Taiwanese computer maker Acer has launched the Aspire one, an all-new communication device designed to make your online activities fast, simple and, allegedly, utterly cool.

What used to be called a sub-notebook, but now suffers under the ghastly nomenclature of nettop, is actually a pretty cute device weighing less than a Kilo and measuring 24cm by 17cm with a six hour battery life.

The Aspire one has an Intel Atom processor with up to 1GB of RAM and comes with an 8.9' LED screen, 802.11b/g WiFi built-in and can also be specified with a choice of embedded Wimax or 3G connectivity and a choice of four colours.

Users can choose either a cut-down version of Linux, Linpus Linux Lite, or Windows XP Home.

There are two alternatives for data storage: a NAND flash module of 8GB or an 80GB internal HDD. The Aspire can also read five different types of memory card – Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card.

Pricing has yet to be revealed. X