Dell's mini laptop to be unveiled

Dell may be planning to launch an ultra-slim notebook PC similar to the MacBook Air, according to reports from Taiwan. The new notebook is being built by Taiwan-based manufacturer, Compal Electronics, according to a report this morning in local business newspaper, The Economic Daily News, which did not identify the source of its information.

Michael Dell will provide details of new products at an event in New Delhi on 13 August, the source said. Reports from India confirm that he is visiting the country.

However, earlier reports from local media have suggested that Dell is more likely to use the event to formally announce a low-cost mini laptop in the style of the popular Asus EeePC.

Dell has already given some informal demonstrations of prototypes of the 9-inch screen mini-notebook. Compal was earlier also reported to be the manufacturer of this product.

Other vendors, including HP, Acer and MSI, have also introduced mini laptops, or netbooks, apparently inspired by the EeePC. Reports from Taiwan claim a price of £150 for Dell's forthcoming product.

Apple claims that the 1.36kg MacBook air is the "world's thinnest notebook". With the screen folded down, it measures 1.93cm at the thickest point, and 0.4 cm at the front edge.

Compal reported revenues of $1.2bn in July, a 23 per cent increase from the previous month, but down five per cent compared to one year earlier. The company predicts third quarter revenue will rise 20 per cent over the previous quarter.

Compal representatives, who rarely comment on products manufactured for the company's foreign partners, did not respond to a request for confirmation of the story.