Sorry I should clarify.
@Higaara: What I meant was that in the future, Smartphones will take apps from netbooks and netbooks will be phased out. (Turning instead into smart phones). I think that for whatever reason, the Vaio P has caught the eye of Google. Though we may see it as a failure and not like it, it shows something. Something smaller than a netbook can run full OSes, and not old and low requirement OSes like XP. (Indeed since Vaio P's came originally running Vista, then came with a XP downgrade and... expect a full utilization of Windows 7.) Did I mention that Vaio P had some partnership with Corel for something called the InstantON or something?
At first glance this device seems uninteresting. Then when you take a closer look, it's absolutely moves technology in certain directions.
At the size it is at and resolution, it sits in a size smaller than a netbook, but bigger than a smart device. It also makes use of a full OS. Absolutely it shows a beginning of higher computational power in smaller devices AND it shows that netbooks are going to be obsolete very soon. (Netbooks seems to be restricted a bit more in comparison to the Vaio P, and they're all copies of the original netbook). It's going to push for more use from smart phones, and also proper and higher requirement from "ultraportables" in terms of size, power and usability.
Expect to see more ultraportable laptops to show up where you can actually carry easily and properly in your pocket or bag unlike current net books. (Like this Vaio P example). Now, this is where Google wants to come in. Netbooks might either merge with Smartphones, or they might phase out due to smaller computers running full OSes. However, while Android is going to be built based on smart phone basic technology, Google OS might be designed to sit in that gap to see which side Google will slide to. (Smart Phone or ultraportables) Netbooks as we know it are going to be gone soon.
But it's also hard to say and it also seems a little brash. Anyone else see the article about Acers putting Android as dual boot on netbooks with XP (soon to be phased out by the windows 7 netbooks)
Don't get me wrong though, the Vaio P is absolutely overpriced. Functions aren't as smooth as I would like it. Would I buy one? No. Would I accept one for free even if I wasn't allowed to sell it? Probably. Do I think the Vaio P is super amazing, hardcore and going to give everyone else a run for their money? No. But I do truly believe that the Vaio P is going to spur a type of R&D phase for 2010 and beyond for ultra portables(not "netbooks"). Just like Apple did with the iPhone (and all those samsung look alikes).
Netbooks are for basic computational use, but now with increased capabilities in smaller form... netbooks are going to look obsolete as soon as the recession blows over. Expect more "netbook-esque" apps and OSes and use in smartphones in a few years and netbooks to be running up to date OSes ranging from Linux, windows and even "hackintosh" (unless Apple releases the iPortable or something).