From reading a lot of comments of CES coverage I think the top request on everyone's list for 2009 is dual core processors, followed closely by larger solid state drives, standard 1080p resolution screens, and better/more video outputs.  Following are my predictions for what we will become standard netbook fare over the coming year.

1. Dual Core Intel Atom processors. Or maybe AMD, Via, or someone else can jump in and provide some evolutionary assistance. Hopefully the additional multi-cores will not bump up power usage too much.

2. Standard 6 or 9 cell, 6-8 hour batteries. Many higher end netbooks come with them already and most, if not all, manufacturers offer them as an option. It would be nice to see the standard 3-cell batteries disappear.

3. 10-inch screens seem to hit the sweet spot for resolution, readability and size/weight balance. We'll probably see more 10 inch screens and less 8-9 inch screens as the year moves along. Hopefully the price of the 10-inch models will come down to the neighborhood where the 8.9 inch models currently reside. I'm personally holding out for an Acer Aspire One with a 10 inch screen.

4. Better, larger, more space efficient keyboards. Some manufacturers have already figured out an acceptable keyboard layout. Hopefully all the others will fall in line.

5. 64+ GB solid state drives. There will be no need for traditional hard drives if large solid state drives become standard fare. I know you can get them now with linux on some models, but I want one on a Windows netbook (see next prediction). With the announcements of very large solid state drives (512GB and 1TB) at CES I am hopeful.

6. Windows 7. A lot of people are already running the Windows 7 beta on various netbook and are reporting good results. I'll definitely dip my toes in these waters soon.

7. 1080p standard. A couple netbooks already support 1080p, and I'm sure more will follow, but most are 720p and others are lagging behind. I doubt this will be standard in all netbooks by the end of the year, but I'm sure it will be for the higher end models.

8. Multi-touch screens. These are already available from 3rd parties and some manufacturers are working on it. One of my friends said, " I just want something like an IPhone (or IPod Touch) with a 8-10 inch screen". I think we're getting closer to that.

9. Better video out support for 2 external monitors. All netbooks should support DVI and VGA out - at least one, but preferably two (one of each is sufficient). I'd like to use my netbook to do presentations on the road. Ideally I could hook up one video out to the projector and another to a large monitor for the presenter (me!).

10. Smaller and lighter. I doubt that netbooks will get smaller and lighter than they are now especially given my request for larger/better screens, keyboards, and batteries. If my ideal netbook with all these features can stay well under 3 lbs. then I'll be happy. 

11. Instant-On OS for quick startup and limited usage as a "secondary" to the OS installed on the computer. A lot of the bigger manufacturers and models have already included this. While I haven't had hands-on with any I know it must be great. Being able to do things like using a web browser and sending an IM nearly instantly is a killer feature. I can imagine myself being late and a bit lost for a lunch meeting and firing up Google Maps in a browser while IM'ing my friends to tell them that I'm running late while sitting at a stoplight. Instant-On OS FTW!

12. Lower prices. Models like the Acer Aspire One have really forced down prices in the entire Netbook market. I'd really like to see this continue for 2009, even with the introduction of new features. By the end of 2009 I'd like to buy my perfect netbook with all the features that I mentioned above for under $400.

What do you think? What's on your Netbook wishlist for 2009? Do you think I've hit all the high points?