This article from BBC News predicts the demise of the netbook in 2010, due to the technology within pushing the cost up to around the same level of a conventional notebook (or laptop, if you prefer).

I'm someone who has never really seen the point of netbooks, other than for a very niche market. The original Asus Eee PC was, when combined with a mobile or basic fixed-line broadband package, the ideal entry to the World Wide Web for those on a budget. But beyond that, they serve very little purpose: they're too big to fit in a pocket and too small to comfortably use for any considerable period of time. Also, you still need to find somewhere to sit down and perch it on your lap.

I've seen various advertising literature that claims a netbook is what you need to "complete your computing set" (in addition to a desktop and a laptop). However, I can't quite figure out why anyone who has a laptop would need a netbook, because it's not as if there's that much difference in size.

No, as the proud owner of a shiny new iPhone, I think it is that (or a smartphone in general) that completes my computing set: my desktop stores my media and is for day-to-day use; my laptop allows me a bit more freedom about where I work and is perfect for presenting during meetings; and now my iPhone will allow me to stay up-to-date with e-mail etc. when on the move.

So while the idea behind affordable computing is a sound one, nosediving prices of conventional PCs and laptops almost render netbooks useless. Will they survive? Time will tell. But, as the article above intimates, 2010 will be an important year for them.