with less processing speed and less memory, used primarily for accessing the Internet.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun computing An economical notebook computer.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Blend of (Inter)net and notebook.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Blend of internet and subnotebook

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Examples

  • Accordingly, Psion all has agreed to "allow" others to use the term netbook for undisclosed considerations, if any, given by Intel.

    Rumor: Netbook Debate Ends With A Quiet Settlement? 2009

  • I agree the semantical shift to the term netbook has significant implications.

    Why netbooks will soon cost $99 and why they probably won't 2008

  • I agree the semantical shift to the term netbook has significant implications.

    Archive 2008-11-01 2008

  • In short, the term netbook doesn't seem to have a clear cut definition yet, because despite the standard practice of using Atom processors, there are companies that offer similar-sized alternatives.

    Moneycontrol Top Headlines 2010

  • In short, the term netbook doesn't seem to have a clear cut definition yet, because despite the standard practice of using Atom processors, there are companies that offer similar-sized alternatives.

    Moneycontrol Top Headlines 2010

  • The term netbook is generally applied to highly portable, low-powered laptops, designed for web surfing, out-of-office productivity and light entertainment tasks.

    silicon.com : 2009

  • Before we go any further, we should note that the term netbook has come under fire from Psion, which once marketed a netbook called the cease and desist notices.

    Low End Mac 2009

  • The term netbook is generally applied to highly portable, low-powered laptops, designed for web surfing, out-of-office productivity and light entertainment tasks.

    silicon.com : 2009

  • Most people associate the term netbook with small, simple, and low-cost.

    UMPCPortal 2009

  • Psion says it's only going after those "profiting" from the term netbook RIAA finds its soul, will stop suing individuals downloading music Jan 13th 2009 2: 15PM

    Original Signal - Transmitting Gadgets 2009

Comments

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  • A laptop meant mostly for surfing the Web. They're generally light-weight, inexpensive, and highly portable with low processor speeds.

    January 23, 2009

  • Not 'netbooks'. Low cost small notebook PCs.

    Bound to catch on...

    June 3, 2009