FIVE MILLION LITTLE LAPTOPS are predicted to ship this year,

These numbers specifically refer to devices with a screen size of five to 10 inches that run a full version of a client operating system, be that Linux or Windows

Thanks to everyone and their dog now making their own version of a netbook, stargazers at Gartner.reckon there could be as many as 50 million mini-notebooks shipped in 2012.

"The demand for mini-notebooks will be driven by several factors: by their small form factor and small screen, their light weight, their price, their ease of use and their basic, but sufficient, PC functionality," said SpokesGartner George Shiffler.

Although mini-notebooks started as low-cost education PCs, since the end of 2007 the targeted audience has expanded from education to consumers in both mature and emerging markets and a few business buyers.

Because users can do all the basics like internet browsing, e-mail and instant messaging on these little gizmos, Shiffler reckons there is a broad appeal which will help drive sales.

"Potential users are likely to include both first-time buyers seeking a low-cost introductory PC as well as experienced users seeking a low-cost second or third PC for themselves or a relative," he foresaw.

However, because the notebooks are all similarly specced and margins are small, the report warns that manufacturers will need to pay close attention to the design and ease of use to help differentiate themselves from the competition.

"For consumer mini-notebooks to succeed, they need to be positioned differently than standard notebooks," said Shiffler.

"PC vendors will have to convince retailers to take on those products, as they are still emerging products and potentially present some risk from an inventory point of view." µ