| HP debuts Via-based mini-laptop |
Apr. 08, 2008
 HP has entered the mini-laptop arena with a device targeting education and cost-conscious consumers. The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC runs Windows Vista or XP, weighs 2.8 pounds, has a nine-inch display, uses a Via C7-M ULV processor, and offers solid-state or hard disk storage, HP says.
(Click here for a larger view of HP's 2133 Mini-Note)
Touted as being smaller and lighter than many math and science books, the 2133 features an aluminum shell and a magnesium-alloy chassis. The device's nine-inch, 1280 x 768 display is scratch-resistant, HP claims.
Described as 92 percent of full-size, the 2133's keyboard features a clear "DuraKeys" coating intended to protect its markings from the usual wear. The laptop also includes a three-axis accelerometer, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive if the device is subjected to sudden movement or shock.
The mini-laptop measures 10 x 6.5 x 1 inches and comes with Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Home, or a "downgrade" to Windows XP Professional. Storage is supplied via 120GB and 160GB SATA hard drives, available in both 5400rpm and 7200rpm versions.
A 64GB SSD (solid-state drive) is also available. Alternatively, HP offers a configuration with 4GB of PATA flash storage. This comes with SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 preinstalled, but could also be suitable for do-it-yourselfers who want to configure a slim XP installation.
Unlike the recently-announced Asus Eee PC 900 and Intel's second-generation Classmate, which use 900MHz Intel Celeron CPUs, the 2133 marches to a different processor. It features Via's ULV C7-M, clocked at up to 1.6GHz, along with Via's CN896 companion chip and VT8237S southbridge.
According to Via, the ULV 1.6GHz C7-M has a maximum thermal design power (TDP) of only 3.5 watts, and idle power as low as 0.1 watt. HP has fitted the 2133 with a three-cell 28W/hr battery or optional six-cell 55W/hr battery, the latter reportedly providing about three and half hours of operation.
With a single SODIMM slot, the 2133 supports up to 2GB of memory. It also offers better expansion than most mini-laptops, since it has both an SD slot and an ExpressCard/54 slot.
HP's 2133 Mini-Note PC
(Click to enlarge)
Source: HP
Standard networking features include a 10/100 Ethernet port, and 802.11a/b/g wireless, while Bluetooth 2.0 is an available option. Other I/O includes two USB ports and a connector for an external VGA display.
HP's Multibay Cradle II
(Click to enlarge) |
Finally, the 2133 entertains with built-in stereo speakers, integrated stereo microphones, and a stereo headphone jack. A VGA-resolution webcam is optional. Like other devices in its class, the device does not include optical storage, though this can be added externally via HP's MultiBay II accessory (pictured at right).
Features and specifications listed by HP for its 2133 Mini-Note PC include:- Processor -- Via C7-M ULV clocked at 1.0GHz, 1.2GHZ, or 1.6GHz
- Memory -- single SODIMM slot accepts from 512MB to 2GB of RAM
- Display -- 9-inch screen with 1280 x 768 resolution
- Networking:
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet
- WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0 (optional)
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB
- VGA
- mic in, headphone/line out
- Expansion:
- Dimensions -- 10 x 6.5 x 1 inches
- Weight -- starts at 2.8 pounds
HP's mini-laptop has already received several early reviews. Laptop magazine's John Delaney writes, "While it's somewhat bigger and pricier than other mini-notebooks, the HP 2133 Mini-Note offers a few features that the others don't, including an adult-size keyboard and a design more suited to business users." Notebooks.com's Xavier Lanier says, "Other notebooks in this category look and feel like they should be sold at Toys R Us, [but] the 2133 comes across as a serious business computer at a price that's unbelievable."
Further information
The entry-level HP 2133 Mini-Note has 512MB of RAM, a 1.0GHz processor, runs SuSE Linux from a 4GB SSD, and costs $500. A $550 configuration retains Linux but steps up to a 1.2GHz processor, has 1GB of RAM, and features a 5400rpm, 120GB hard drive.
For $599, the same hardware ships with Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows XP Professional. A $749 configuration comes with Windows, a 7200rpm, 120GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, Bluetooth, and the six-cell battery. All models will be available later this month, HP says.
Laptop's review is available from the publication's website, here. For the Notebooks.com review, see here.
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