The problem everyone has with netbooks is they are too small and underpowered. Netbooks run only the most basic of apps (what they are designed for), and have smaller keyboards (necessary to keep overall machine size down). Personally, I use my CloudBook quite often for chatting or browsing the internet. Anything else, and I move to my desktop.
That said, if Apple ever does release a netbook, it will be small and underpowered, and every will praise Apple for their ingenuity. "Amazing, I love the tiny 6-inch screen on my Apple iPad".
"The tiny keys on the keyboard are perfect for dissuading my tendancy to touch type!"
"I don't miss running my apps, that's what my iPhone is for!"
It doesn't matter what apple does or doesn't do, apple fanbois and girls will praise apple for their cool designs, and ignore the rest of the world as it calls Apple out for doing what it always does: denying the existence of said product just to build hype, then releasing it to the waiting, outstretched hands of people with too much money and not enough common sense.
Steve Jobs and apple denied they had any plans to enter the cell phone market, then a year later, BAM! iPhone.