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# $98 Linux Laptops
The 7" HiVision miniNote

By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-10-22 | Marketing
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computer-for-everyone-98-laptop-made-in-china
References: [techvideoblog](http://techvideoblog.com/ifa/98-linux-laptop-the-hivision-mininote) & [hvsco](http://hvsco.com/)

HiVision may be pulling our leg with the claim of a $98 computer called the miniNote. But if it’s real, this is big! The [$98 laptop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-fortis-chromebooks) has everything you need in order to do basic computing tasks like playing music, surfing the web or creating a document.

The [minimal amount of hardware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamrui-ak1plus) provided with the HiVision miniNote makes its low price point possible. It comes packed with 400 MHz CPU, 128 megs of RAM, a 7-inch screen, and a 1 GB flash drive. Wi-Fi is built in, and the HiVision miniNote runs on a [Linux or old Windows OS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-windows-98).

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.2/10
- Popularity: 60% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Publicity Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/publicitystunts)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **$98 Laptops:** The rise of affordable laptops is disrupting the traditional pricing model and making computing more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
- **Minimal Hardware:** The trend towards minimal hardware in laptops allows for cost reductions and opens up opportunities for low-cost devices that still meet basic computing needs.
- **Linux OS:** The growing popularity of Linux as an alternative operating system offers disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses to develop affordable and customizable computing solutions.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can seize the opportunity presented by affordable laptops to cater to a larger customer base and provide value-for-money computing options.
- **Technology Retail:** Technology retail businesses can tap into the trend of minimal hardware and offer budget-friendly laptops that still deliver reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- **Software Development:** The rise of Linux OS provides an avenue for software development companies to create innovative applications and services specifically tailored for Linux-based laptops and systems.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Tiny Retro Computing Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-386.md)
- [Compact Productivity Laptop Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mnt-pocket-reform.md)
- [Efficient Lightweight Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ace-ax15.md)
- [Low-Cost Mini PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morefine-m9.md)
- [Open-Source Laptop Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-dev-one.md)
- [Cost-Effective Mini PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-it8.md)
- [Ultra-Thin Desktop PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lattepanda-mu.md)
- [Budget-Friendly Mini PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picobox-lite.md)
- [Power-Efficient Fanless Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobook-go-12.md)