Those developments could bring Linux-based operating systems a bigger share of the netbook market, but they will need one important ingredient that Microsoft has in spades. "The advantage for the Windows platform is that it has a lot of developers and a lot of applications," says Richard Shim, an analyst with IDC 

Shim says the dynamics could change if the non-Windows platforms attract a decent amount of developers who create a number of must-have applications that run on alternative platforms.

"Obviously, that would change the game," Shim says.

Online services, such as e-mail and social networking, could be another driver as users install fewer, if any, applications on their machines.

Some also point out that the should beware of the true . But others say the fact that the industry really has no solid definition for the value of a netbook will help Windows maintain its lead.