First-time buyers will avoid netbooks, says Intel

18:06 30th July 2009

Computer chip maker Intel has claimed first-time buyers will not be buying netbook computers.

According to the firm's general manager of sales and marketing Sean Maloney, people new to computing with opt for larger machines.

The most common buyer of a netbook is someone who already owns a computer, so it is unlikely many netbook sales will go to those people after their first machine, Mr Maloney commented.

"If you're going to spend your hard-earned money for the first time, you're going to put a computer in your house," he added.

Netbook sales have helped manufacturer Acer increase its market share, while Dell and HP both saw sales fall in the last quarter, claims analyst IDC.

While netbooks may be ideal for surfing the internet and preparing written documents, students on web design courses may prefer more powerful machines with bigger screens.

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