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IDC Analyst Bob O’Donnell initially projected sales of netbooks to reach 9 million; however, the explosion of the netbooks made Bob change the numbers; He projected (as reported) netbooks to reach 11 million this year and 41 million in 2012.

Just a year ago, netbooks only sold 500,000 units and the emergence of this new found gadget have vendors double timing on creating their own netbook models. Even Microsoft made sure that Windows 7 run faster in this category of ultra cheap mobility.

The following reasons have helped the explosion of netbooks.

1. Economic slowdown. Who can afford to neglect practicality?

2. Small compact units that provide maximum productivity

3. Much better alternative to PDAs, smartphones. Instead of spending 500 to 700 dollars for a very good smartphone, practical buyers would opt for a 300 dollar 9″ unit that can do 70% of their office work

4. Continuous development and expansion of public free broadband access that make netbooks more attractive

5. After the success of ASUS Eee PC, it opened the eyes of vendors — Acer, Dell, HP, MSI, Redfox, Lenovo, etc. that quickly helped the rise of the netbooks’ popularity

6. The negative image of Windows Vista only made consumers love Windows XP

7. Microsoft extended its Windows XP retirement only for Netbooks, and consumers loved it hardcore

8. The projected growth celebration of Linux in netbooks only provoked Microsoft to move quickly which may have even pushed vendors to launch their own Windows XP loaded netbooks

9. After the 4GB and 8GB SDD of Asus, specs of netbooks rose to the 120GB-160GB power specs, which turned non-believers to fans

10. I myself is very happy with my 15.4″ laptop; but I cannot scratch the idea of a 10″, lightweight, cheap laptop that I can carry with ease. I don’t see any reason of using my palm or buying an 850 dollar N96 Nokia phone this Christmas. I am strongly tempted to buy a netbook where I can do 70% of my work this Christmas, and dumping the 1250 USD palm + N96 combo. And yes, I am giving in to that temptation within the week.

11. I am from the middle class, a practical person, wants to be mobile while achieving productivity. In other words, I am like everyone else and I love netbooks. So is the story of the 41 million projected netbooks sale.