HP Plans $300 Notebooks Aimed at Young Students

By Peter Lavelle

24 June 2010 10:26 GMT
Image: Geekzone.com

Hewlett Packard has released the Mini 100e Education Edition notebook, a notebook aimed specifically at young students.

HP's Mini 100e Education Edition Notebook

Ink cartridge manufacturer Hewlett Packard has unveiled a miniature laptop aimed specifically at young students. Named the Mini 100e Education Edition, the notebook includes several features making it convenient for schoolchildren users. These include:

• A low $300 price tag, for high affordability.
• A spill resistant keyboard, ensuring the notebook survives any accidents.
• Tough metal alloy hinges, meaning the Mini 100e can withstand sudden drops.
• A miniature (but very readable) 10.1 inch display, perfect for young students.
• An ultra-light 3.19 lb weight, meaning the Mini 100e can be easily transported.
• Microsoft Office 2010, including Microsoft Maths and the cloud-based document software EverNote.
  

Hewlett Packard's decision to release the Mini 100e Education Edition is motivated by a belief that increasingly effective learning must be digital. The company plans to release several related products in the future. Hewlett Packard's Vice President of Business Notebooks said in a statement: “The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavours.”

HP however may have trouble securing funding from cash-strapped public schools based in the US and overseas. Education budgets are being strapped everywhere, and HP faces tough competition from Dell and Intel, who've been targeting the education sector for some time. For example:

• Dell's Education Package includes teacher resources, a hardware ecosystem and custom disc management.
• Intel's Classmate notebook converts into a tablet and comes bundled with several education programs.
  

In fact, according to technology consultant Christopher Dawson, HP's Mini 100e is easily inferior to these alternatives. The inclusion of Microsft Math in the Mini 100e no way competes with Intel's software package for example. Hence, marketing the Mini 100e at least, Hewlett Packard may have trouble establishing a foothold in the education market.

On the other hand however, the Mini 100e Education Edition is HP's first venture into education-oriented notebooks, and the company plans to release related products in the future. Perhaps in time then HP will release a notebook comparable to it's rivals products, and make a more attractive proposition to schools and colleges.

Sources

Frank Michael Russell, 'HP To Sell $300 Notebook For Heavy-Duty Classroom Use,' MercuryNews.com, 23 June 2010.
Michelle Maisto, 'HP Mini 100e Notebook Offers Microsoft, Intel To University Users,' eWeek.com, 23 June 2010.
Mike Pearson, 'HP Sends New Mini Notebook To School,' TechNewsWorld.com, 23 June 2010.
Randomus, 'HP To Market Notebooks For Young Students,' Myce.com, 24 June 2010.
Shane McGlaun, 'HP Unveils New 100e Education Edition Notebook For Schools,' i4u.com, 23 June 2010.