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The WOODEN computer that's the size of a coaster: £250 Solu stores work in the cloud and makes documents easy to share

Solu computer is designed to work like a tablet and to replace the mouse
Has a unique operating system designed to work like the brain
Projects, emails and photos can be arranged on easy-to-share nodes
Device is available to pre-order on Kickstarter from €349 (£251 or $384)

Published: 11:24 EST, 23 October 2015 | Updated: 11:26 EST, 23 October 2015

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The average household now owns more than seven gadgets from phones to tablets and laptops, but it's not always easy linking them together, not to mention the constant need to back up your data.

To solve these problems, a team of engineers has designed what they claim is the world's smallest general-use computer, designed to make this teamwork easier.

Named Solu, the wooden computer is the shape and size of a coaster, has a unique operating system and makes use of the cloud to give users freedom and flexibility.

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Named Solu, the wooden computer, which is the shape and size of a coaster, has a unique operating system (pictured above) and makes use of the cloud to give users freedom and flexibility

The Finnish firm behind the computer said: 'Solu is an exceptionally beautiful and innovative cloud-linked computer.

'You will never again need to worry about your hard drive, backing up files, or installing software - Solu does it all for you.'

The device is more powerful than the average smartphone, with a 2.3Ghz processor, but despite having 32GB of storage, all content is stored in a Solu cloud and all settings are automatically backed up.

Solu can be used as a portable device, or it can be connected to a computer screen and keyboard to become a smart touchpad.

But it's most distinctive feature is its unusual operating system.

The computer's user interface is designed to 'mimic the functionality of the brain' and lets users organise projects and apps using hand gestures.

'You no longer open applications and then files, but simply zoom in on the documents you wish to work on, navigating within organic spaces,' the company says.

The Finnish firm behind the computer said: 'Solu is an exceptionally beautiful and innovative cloud-linked computer. 'You will never again need to worry about your hard drive, backing up files, or installing software - Solu does it all for you.' An image of the coaster-sized computer with a wooden case is shown above

Solu can be used as a portable device, or it can be connected to a computer screen and keyboard to become a smart touchpad (as shown above). It designed to encourage collaboration as well as being a personal device

Running a heavily-modified version of Google Android, the operating system is not laid out like Windows.

SOLU SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 4-inches squared and 0.07-inches thick (10x10x1.2cm)

Materials: Wooden case and glass screen

Processor: 2.3Ghz

Storage: Cloud plus 32GB

Operating System: Solu, based on Android

Connection: Wi-Fi

Flexible: Can be used like a tablet or plugged into a computer to replace the mouse.

Price: From €349 (£251 or $384)

Subscription: €17 (£12 or $19) a month

Instead it features a series of nodes stemming from four main 'circles' that are connected together like neurons.

This means that presentations, photos, documents and emails can all be linked together in the same space.

The Solu operating system, meaning 'organic cell' in Finnish, is built to encourage collaboration so users can easily share documents and work easily in the cloud.

'We have made sure that you no longer have to think about file sharing or application availability, as all tools are accessible to everyone. No installations, no credit cards, no hassle,' the start-up said.

The unusual quirky computer is available to pre-order on Kickstarter for €349 (£251 or $384) with an estimated shipping date of May 2016, if the company hits its funding target.

To encourage teamwork, a bundle of six is available of €2,000 (£1,437 or $2205). Both deals come with a six-month subscription.

Solu users will need to pay a 'fixed monthly fee' of around €17 (£12 or $19) to get virtually unlimited storage, full history and all the apps they'll need, but they won't be subjected to in-app purchases or advertisements, the company told MailOnline.

The computer's user interface (example pictured) is designed to mimic the functionality of the brain and lets users organise projects and apps using hand gestures, to zoom in, for example

The unusual quirky computer (shown above) is available to pre-order on Kickstarter for €349 (£251 or $384) with an estimated shipping date of May 2016, if the company hits its funding target