'In fact 26% of survey respondents said they didn't care about Netbook OS as long as it "got them on the web."'
You seem to understate your case.
In addition to that 26%, you have 21% that prefers Linux, and 7% who will take Linux if the price of the computer is $50 less. That sums to %54.
I think the big question, though, is how many of those will change their mind and return the computer once they try to install a program that only runs on Windows. Do they honestly know what they are getting into when they say they "don't care" about the OS? Maybe they don't care about the OS, but do care about a particular program they want to run, but don't understand that choice of OS might prevent them from running that program.
I think there are fewer and fewer apps that people need that are not cloud based. The only ones I can really think of for most consumers are the MS Office suite. Any most of these people will be happy with a cloud or open alternative if they give it a shot.
Especially given that most OS dependent apps (i.e. Photoshop) are not really practical for netbook processors limits.
You seem to understate your case.
In addition to that 26%, you have 21% that prefers Linux, and 7% who will take Linux if the price of the computer is $50 less. That sums to %54.
I think the big question, though, is how many of those will change their mind and return the computer once they try to install a program that only runs on Windows. Do they honestly know what they are getting into when they say they "don't care" about the OS? Maybe they don't care about the OS, but do care about a particular program they want to run, but don't understand that choice of OS might prevent them from running that program.