A
mini notebook may be known by such names as "netbook," "laptot,"
or "mobile Internet device." Basically, as the name suggests,
they are smaller laptops. Their focus is upon being very compact and
portable.
The popularity of the mini notebook began to rise with the One Laptop
Per Child (OLPC) initiative. This U.S. program is focused on providing
children in developing areas with rugged, low-cost, low-power, and connected
laptops. The end focus of such a project is to encourage a self-empowered
level of learning for a better future. The ideal features of such designs
saw commercial potential in the western world.
A mini notebook can easily be found for under $400. Some start at higher
prices, however. It is important to remember their capabilities when
deciding whether or not to purchase one. They are not ideal for streaming
movies or other memory intensive applications. However, they are great
for word processing and spreadsheet applications.