The Great Linux Netbook Boom, which lasted from 2007 to 2009, was exciting. I forgot Ubuntu even made a netbook edition.
Siegel credits the iPad with helping to stave off netbooks, but I think the Macbook Air also did a lot of damage.
This article is a great read.
The Asus Eee: How Close Did the World Come to a Linux Desktop? | Linux Journal
Linux Rig 