The netbook market has been edging closer and closer to the sub-$200 range of the cost spectrum. Mid-range and high-end netbooks are less and less profitable, as ultraportable netbooks offer greater computing power for a similar price. The netbooks that will sell best now, and in the near future are the ones that can offer the cheapest price point. Today, that's the Phecda PHV102 (via PMP Today) from Shenzen.

This new netbook packs a VIA processor instead of the traditional atom. The PHV102 delivers a 1.6 GHz CPU, 1 GB of RAM, a 160 GB HD, a 10.2" display, and a 3-cell battery for just $185 USD. That's incredibly cheap, certainly low enough to catch the eye of budget-conscious consumers on the look-out for a simple Internet machine.

The Phecda seems to run Windows XP. Details about where it will be available aren't available quite yet, but this definitely represents a deal worth looking into. Shanzai expects this new netbook to be listed on the Phecda website soon. Hopefully, a retail release isn't too far away. This would make a great holiday netbook.