Mini laptop PCs were the smallest computers on the market, until Apple released the iPad in April of 2010. Since its release, the world of mini computers hasn't been the same. Mini laptop manufacturers like Acer, MSI, Asus and even Dell and Hewlett Packard are scrambling to integrate touch pad tablet technology.
The MSI Wind Pad and Sketch Pad Mini Laptops
On May 30, 2010, at a Tai Pei press conference preceding Computex 2010, MSI unveiled its Sketch Pad and Wind Pad, a mini laptop computer with a convertible keyboard. Users flip the keyboard over to reveal a sensor pad that's used with a stylus pen for input, similar to Apple's iPad technology.
The biggest obstacle MSI faced in their design was space; a keyboard and a pen sensor pad can take up a lot of space. The rotating keyboard solved that problem. The rotating mechanism is similar to that of the Intel Classmate Nobillis Convertible, released to the education market in early 2009.
MSI didn't say when the Wind Pad would be available for consumer purchase, but noted that it comes with a high definition video output, built in 3g wireless Internet and a global positioning satellite device, a ten inch screen, an Intel Atom processor and a battery that can hold a charge for up to 8 hours. The Wind Pad 110 model is designed to run on Google's Android Operating System. Wind Pad 100 is designed for Windows 7 and will be available in 2010. A release date hasn't been scheduled for the Android tablet.
One Laptop Per Child Mini Computers Under $100
Nearly 24 hours later, in Seattle, Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the nonprofit group One Laptop Per Child announced the development of a new tablet computer that will have a built in video camera, wi-fi Internet, touch screens and, unlike the iPad by Apple, plug-in peripheral ports for a keyboard or mouse. The key to keeping them under $100 lies in the marketing. Apparently by selling enough of them to the healthcare industry and the education market, the price will stay under $100. Negroponte says the first versions will run the Android Operating system and future versions will operate on Linux.
Mini Laptops with Sensor Pads and Touch Screen Tablets
According to a survey on the French Website Kelkoo, 40% of laptop users would trade in their mouse and keyboard technology for a sensor pad or touch screen tablet. Dell and Hewlett Packard have been producing touch screen laptops, but the idea of replacing the entire keyboard with an on-screen touch keyboard or simply using a sensor pad for pen input is changing the way people look at mini laptops.
It's too soon to tell which of these new mini laptop computers and tablet computers will have the best results, but it's definitely a trend to watch. Many major manufacturers are expected to unveil their version of the tough tablet style PC in the near future.
References:
Daily News Corner: 40% of Laptop Users would Switch to Touch Screen 5-31-10
One Laptop Per Child
MSI
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
