> What's wrong with the Office Web Apps?
The same thing that is wrong with all web apps, they are way, way less functional than their desktop counterparts. Crippled, you might say.
Web Word is missing things that I learned in Grade 2, like spacing options. Average users do actually care about this stuff.
> Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this.
Don't talk to many WoW players, eh? It runs on anything, and they will run it on anything. Most have a netbook they use to play on the go. WoW runs quite well on them with settings turned down.
> if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book.
You're going to tell other people why they bought a computer and what they want to use it for? No wonder you have no problem forcing Chrome OS on your friends and family.
> It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts?
Installed userbase matters. You might be able to switch your grandma over to a Google video solution, your friends are just going to laugh, and tell you to get Skype like everyone else. They aren't going to sign up for another service, install, learn and troubleshoot another app just to talk to you.
> Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices.
Um, yes it is. You seem to have a lot of weird preconceptions about netbooks based off the name. They are PRIMARILY used to browse the web, but that is not their only usage at all. People use them for all light duty tasks, and simple photo editing counts.
> Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device.
That isn't where he was speaking from. I could be wrong but I didn't pick up his intense need for Office & WoW from his comment, he sounded like someone who actually listens to what average users want instead of trying to tell them what they want from the point of view of what is easier for you, which is a trap many techies fall in.
> Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web.
Actually, I'm going to do exactly that. I've encountered tons of users through help desk work and independent consulting. I haven't met a single person that JUST uses their browser. This person doesn't exist in decent numbers, it's why MIDs failed as well.