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Dell founder Michael Dell has said that his firm would focus on India and China to become the number one PC maker in the world. Michael Dell had taken over as the company’s CEO after the firm was pushed behind by Hewlett Packard, which is now the number one PC maker in the world. Since he took over, the sales of Dell PCs have touched 19 per cent from 11 per cent. The turnaround strategy charted by Michael Dell involves tapping first time users in developing markets. The company is also planning to sell its computers through stores by changing the traditional model of delivering on orders. Michael Dell added that the company would also be focusing more on design rather than stressing on utility alone.

Hewlett Packard (HP), the world’s largest seller of computers, unveiled a mini-laptop that sells for $500 and is aimed at the education market. The entry-level HP Mini-Note includes a Suse Linux operating system, a 1GB memory and a 3-cell battery, while a higher priced version has Windows Vista Business, 2GB memory and a larger 6-cell battery.

Both are based on a 1.2GHz VIA C7 processor with a 120GB hard drive, 8.9in WXGA (1280 x760) screen, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi built-in and optional Bluetooth. With a starting weight of 1.27 kg, the system is designed to survive classroom life with a sturdy yet lightweight anodised aluminium shell and HP’s 3D DriveGuard to protect the hard disk against damage.

The Mini-Note represents the beginning of a new segment in the laptop market, according to analyst Rob Enderle, who predicts that other companies will introduce similar laptops later this year. Computer makers have now figured out how to make these things relatively inexpensive. There’s a lot of creativity around making thin, light products, Rob Enderle said.

The device is expected to compete with the Intel Classmate and the One Laptop Per Child products, which have mainly been marketed to developing countries. However, HP also sees the Mini-Note as suiting business and mobile professionals who value the mobility and usability of the low cost machine.