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The Minibook comes equipped with a 400MHz XScale processor, usually found in PDAs. There's also 128MB of RAM and a 2GB solid state disk, so it's only suitable for basic tasks such as word processing and browsing websites. Even then, web page rendering speeds felt very sluggish. Built-in 100Mbit Ethernet and 802.11g wireless networking are provided. The 2GB solid state disk isn't big enough to deal with large video files, but the SD card slot can accept SD and SDHC memory cards if you need more storage space.

The small keyboard making touch typing impossible. It's unsuitable for typing out long documents, but fine for completing web addresses and short emails. Like the very first

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Eee PC, the Minibook has a 7in screen with a resolution of 800x480 pixels. It feels cramped for reading long documents and web pages but is usable for working on short emails and documents. It's bright enough, but images look a little grainy.

Its Linux operating system has a simple tabbed interface, divided into categories, such as internet and work, for launching programs. A basic selection of programs such as Firefox, the AbiWord word processor and the Gnumeric spreadsheet application are pre-installed.

The Minibook's limited amount of RAM and a built-in limitation in the Linux operating system means that only three programs can run at any one time. Working in multiple programs is cumbersome since the task bar is only visible from the Home screen, so you'll have to minimise your windows before switching between programs.

CNM's Minibook is undoubtedly cheap and compact, but Asus' original Eee PC 701 is now available from for around £17 less. If you have a little more money to spare, Acer's superior Aspire one costs around £50 more. The Minibook is available from www.novatech.co.uk while stocks last.