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Although netbooks are pretty neat all around, one market for which the affordable, low-power mini-notebooks is in the classroom. Giving kids cheap-to-replace and resilient laptops preloaded with open source software is obviously better than alternatives, and numerous companies have been competing in the space… most notably the Intel Classmate PC E10 and Classmate PC NL2 Convertible.
Now a new contender has entered the safety-proofed arena: HP with their Mini 100e. Available worldwide in July for under $300, the Mini 100e will feature an Intel AAtom N455 processor, an Intel NM10 Express GPU chipset, an integrated modem, a 10.1 inch LED backlot display running at 1024 x 600 and a 92% keyboard. Other specs include 1GB of DDR3 memory, 3 or 6 cell battery options, VGA webcam and a choice between Windows 7 Starter, XP Home or SuSE Linux.
If you decide to pick a Windows flavor for your kids, the netbook will also come with some great Microsoft educational applications, including Microsoft Math, Reader, Live Movie Market and Learning Essentials, as well as Office 2010 Starter and Evernote.
The HP Mini 100e looks like a pretty good laptop to give a kid, whether he’s a clumsy dullard or the head of the class. Certainly beats the antediluvian Apple IIe I used back in grade school.
