Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world, but it certainly is not going to be too kind to companies and products its competing with. We all know how Apple has disabled some of Google’s top apps for iPhone. The company hasn’t been too kind to netbooks either. Now I admit that many netbook manufacturers have shot themselves in the foot by going with software/hardware configurations that don’t give consumers the best computing experience on the road. But to write off what netbooks have accomplished in the past couple of years is a bit too harsh.

Now that Apple has a decent competitor to go against the netbooks, you can expect the company to get even harsher with netbooks. Apple COO Tim Cook certainly doesn’t think too much of netbooks:

I’ve been very clear about my view of netbooks. I think they are an experience most people will not want to continue to have. People were interested in their price, but when they got them home, they said, ‘Why did I buy this?’ So I think when someone looks at the iPad and plays with it and experiences the magic of it and they compare it to a netbook, I find it hard to believe they will buy a netbook

I admit that the iPad is going to be a bit of a challenge for netbooks. The main reason for that is the aggressive pricing strategy that Apple is pursuing with the device. You can get the introductory model for $499, which is pretty close to the price of a good netbook. There are even rumors that Apple could drop iPad prices in the future. That would even put more pressure on iPad competitors. But let’s not forget that the iPad is more an entertainment device than a business device at this point. It’s true that you can pick up a keyboard add-on for it to help you type like you would on your computer using your iPad. The device will take advantage of thousands of applications as well. So the device has potential. But I am not sure everyone is ready to make the switch from netbooks to the iPad.

Netbooks can become more competitive once again. The manufacturers just have to focus on building a well rounded device instead of focusing on only one or two areas. For instance, Windows 7 starter needs to go. Netbook’s should get more RAM right off the bat. These are not earth shattering changes, but changes that are necessary to make netbooks less annoying. As far as Apple is concerned, the company will never give proper credit to a competitor (unless you are Google). So there is not too much you can read into Apple’s latest bashing of netbooks.

Your turn: netbooks or iPad? Which one reigns supreme?