A Pair of Mini-Notebooks for the Style Set

Into the fast-growing category of the mini-notebook—a market that’s barely a year old—come two new devices that take the design concept of the netbook a step or two further.

If you aren’t familiar with the netbook idea, by the way, it’s a product that sits in size and price between a smartphone and a laptop computer. With screens that measure generally between 9 and 10 inches and semi-full size, if often cramped, keyboards, the netbook is built for on-the-go Web browsing and data grabs.

The Mini 9 netbook from Dell.

First up for good looks are swank new cases for its Mini 9 and 12 netbooks, with designs created by urban artist/ultra-hip toy designer Tristan Eaton. If you have a comic book or Peter Max sensibility, these might be fitting. There’s a charge of $50 to upgrade from standard black to the Eaton graphics, available in a couple of flavors, including “The Muse” and “Stickers.” The Dell minis are available now.