Combine the processing power of a laptop with a portable DVD player and long-life battery and then bundle everything into a box you can slip into your handbag – those are just some of the features of the new Mini-Note PC from JVC.

The compact frame measures just 23cm (9.25in) by 21cm (8.5in) by 3cm (1.25in) and weighs 1.5kg (3lb 6oz) with the battery, which offers three hours of DVD viewing or six hours of computing time.

At the core of the PC is a 400MHz Pentium M processor which prolongs the battery life with its ultra-low voltage use. The display is a specially designed low-heat screen that dazzles the user with 16.7 million poly-silicon TFT colours. Special Dolby sound software has been included to maximize the effects of the surround-sound speakers and there is even a built-in mike so that you can record voice notes.

Its facets are too numerous to list without an index, but the highlights include two USB2.0 ports and a FireWire point for high-speed data transfer; a DVD player and CD-ROM writer; an integrated SD/ MMC card reader to download images and tunes from cameras and players; and an internal IEEE802.11b/g wireless network card, allowing internet access on the move.

The generous souls at JVC have included all manner of interesting software to get the creative sparks flying and have even thrown in the full professional version of Windows XP. Unfortunately, size and cost still seem to be inversely related and at £1525 the Mini Note’s petite size may come at a premium that outweighs its advantages.

Verdict: Dear to the eye, dearer to the pocket

Sundry info

Cost: Prices £1525 inc VAT from Dabs.com