Netbooks Become The New Notebooks

Despite the rough economy, certain segments of the computer market are faring well. One of these is the netbook (also known as the ultra-portable or mininotebook), which continues to carve a comfortable niche in the PC market by providing an ideal mix of power and portability. HP’s latest entries into this segment should further cement the netbook’s status as a viable contender to conventional notebooks.

Following up on the release of its sub-$500, student-targeted HP 2133 Mini-Note in April 2008, the company has now expanded its HP Mini family with the new HP Mini 1000 line. Each of the three new netbooks measures less than 1 inch thick, weighs 2.25 pounds, and has a keyboard that is slightly smaller than a standard notebook keyboard.

All models also include a built-in Web cam and microphone, along with a BrightView widescreen Infinity display with flush glass, LED (light-emitting diode) backlight, and 1,024 x 600 resolution. Each is powered by an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor. The HP Mini 1000 (starting at $399.99; www.hp.com) includes Windows XP Home, an 8.9 inch display (a 10.2-inch display is also available), 512MB of DDR2 (double-data rate 2) memory (1GB is also available), 8GB SSD (solidstate drive; 16GB SSD and 60GB,
4,200rpm PATA [Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment] drives are also available), Wireless-G card, 3-cell lithium polymer battery, integrated stereo speakers, two USB ports, a microphone-in port, and Microsoft Works 9.

The HP Mini 1000 with MIE (Mobile Internet Experience) software (starting at $379) will be available this month and features an HP-developed, dashboard-style interface that’s designed to streamline the viewing of digital content such as videos, photos, music, and email. The MIE model is bundled with Internet-focused software for tasks such as instant messaging, email, and online video chat. These applications are preloaded and run from the MIE dashboard to minimize start time, and favorite Web sites that are added to the dashboard stay live.

If you’re feeling fancy, a third model is also available. The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition (starting at $699) features the artwork of designer Vivienne Tam, with a peony flower-inspired design that reflects Tam’s Spring 2009 collection. The design was first unveiled on the runway of the designer’s fashion show during New York’s Fashion Week last September, though according to HP, onlookers mistook the HP Mini 1000 for a purse.

Source of Information : Smart Computing / January 2009