I’d forgive you for thinking that the new HP Mini 110e is just another netbook based on Intel’s Classmate PC reference design. That’s what I thought when I first saw photos of it. But while there are some similarities, HP designed this mini-laptop aimed at students in grades 6 and lower from the ground up. I got a chance to snap a few photos of the HP Mini 100e, which you can check out below.
For one thing, the spill-resistant, chiclet style keyboard is a little different from any I’ve seen on a netbook to date. There’s no mistaking the fact that the laptop has the same toy-like design as the Classmate PC, but that’s because both are semi-ruggedized and built to withstand minor falls, scrapes, and scuffs.
The basic unit looks pretty institutional due to is stark white color. But educational institutions can customize the lid any way they like (for a fee), as you can see from the World Cup edition model HP was showing off.
You can find more photos after the break.
looks a whole lot like the original Mac iBook (aka the toilet seat)