While there have been a number of decently-priced netbooks around, the HiVision MiniNote has got to be the cheapest one we’ve seen. At $98, you can get yourself a netbook with 1GB flash storage, WiFI, SDHC card reader, 3 USB ports, and runs on a Chinese distro of Linux called Xip. Don’t go looking for an Intel Atom here because that’s expensive. This one runs on an MIPS processor, and if you think that will hold back, think again.



Based on the video we’ve seen, it looks pretty good and responsive. That’s probably because it’s running on Linux, but with its specs, you’d be crazy to install Windows on it. Sure, its design doesn’t look too original and it lacks a webcam, but come on; most netbooks look alike these days and how often do you use those crappy webcams anyway? For $98, you get a decently performing netbook with some change to spare for, let’s say, a new iPod Touch perhaps?

[techvideoblog via slashdot]