Firms wanting to equip their mobile workers with mini PCs can look forward to a wider choice of devices following an announcement by HP that it will soon be offering new ultra-light systems featuring mobile internet software.

The mini laptops should appeal to enterprises thanks to their portability and wealth of connectivity features. The first release, the HP Mini 1000, has a 10.2in display and weighs just 1.1kg. It is built on the Intel Atom N270 processor, comes in either an 8GB or 16GB version, and boasts a built-in web cam, microphone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The second release, the Compaq Mini 700, has all these features, plus an optional wireless wide area network capability that enables the user to make the most of mobile telecoms networks to provide extra connectivity.

“The new HP Mini PC portfolio offers a full range of designs and software features,” said Achim Kuttler, vice president and general manager, consumer products, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The HP Mini PCs boast one of the largest keyboards in this category, yet the compact design allows them to be carried in a purse, small carrying bag or simply in your hand.”

HP has also debuted its Mobile Internet Experience and MediaStyle suite of entertainment and communications software on the Mini 1000. This allows for quick access to web sites and other information through an on-screen dashboard.

The HP Mini 1000 will be available in February at a starting price of about £399, while the Compaq Mini 700 will be available from mid-December at a starting price of about £299.