Cloud computing concepts for netbook / nettop-sized machines aren't all new, but TechNovus is looking to jump in head first with its Nova Navigator. The tiny machine gets powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU and possesses no hard drive within; instead, it utilizes a 512Kbps or higher internet connection to access 50GB of online applications / storage. The unit runs Windows (Server) and SUSE Linux side-by-side, and aside from a few core apps (Firefox, Skype and a media player), everything else is ran from the cloud. As it stands, the box is scheduled to launch next month in India for around $199 plus a $15 to $20 monthly subscription, though there's no word as to when it'll be launched in other nations.

Unfortunately, the wee US110 isn't a full-fledged PC, but it should perform quite nicely as a thin-client machine. Measuring in at just 5.9- x 3.7- x 1.2-inches and weighing 0.77-pounds, this device features a fanless design, 128MB of RAM, 128MB of NAND flash memory, five USB 2.0 ports, a VGA connector, resolution support up to 1,600 x 1,200, gigabit Ethernet, audio in / out and support for RDP5.5 / ICA10.0. Those interested can pick one up at the month's end for around ¥49,000 ($417).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

While the OLPC continues its slow rollout and finds its price slowly climbing, it looks like other companies are aggressively going after NickNeg's target markets -- Macedonia just announced a deal with NComputing to provide every student with a thin client "classroom computing device" that will link up to an account on a Linux server PC. The deal calls for NComputing to deliver 180,000 of the devices at a price that's only quoted as "less than half the cost of any other proposed solution," -- a number we're guessing is in that all-important $100 range. Macedonia's schools were also impressed with the device's ability to be remotely updated and maintained, a feature that significantly cuts support costs. No word on when Macedonians will see these things pop up in schools, but we'd bet quite a few people in other countries wouldn't mind getting their hands on one either.

Update: Okay, that's all for comments. While we're sensitive to the many viewpoints surrounding the formal name of the country, Engadget isn't really the place for that debate. Take it outside, kids.

Last we heard from Nidiyo, they were developing a thin client intended for use in developing nations. They're apparently still working on it, but they're also now developing another, even thinner client that goes easy on the ethernet and heavy on the USB. Cleverly dubbed "Hubster", the system's based on a USB-to-VGA adapter (like the USB Nivo seen here) with some added USB ports to connect a keyboard and mouse. Mix in the proper software, including a customized version of Ubuntu Linux, and you've got yourself a full-fledged computer terminal. Being USB-based, Ndiyo says the Hubster could also easily be expanded to support additional devices like a Skype headset, a flash drive or a second monitor. The biggest downside to the system, however, seems to be the 15-foot limit of USB 2.0 connections, which should be fine for something like an Internet cafe but probably not the best option if you're looking to trick out every room in your house with its own thin client.

[Thanks, David]