Computing: HP Mini 1000 Netbook PC Review

Hewlett-Packard entered the netbook market last year with the HP 2133 Mini-Note, an aluminium-cased computer marketed towards business users. The HP Mini 1000 brings many of its predecessor’s features to the home market, while substituting plastic in place of aluminium to cut back on weight and cost.

The 2133’s aluminium body was certainly aesthetically pleasing and gave the netbook a solid, dependable feel. That said, the Mini 1000’s sleek black plastic has its own charm. The reflective lid is decorated with a subtle spiral pattern that’s just a tad more interesting than the average plastic case. The Mini 1000 isn’t quite as rugged as the 2133, but the construction looks good and it doesn’t feel overly flimsy.

At 10.2 inches the screen is more than an inch larger than the majority of netbooks on the market today. This doesn’t increase the footprint too much, but the difference is quite visible. However, the resolution is the netbook-standard 1024 x 600 (WSVGA); I would have hoped for a few extra pixels to make use of the extra real estate. Still, individual pixels aren’t discernable from any reasonable viewing distance — the screen is good quality if a little overly reflective.

Like the 2133, the Mini 1000 features a 92 per cent full-size keyboard. Compared to a standard desktop keyboard the claim looks quite genuine. There’s little need to switch to an external keyboard (or a larger computer) for extended use. I could easily type a review on the Mini 1000, which is more than I can say for my own netbook, the ASUS Eee PC 900.

The Mini 1000 is available locally in two versions: the 1001TU, which incorporates a 60GB hard disk drive; and the 1004TU, which instead has an 8GB solid state drive (SSD). The latter seems a little small for the price, with competitors offering 12 to 16GB of storage for less money. The SSD version also includes a recessed USB port for use with an optional HP Mobile Drive — a proprietary USB flash drive. In truth, an extra SD card slot would be far more useful.

HP has put together a good device, offering screen and keyboard sizes that push the boundaries of the netbook form factor. The price tag is a little high compared with other models on the market for little extra functionality. However, if you’re particularly after a 10-inch screen and a comfortable typing experience, it may well be worth it.

HARLEY OGIER

Tech Specs

HP Mini 1000 Netbook PC
$899

• OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows XP Home
• DISPLAY: 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 (WSVGA) HP Brightview Infinity display
• CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
• MEMORY: 1GB
• STORAGE: 60GB HDD / 8GB SSD
• GRAPHICS: Intel GMA 950
• CARD READER: SD / MMC
• CONNECTIVITY: 802.11b/g wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet, 2x USB 2.0, audio out/microphone in (combined), HP Expansion Port
• CAMERA: 0.3MP (VGA)
• SIZE: 262 x 167 x 25.1mm
• WEIGHT: 1.11 kg

Contact

www.hp.co.nz

Pros

• 92% full-size keyboard
• Large 10.2-inch screen

Cons

• No VGA connector

Verdict

• A good choice for those seeking a larger-format netbook. I gave it 4/5.

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