This week’s Consumer Electronics Show will be busting with big, beautiful products. However, HomeSeer has decided to go a different route. They’re getting small, with the newly announced HomeTroller-Mini home automation controller.

This option is a small, but mighty gateway device for homeowners looking to use Apple and Android smartphones, tablet PCs and other devices as a method of control both in and around the home.

Despite its small size, the HomeTroller-Mini packs in the 1.0 GHz Linux platform, as well as Z-Wave support. Other features include email, text or voice alerts, announcements and reminders, as well as options to monitor and control home energy use.

According to HomeSeer, the HomeTroller-Mini should start shipping in the second quarter of 2011. Expect to see an MSRP of $300.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.