HTC still thinking about the Netbook segment

John Chan | Nov 05, 2009

HTC has dipped its toes in the Netbook category before with a wannabe minilaptop, the HTC Shift, which runs a full desktop version of Windows Vista. (Credit: HTC)

TAIWAN--In an interview yesterday during the HD2 launch, HTC CEO Peter Chou revealed that his company is still interested in the Netbook category of products. He said HTC was "carefully looking into that category and how it can be part of that". Chou further explained that it has not happened yet because he wants such a product from HTC to have "unique value", and not another "me-too" Netbook that would be similar to the many models out there.

Netbooks are scaled-down notebooks designed for portability and basic computing needs such as Web surfing and word processing. Most are sold by established notebook makers like HP and Asus. Mobile phone brand Nokia recently joined the fray with its Booklet 3G, adding both HSDPA connectivity and GPS navigation to differentiate it from the rest. Though not strictly classified as a Netbook, HTC has also dabbled in this category with the HTC Shift which runs a full desktop version of Windows Vista and is very portable at 800g.