Clark Howard's Tips

New tech developments from NetFlix, Hewlett Packard

June 12, 2008

In the early days of NetFlix, no one was quite sure if the company's business model would work. Now they've become an enormous success and have practically demolished competitors like Blockbuster.

The next challenge NetFlix has to face is the on-demand movie threat. So the company has come up with a $99 box that delivers on-demand flicks directly to your TV. A monthly subscription fee of about $9 is required to have access to some 10,000 movies.

CLARK'S TIP TOPICS Consumer Tips Managing Money Banks & Credit Cards Technology Health & Healthcare Car Costs Homes Phones & Utilities Small Business Travel & Leisure Find more consumer advice in Clark Howard's book, "Get Clark Smart"

Netflix is hoping this device will help them counter the on-demand services from some of the cable companies. But do you really want another box on top of your TV? That's become valuable real estate.

In related news, expect to see more tiny computers during the next few years. This trend should be a real boon for all the road warriors who have to lug around heavy laptops.

Clark has a new Hewlett Packard mini-laptop ($599) that weighs 2 pounds and has a full keyboard. It can fit easily in a woman's purse or inside a carry-on bag -- no need for a separate computer bag.

Think of it as HP's response to Clark's beloved "Triple E" PC. Clark was an early adopter of the "Triple E" and bought it for $399. Now he recently saw BJ's selling it for $274!

So business travelers and others, take heart. The days of hurting your shoulder are over. You no longer need to lug a heavy laptop and create a living for the chiropractors!

More Clark Howard Tech Tips CDs and savings again earning a decent return  GrooveShark offers legit free music downloads, streaming  Using technology to combat customer no service  Beat the keyloggers with this simple tip  Clark unveils his "Tech 101" guide  Internet coming to cars, airplanes  Sirius/XM merger can't hold a candle to HD Radio  Online and cable TV worlds delivering targeted ads  New tech developments from NetFlix, Hewlett Packard  Free e-mail providers differ on privacy issues  Full list More Clark Howard Consumer Tips Maximize your money in the market over time  Who wants to be a teenage millionaire?  Texas is the Fortune 500 capital  Fee-only financial planners are in your best interest  Claim your unclaimed money before the State does!  BusinessWeek: 25 ways to save more each month  Internet gets its wings, netbooks to be hot holiday item  Network DVR -- with no hardware -- coming in 2009  New site for auction of sports and concert tickets  Census Bureau: College is worth the cost!  Full list