I think what they mean is "We really need a [primary communications device] for hackers." A netbook isn't suitable for that.

But again, do we? Is that an absolute need?

We don't "need" computing devices at all, so I'm not sure what you are getting at. However, I would argue we "need" a system that is hackable and tries to keep the user's best interests in mind. Look at the power Linux has given us on the desktop/server side of things. I'd argue that a lot of improved security and innovation has come because of that, so lets do it on mobile as well.

I know I personally have a lot of "needs" that aren't being met by the current smart-phone options.