HP’s current netbook, the Mini 2140, is probably one of our top favorites out in the market today. Compared to other netbooks, its unique keyboard (which was based off of HP’s consumer netbooks), sturdy metal design, and full ExpressCard slot are features that make it stand out amongst its competitors. However, there has been recent news indicating that HP has been revising its well-received netbook – surprising many.
This new netbook is called the Mini 5101 and of course, it would be appropriate to compare it to its predecessor, the Mini 2140. In terms of the style, the new Mini is going for a sharp-edged, dark, and metal frame, which is substantially different from the previous rounded, silver look. Also, the new Mini is slightly bigger and has a lower price of $425.
Since the year 2009, netbook prices have radically reduced, the starting price for the basic model being $299. All of the basic models essentially include an Intel Atom processor, Windows XP, 1GB of RAM, and 160 GB hard drive. The Atom processor is the N280 version, which is supposed to have faster performance. The new Mini 5101 is included with a number of attractive options such as a Gobi mobile broadband module and a higher resolution display. However, these options cost more than the basic starting price of $425. In addition, the new Mini is not equipped with an ExpressCard slot, unlike the former Mini.
If you want to shell out the extra money for the new Mini 5101, the result will not be disappointing. Its keyboard and touch pad are top notch, and the sharp-edged, metal design presents high quality. The battery life is also impressive and the battery itself (six-cell) does not protrude from the bottom of the netbook in a bothersome manner.
The overall black colored theme of the Mini 5101 – the black keyboard, black keyboard tray, and glossy black screen, screams the vibe of a business system. This is most definitely a contrast from the HP’s consumer netbooks that are embossed with lighter patterns that suggest a more “mod” design. The size of the Mini 5101 is not the lightest or the thinnest, but it’s comfortable enough to feel sturdy without being too overwhelmingly bulky.
HP’s netbooks have always boasted roomy, comfortable keyboards, which is probably their most prominent quality. The Mini 5101’s new keyboard can be comparable to those of Sony’s Vaio – flat and wide keys with a good amount of space between them. This is a deviation from the previous keyboard designs of the Mini 2140 and the Mini 1000/110, whose keys were placed to be edge-to-edge. We were initially disappointed with the change, for the original HP netbook keyboard design was already enough to satisfy our consumer expectations. The new design, however, is not terrible by any means. There are no notable compromises with the design; even the Shift keys are large and easy to find. Although we cannot say that it is better than the Mini 2140’s, the new keyboard is at least as good.
Another perk of the new Mini 2101 is that its alternate uses for the Function keys F1 to F12 have been replaced with the original Function key tasks. For instance, if you wanted to mute the volume, you would only have to hit the F8 button rather than both FN+F8. However, one noteworthy annoyance is the combination used to close a window – ALT+FN+F4, instead of the typical ALT+F4.
The touch pad of the new Mini 5101 is definitely more on the traditional side. The mouse buttons are placed under the touch pad, rather than to the side of it. Also, it does not display the elongated touch pad design that most other HP netbooks have. Overall, we like the new touch pad – its resistance-free surface makes for a perfectly smooth mousing experience.
The combination of the Mini 5101’s keyboard, touch pad, and overall design makes it one of the best 10-inch laptops on the market. Judging from these characteristics, it is most likely that the new Mini will find itself in the higher end of the netbook spectrum.
In terms of the display, the Mini 5101’s 10.1 inch wide screen has a 1,024 by 600 pixel resolution, which is typical of many netbooks. The offered resolution is generally fitting to surf the web, but it could possibly be inconvenient for long pages and Word documents that involve intense scrolling. The inset panel is not as visually pleasing as the Mini 2140 that incorporates an edge-to-edge look. However, the new Mini’s matte screen is a big plus. At $25 more, you can get an upgrade to a higher resolution – 1,366 by 768 pixels, but we have not been able to see it in person just yet.
Despite the loss of the ExpressCard slot, the Mini 5101 also comes with other useful extras such as a Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. At $125 more, you can also get a Gobi mobile broadband module that is compatible with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. HP is concentrating its efforts on advertising the inclusion of the Corel Home Office software, which originally sells for $69. However, the truth is that most consumers would be just as content with the free Open Office as an alternative. In addition, the Mini 5101 includes a hard-drive accelerometer called the HP 3D DriveGuard, a system that is standard for most business laptops.
The Mini 5101’s Intel single-core 1.66Hz Atom N280 processor is usually utilized by higher-end netbooks such as the Asus 1005HA. The difference between the performances of the N270 and N280 is fairly minimal. However, with netbooks’ performances being unstable, it would be wise to go for the extra horsepower despite the minimal difference. In general, consumers should be aware that netbooks are very useful, as long as they keep their expectations to a moderate level and use them for such activities as email, office documents, and web surfing.
Specs( varies with customization):
Operating System:
Genuine Windows® XP Home
FreeDOS
Contact your reseller or HP sales representative for additional operating system choices and domain join support
Processor Available: Intel® Atom™ Processor N280 (1.66 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
Chipset: Mobile Intel® 945GSE Express
Memory:
1 GB 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
2 GB 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Upgrade: Supports up to 2 GB maximum
Hard drive:
160 GB 7200 rpm SATA
250 GB 7200 rpm SATA
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA
128 GB Solid State Drive
Display Size: 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit WSVGA; 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD anti-glare
Webcam: Integrated 2 MP Webcam with fixed focused lens
I/O Ports: External:
3 USB 2.0
1 external VGA monitor
1 headphone/line-out
1 microphone in
1 RJ-45
1 AC power
Slots: 1 secure digital
Audio: High Definition Audio support; Integrated stereo speakers; Integrated microphone; Stereo headphone/line out;
Network Interface: Integrated Marvell Ethernet (10/100/1000 NIC)
Wireless:
optional HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi;
Intel WIFI Link 802.11a/b/g draft-n;
Broadcom 802.11a/b/g/draft n;
HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Weight: Starting at 2.64 lb (Starting at 1.20 kg)
Dimensions (w x d x h): 10.30 x 7.09 x 0.91 in (262.0 x 180 x 23.2 mm)
Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® qualified configurations available
Battery:
4-cell (29 WHr) high capacity Lithium-Ion;
6-cell (55 WHr) high capacity Lithium-Ion
Power Supply: External 65-watt Smart AC adapter; HP Fast Charge
Battery Life:
4-cell (29 WHr): up to 4 hours and 30 minutes;
6-cell (55 WHr): up to 9 hours
Security Management:
AD1984 High Audio; Integrated stereo speakers; Integrated stereo microphone; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone in