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Lately, the computer industry has decided to shift its focus to a slightly younger demographic. No, it’s not those technology-loving college kids, or even those teenagers with infinite knowledge of the Internet. Instead it’s middle-school kids – ages six through 12.

More likely than not, HP’s decision to produce the Mini-Note is a direct result of the success of Asus’s Eee computer. The miniature device with a 7-inch screen (referred to by the company as a “super mobile Internet device” rather than laptop) carved its own niche by taking aim at middle-school children. But, as is the case with any invention that finds unexpected success, the crop of imitators are now beginning to trickle into the marketplace.

And their Mini-Note does offer more features than the Asus Eee. The Mini-Note has a larger (9-inch) screen and a sleek and sturdy anodized aluminum shell. For additional durability, The Mini-Note incorporates HP 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock (like being dropped). Other advantages the Mini-Note has over the Asus machine include Wi-Fi capabilities and a USB drive.

Along with the Mini-Note, this initiative is intended to help put the HP name on the minds of educators.

By gearing the Mini-Note specifically to middle-school children, HP hopes to boost their share of the education market and, hopefully, experience the same success as Asus. For now, it’ll be interesting to see whether the more stylish Mini-Note is able to take a bite out of the cheaper Eee’s sales. Intel (who actually beat Asus out of the gate with its Classmate mini-computer) will soon be releasing the next-generation Classmate, which has a 30GB hard drive and, like the Mini-Note, a 9-inch LCD screen. And, rumor has it that Acer will be next in line, releasing its own mini-computer with a lower price than the Eee.

Though not yet available in stores, the HP Mini-Note is available for purchase at the HP Web site.

The Efficiency of Small Laptops

Lugging along a larger computer would just not make sense.

In today’s competitive computer market there are several manufacturers that produce powerful as well as extremely portable small laptops.

Most of us have flown on an airplane and sat next to an annoying passenger who is trying to balance their huge laptop on the tiny tray in front of them. You may have a long jaunt to your job or college classes on board the local community transportation network with lots of time to get some business or schoolwork done.

There are a few key questions to ask yourself before shopping for one of these small laptops.

This computer made the list of small laptops because it is the best value at $350. It does have a 160GB hard drive and three USB ports, so you can store movies easily.

HP Mini (AKA 2113)

It is very thin, only other in the small laptops category that is thinner is the MacAir.

Toshiba Satellite Pro U400-S1001X

If you are looking for small laptops that are heavy duty this is the one.

Apple MacBook MB061LL/B

This computer is not the smallest on the small laptop list and is also a bit heavier. It has a larger screen size, not great for travel but some people prefer the larger screen size. It does have excellent WI-Fi connectivity and can pick up a signal almost anywhere.

Before you make a final decision, do some price comparisons online or look in the local paper. Talk to someone you know who may already own a small, portable computer to see how satisfied they are with the performance and travel-ability.

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