The year 2008 had nothing much to offer and it would be rightly termed as a sluggish period for desktop computers. Meanwhile, the Netbooks have entered the market quite stealthily, whereas desktops have taken the back seat ? that's how the picture looks at the present moment. Moreover, global economic recession has further taken its toll on the progression of desktops. On a broad spectrum, desktop computers do not stand anywhere near to Netbooks, if we compare them with the improved functionalities of these Netbooks. Actually, Netbooks have been outdoing the laptops with their reduced size, easy portability options and low costs. So, are these desktop computers are on the verge of extinction or are they good enough to be a part of this exciting showdown? We at octandigital would try to grill the details ? in fact, it's very early to bid adieu to our long-time friends.

At the recently concluded CES 2009, Netbooks garnered enough attention and many technology experts went bit overboard by hailing them as the right replacement for our desktops. Obviously, they would be more than outdated gadgets after a few years, but not now! On the other side, we can still count upon our desktop computers ? when it comes to frequent updates, adaptability and comfort. In fact, all the desktop manufactures have been introducing new technologies to retain their following amidst stiff competition offered by Netbooks. Here are some of the reasons to support the viability of desktops in the near future:

1. Let's make it reasonable: Last year, Google released its highly anticipated Android mobile handset, which has its own operating system. Now that various operating systems have come forth in the market, they are bit expensive too ? credit goes to new and improved components. Obviously, all these refined operating systems require more energy to work properly. On the other hand, they also put additional pressure on your pocket with their improved RAM and CPUs. So, all your options are narrowed, but all this comes with a hefty price tag and these desktops do score here, as they can be acquired by paying a reasonable amount. Moreover, Windows 7 has been designed in such a manner that it can run on low powered devices also. Hence, consumers do not need to upgrade their desktops with new components. Surely, they have an upper hand over these new devices.

2. Want more, have more: One thing that goes against desktops is their size and portability option. Recently, ASUS desktop has been released with its reduced size and all the latest features. Due to its sleek size, it has also become an easily portable device. This is just the beginning and we can expect more in the near future. Besides ASUS desktop, there are MSI Wind NetOn and Lenovo Idea Center A600 ? wish more.

3. Welcome touchscreen: Touchscreen technology is not new for monitors, but it has been ignored for quite some time. Microsoft's Windows 7 has been very well designed to get along with touchscreen interface. Moreover, Vista and Microsoft XP both support the touchscreen technology. More depends upon its execution, if it goes properly, then, we would see more desktops empowered with same technology.

4. Desktop loves gaming: In this department, desktops surely have an upper hand. As announced in the recently concluded CES, 3D is the future of gaming and desktops have all the requisites to entice game lovers. All these desktops need is, designer 3D glasses complimented by superb picture quality.

5. Let's go green: Like other gadgets, desktops are right there to embrace greener hardware to check the deteriorating environmental conditions. HP's Voodoo Firebird is a good example of greener hardware. Without putting too much pressure on your pocket, these new age desktops also come with green hardware ? surely a win-win situation for them.