This new technology is already here - Google Docs, for example - a complete office suite online, with storage for documents. We even do the payroll for my brothers cafe online with an internet based payroll software, so theres almost zero paper generated. Andypaul is right - it's the future of computing and fits in with demands to make computers more portable, easily accessible anywhere and less reliant on installed software. As an example, I could create a word document in Google Docs, save it online, then come back to it later and edit it again, then maybe print it out at a different location. No need for any software on your computer, just a web browser and internet access.
Just a word about the netbooks - I would not recommend these devices as a desktop replacement - they are a bit fiddly with a small screen and small keyboard, but for travel or simple tasks, its fine.
