I'm not sure if the recent downturn in the economy is even to blame anymore, but there is definitely a pattern of manufacturers swapping roles of late. First we hear about laptop makers Dell and Acer planning to make up for lost revenue by building smartphones and now the nation's leading wireless carrier, Verizon has confirmed that they are moving closer to notebook production.

As early as next quarter Verizon says its netbook line should hit shelves. Netbooks are scaled-down versions of laptops that typically sell for less than $500.

Verizon Wireless and AT&T are hoping to lure potential notebook computer buyers as the pool of new phone subscribers shrinks.

AT&T and RadioShack introduced a netbook that runs on the carrier's third-generation network in December.

The Verizon netbooks will initially be sold in the company's stores, and retail partners will likely stock them shortly thereafter. Price and plan details aren't complete.