The Wind mini-notebook computer also has Windows XP, a 1.6GHz Atom microprocessor and 1G byte of DRAM, but a slightly larger 160G-byte HDD. The Wind also comes with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless Internet connectivity built in.

Synnex launched the Q-PC Smart J7447 mini-notebook computer under its Lemel brand name last week. Qs running Windows XP are already on the market in Taiwan for NT$13,500 (US$440.55), with some retailers offering a special price on a second Q for NT$8,888 if users buy two at a time.

Some Qs are already showing up on Ruten.com.tw, a popular online auction site in Taiwan for NT$9,500, a sign some users may be turning around and selling their second device immediately.

The Q Smart mini-notebook computers faces tough competition against other small PCs running on Atom. Asustek Computer's mini-notebook computer, the Eee Box, went on sale last week in Taiwan for NT$7,988. MSI has said a mini-notebook computer version of its popular Wind netbook would be on sale soon at a price between US$199 and $299, depending on specifications.

The Q Smart runs on a notebook computer version of Intel's Atom microprocessor, the 1.6GHz Atom 230 carries a 160G-byte HDD (hard disk drive), 2G bytes of DRAM, sports a DVD super-multi, multiple function player/recorder, and comes in a 3.1 litre chassis. Users can ask for Windows Vista Home Basic on the Q Smart instead of XP.

The Eee Box, by comparison, also has a Windows XP OS, runs on a 1.6GHz Atom microprocessor, 1G byte of DRAM, an 80G-byte HDD, and supports speedy wireless Internet via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.

Synnex Technology has launched the Q mini-notebook computer armed with Intel's Atom microprocessor, entering the market against two similar PCs from rivals Asustek and Micro-Star International (MSI).

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