HP has launched the Mini-Note in the States, with the aim to "help schools offer affordable computing to every student", the full-function, mini-notebook PC is priced at just under $500.

Designed for the education market, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC weighs in at just over two and a half pounds, and offers the following feature set (in HP's words):

* Simple, refined design and anodized aluminum shell that is sleek and sturdy yet lightweight
* HP DuraKeys, featuring a clear coating applied over the notebook keyboard that protects the finish and printed letters and characters
* An HP 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock by using a three-axis digital accelerometer chip
* Scratch-resistant display and magnesium hinge bracket
* A large 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display, user-friendly full QWERTY keyboard and touchpad
* Ability to view video, still-image capture, web conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging with no additional hardware to buy or carry. An optional integrated VGA webcam enables video and still-image capture to allow the addition of photos and video clips to presentations, documents and email
* Two battery solutions – three-cell for lightest-weight configurations or optional six-cell for longer battery life
* Wireless technologies such as integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLAN and optional Bluetooth, allowing students to access the Internet as well as communicate via email, IM, chat, VOIP and blogging.

The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC starts at $499 and is expected be available in America later this month. It will launch in the UK in May for £299.

>> Link - HP
>> Via - Engadget