HP announced three new models in its HP Mini family today, each of which is powered by an Intel Atom N270 CPU running at 1.6GHz.

All three models measure less than one inch thick; weigh just over two pounds, depending on their configuration; offer a keyboard that’s 92 percent the size of a standard notebook PC keyboard; and feature a widescreenLCD with resolution of 1,024x600 pixels.

The HP Mini 1000, available now, comes pre-installed with Windows XP Home and includes an 10/100Mb/sec Ethernet jack, two USB ports, a built-in webcam, a two-in-one digital media reader, 802.11g wireless networking, and optional Bluetooth. The base model ($399) will be offered with 512MB of DDR2 memory (with 1GB available as an option); an 8.9-inch display (or an optional 10.2-inch screen); and an 8GB solid-state hard drive (with a 16GB solid-state drive and a 60GB mechanical model available as options). Maxing out on the options pushes the price tag to $549.99.

The HP Mini with MIE (Mobile Internet Experience) features a HP-designed user interface sitting atop the Linux operating system (Ubuntu 8.04, to be specific). This model comes pre-loaded with instant-messaging and email software and a Skype client for online video chats. The base model will sell for $379, with the same options that are available for the Mini 1000.

The third model, the Vivienne Tam Edition, is aimed at fashionistas: It features a bold, red case with a floral pattern created by the noted designer, who was born in China, raised in Hong Kong, and launched her career in New York. Said fashionistas, of course, won’t feel right with the world if they don’t pay a premium for their bling: The Vivienne Tam Edition will sell for $699 at both HP’s web store and at Tam’s New York boutique. It will run Windows XP Home Edition.