I have no doubts that the photo here will seem hunky-dory to many. But before you start flailing about, you should probably know that the time isn’t ripe yet for you to have your World Cup-branded netbook. The eye-candy above is only for kids.

HP has launched a new affordable line of education-focused Mini netbooks, which should prove to be a blessing to both schools and students. With top-notch design and functionality, the HP Mini 100e would make classroom computing a joy to behold. Even more so, units can be customised with the school logo, motto or any picture of the owner’s choice.

Launched in a convenient light clamshell design with a 10.1 inch LED-backlit WSVGA display, a comparatively large QWERTY keyboard and a handle attached to the case, the tiny beauty is as easy to carry as it is to enjoy. The HP Mini 100e features a spill-resistant keyboard to bear that usual childhood abandon, and has an LED on the back of the lid to let the teacher keep tab of any network activity.

To make the classes more interesting and interactive, HP has also incorporated separate headphone and MIC ports, as well as a VGA webcam with enhanced sound quality and reduced echo in conference and language course sessions.

Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP, has been quoted as saying, “HP is committed to helping schools adapt to students’ changing needs and to creating solutions that provide better interactivity, connectivity and learning. The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavors.”

Going by its small size, I would estimate the netbook is stuffed up pretty tight. What with the low-power Intel Atom N455 processor and Intel NM10 Express chipset to optimise power consumption, and the option of three or six-cell battery unit. Furthermore, the netbook includes 1GB of DDR3 memory for speedy data transfers.

Offering Windows XP Home, Windows 7 Starter or SuSE Linux (SLED 11) as operating systems, and including a vast array of software like Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Math and Microsoft Security Essentials, the new HP Mini 100e will be available from July at an expected maximum of $300 per unit. Buyers will have the further option of including a variety of accessories like slip case, optical mouse, combo lock, external USB optical drive, et al.