Competition in the ultra mobile PC space is heating up with the introduction of a $299 device from US custom computer manufacturer 3K Computers.

The RazorBook 400 Mini Notebook Ultra Mobile PC weighs just under 2lbs and includes a 7in LCD TFT display and a full-size keyboard.

3K is targeting the machine as a low-cost portable internet appliance for professionals and students, offering web browsing, Flash games and instant messaging.

With a boot-up time of under eight seconds, the RazorBook 400 is designed to be turned on and off instantly with an energy-saving processor, no fan and quiet running.

The Linux-based operating system is supported by a shock-resistant 4GB solid-state drive.

The open source Office Suite opens most Microsoft files and includes an email client and a PDF reader as well as the Mozilla Firefox browser.

"There has been a lot of comparison from bloggers to the Asus Eee PC due to its similar 7in LCD form factor," said 3K chief executive Dan Jacobs.

"The 3K RazorBook 400 is a unique product that was designed as a low-cost portable internet appliance, not to replace your home PC or notebook computer."