But there are people for which netbooks can deliver what they're looking for. This is called STP (segmentation, targeting, positioning) and is part of a company's marketing mix.

A lot of people dismiss a product or an idea because it doesn't fit their needs ("Why would I buy a Mac when I can get an equivalently-specced PC for $400 less?") and act on the assumption that people who do buy such products are ill-informed, stupid, or need to be "shown the light" -- when in fact they simply have different attribute preferences (read: like different things and/or would pay more for those things). People have different tastes, wants, and needs and in general, if somebody thinks a product is stupid, the product is probably not targeted at him or her.

FYI this is something that is pretty important to keep in mind if you are running a business, as it is relevant to all businesses in being a fundamental portion of marketing*.


*marketing meaning the entire marketing mix and not just advertising [which is actually a pretty small part of it]

In order to make this post less douchey, here is some actual info on how you might install w/out an optical drive:

Install from a network drive (I haven't checked the video so sorry if it sucks but you can google more on it if needed)
Install via flash drive

Or, buy a USB external optical drive and install it like that.

I think Brian hit the nail on the head. (aside from telling her it is XP when it's not, if she's ever used a computer before she'll probably know better)

If she's looking for a netbook, chances are she's not going to want to play Crysis on it or anything, Ubuntu Netbook would be more than enough for what she needs. All you'll need is a 4gig flash drive and a usb port. Any codecs she might need for listening to music or watching videos can be easily downloaded and it already comes with open office, firefox 3, and a load of other utilities.

Either way, a USB cd drive would be easiest, or use the flash drive method, there's plenty of tutorials on how to set it up around. Quick google search brought this up

She wants office 2007 Spanish, she won't have open office. She wants msn messenger, she wants it to be windows because she also is going to install her own software. I have never used any other O.S. except for windows. So she wants windows XP, and thats what she is going to get.

Then she should be prepared to pay for it.

Yeah, lying to a customer is a great idea...

It's mexico, it only costs 100 pesos to get a bootleg copy of windows xp installed for you, since most people don't know how to do it, and won't pay microsoft for an original copy. Been like this for years. It isn't going to change.

Haha, and that's different from installing a pirated version? If I hire someone to do something illegal for me, I would guess I couldn't trust the rest of their activities either.

The fact that I am selling it should make it clear that I don't mix my personal opinions with business unless I can benefit from it. That being said, I tell my clients this is the best computer money can buy.

I'll check out those videos. Thanks for the responses.

Of course, since if everyone else does it, you must do so as well.

Keep in mind this forum is based in the USA and conforms to USA laws when you talk about this stuff.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't discussing illegal activities on this forum a bannable offense? Or am I remembering something from an earlier era?

No illegal software/warez/mp3s - Our forums may not be used as a place for illegal solicitation or trade of illegal or copyrighted material. This includes games, music, movies, and roms. Do not post CD Keys. Discussion of such subjects must be limited to legal and news aspects.