<p>Netbooks were supposed to be the future of portable computing. As smaller, thinner and lighter versions of traditional laptop computers, netbooks were designed to be an energy-friendly, cost-effective alternative to expensive PCs.</p><p>Consumers were receptive to the idea but apprehensive of the price. Netbooks initially retailed for upwards of $300. Many of them, including high-end models from Dell and Hewlett-Packard, retailed for more than $400. For an additional $100 to $300, consumers could buy a full-size laptop instead.</p><p>(Which Apple products are going to be built in America?)</p><p>After testing the first- and second-generation netbooks, consumers learned that while the battery life was great (many of them could run for at least four hours), the processing power was not. This made it difficult to do anything more than surf the Web, check e-mail and write documents. The latter task was hindered by the smaller frame and awkward keyboard shape that most netbooks provided. Consumers with large hands were particularly bothered by this element.</p><p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/benzingainsights/2012/12/27/is-apples-ipad-macbook-air-behind-the-death-of-the-netbook/">Keep reading...</a></p>