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    *OFFICIAL: HP 2140 Owner's Lounge*

    Discussion in 'HP' started by btobey, May 7, 2009.

  1. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    Hi everyone:

    I am new to these forums and am not sure if just anyone is allowed to start an "owner's lounge" thread, but I hope so! Fellow 2140 owners, please join me. This is my very first laptop computer of any kind, and I've only had it for about a week now. I have the brand new HD screen version, but otherwise, I didn't make any upgrades to the standard features offered by HP.

    So far, I'm thrilled with my purchase! This is a second computer for our home (we have an older Dell desktop that will probably need to be replaced in the next year or two), and I will mainly be using it for email and web browsing activities; my husband works from home full-time, so he ties up our main computer--however, I think mine is actually fast now! :D
     
  2. PlanetEarth

    PlanetEarth Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for starting this thread.

    It looks like there are not many 2140 users here (at least on this forum or this site). I hope to see more people using this and posting their impressions and problems :)
     
  3. teknerd122

    teknerd122 Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for starting the thread, btobey! I love my 2140, but I'm bummed that I'm unable to boot over USB to install WinXP. I really don't want to buy an external optical drive! Hope this issue gets figured out, soon! Also: I'd like the 3-cell battery to be cheaper so that I can more easily take it around.
     
  4. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    Tek, I saw some of your issues in the other thread but just skimmed them. I'm confused about the need to install WinXP since that's what my machine came installed with? Maybe I'm missing something here. Also, do you have the 6-cell battery and want to buy the 3-cell as a backup?

    I should have mentioned above that I have the 6-cell option. I don't mind the larger size at all; as "JK on the run" says in his video review (do a YouTube search if you haven't seen this), it puts the keyboard at a nice little angle for typing. I haven't given the battery life a full test yet, but if the numbers that appear in the taskbar are correct, battery life for the 6-cell is somewhere around 6 hours.
     
  5. PlanetEarth

    PlanetEarth Notebook Consultant

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    teknerd122,

    Have you read these?

    Read this: http://myhpmini.com/forum/my-mini-doesnt-want-to-boot-from-usb-t1060.html

    One user says, "I finally managed to do it with 1GB flash, formated FAT32 with HP USB format tool (dont use the windows built one format tool but this one)"

    Another user says, "I installed windows 7 from a 8gig USB thumb drive. It didn't boot in the left USB slot --- but it did in the right USB slot. I followed a guide that let me do it all from the command prompt..."

    So, check it out and tell us whether it works :)

    And,
    I found this from a website. Someone posted a review on http://www.digiffiti.com/2009/04/16/hp-mini-2140-ubuntu/ And, the person posted a response to one of the readers' comments.

    "Now onto the Mini 2140. Go into the BIOS (F10 at startup) and change the boot order to make the USB bootable (it should be the one that’s originally labeled “Fifth” ;). Make sure you don’t make it “First”. Leave it as “Second”. I’ve found that changing it to “First”, for some reason, makes it switch to “USB Legacy Drive” when you check it next and the Mini 2140 won’t boot to it. If you do make it “First”, just reset the BIOS to its default settings and you’ll be good."
     
  6. PlanetEarth

    PlanetEarth Notebook Consultant

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    Guys, I have a few questions.

    Could you describe the fan noise in more detail?
    I know you did in the other thread, but I want to know more about it because fan noise is VERY important to me. As I mentioned in the other thread, my HP dv4t is very annoying. It gets very noisy and hot without the external notebook cooler. :( My room is ultra quiet when I turn off my laptop, but it's super noisy when it is on.

    Also, the recent review on this website ( http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4996&review=hp+mini+2140) mentions that the screen can trap and collect a lot of dust. I haven't seen the 2140 in person, so I don't know how it looks like. To remove the dust, do you really have to disassemble the screen? Or, if the screen has a lot of dust, do you notice it when the screen is on? If that is not the case, then I'll be okay with dust...
     
  7. eaver

    eaver Newbie

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    I got my 2140 two days ago and couldn't be happier, coming from acer aspire one and samsung nc10 this thing feels like a real notebook in ultra small package.
    Mine comes with 2GB and Vista basic so i loaded Windows 7 on a 4GB flash drive and installed in less than 30 minutes, i still can't believe how good this thing runs under windows 7 with Aero and all the eye candy enabled, also i'm still debating on whether to move my Intel 80GB SSD from an HP DV5 to the 2140 as this beauty is really fast enough for its purposes.

    Apps installed; google chrome beta 2 as the default browser (lightning fast), MS office 2007, media player classic HT and spotify (no need to purchase music anymore).

    It's one of the best notebook purchases i've ever done,
     
  8. eaver

    eaver Newbie

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    Running on battery i can't hear the fan at all but it tends to get a bit louder while on AC power, specially if i start doing some HDD intensive work.
    The fan loudness on AC power doesn't bother me at all really because i think the main purpose of a notebook like this is to be used on battery and not plugged in all the time.
     
  9. PlanetEarth

    PlanetEarth Notebook Consultant

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    Thank you, eaver. How loud or quiet is the 2140, compared to the nc10?
    I was going to get the nc10, but my mind has changed since the release of the high resolution version of the 2140..
     
  10. eaver

    eaver Newbie

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    Just about the same running on battery, but the 2140 can get a little bit louder on AC power.
     
  11. teknerd122

    teknerd122 Notebook Evangelist

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    PlanetEarth: It's hard to say how quiet the computer is. To most people, it's not going to be a problem. To those insane computer geeks who buy hard drives and case fans based on the noise output and insulate their cases, this notebook will be unacceptable. For the rest of the population, it will be fine. I use this computer in bed - it's like 6 inches from my face so I hear the air whooshing out of the vent, but there's no fan whir or anything like that.
     
  12. teknerd122

    teknerd122 Notebook Evangelist

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    Oh yeah, thanks for the info on the XP install. I'll try it when finals are over. I let my friend borrow the computer for a trip to Vegas and I don't really have time to mess around like that before I graduate this Sunday. >_< *knock on wood*
     
  13. Spas

    Spas Newbie

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    Hi guys

    The specs say that this netbook has a gigabit ethernet port. I haven't been able to find any test of the speed of the ethernet connection. If any of you own another gigabit device, could you please make some speedtests to and from this netbook? - I would like to hear how well it performs :)
     
  14. Zam

    Zam Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    I ordered my HP 2140 with 6 cell battery and high def screen from HP. But its gonna take a whole 2 weeks to ship!! :(

    Any place I can order it to get it faster? I haven't seen this thing available anywhere else...
     
  15. PlanetEarth

    PlanetEarth Notebook Consultant

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    teknerd122, thank you for explaning about the fan noise :)
    Well... that sounds good. Fortunately, I am not one of those "insane computer geeks" But, the fan noise of my HP dv4t is seriously loud even at the lowest fan speed, and it drove me crazy for the first few weeks after the purchase.... So, that is why fan noise is an important part to me, especially when I buy a notebook from HP!

    And, Congratulations! Are you graduating from college? what college?

    Zam, Unfortunately, as far as, I know the HD model is sold only on the HP website. I hope to buy it from Newegg, but it seems very unlikely at least for the next month or so.

    Oh... BTW, if you do not mind, can any of you comment on the screen?
    The review on this website warns the screen can trap a lot of dust. I do not mind dust as long as I don't see it when the screen is on, but I don't know trapped dust can block some part of the screen and cause some serious problem.
     
  16. wesrubix

    wesrubix Notebook Guru

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    Tek,

    I got my mini to boot from a USB stick. I just was trying to boot off my external cdrom drive to try installing XP (to see how it runs vs Vista Business) and the Mini just wasn't doing it.

    I still had that weird "Legacy USB" in place of the ordinals in the boot order (e.g. first, second third). So I told the BIOS to reset to defaults, and whaddaya know... it worked.

    So I tried booting from my USB flash drive I use to make ghost images. It worked too.

    I hope reseting your BIOS to defaults works for you. It did for me. No idea what setting I switched that caused that behavior. In fact, I think the only option I would have changed in the BIOS is to enable network booting (so I can rip a ghost image over a network using a universal packet driver), and I enabled that setting--still boots from USB drive.

    P.S. Btobey, thanks for starting this thread. Woohoo.

    RE: fan noise? It's pretty quiet.

    My biggest issue with this computer is its apparent inability to play Youtube HD on battery thanks to the Atom CPU...
     
  17. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    The 2140 is the first netbook to tempt me, especially with the 1366x768 display.

    FYI- I found the Dell Small & Medium Business Return Policy and it states that they will refurd non-modified, pre-configured models for up to 30 days from invoice date. They "may" charge a $15 (Dollar, not percent %) restocking fee, but I've never been charged one by the Home or Business divisions.

    At most, you'll pay $15 for a 30-day trial...just thought I'd share. Here's the full Return Policy- LINK
     
  18. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    Hey, great to see you all here--for some reason, I haven't been getting the thread updates. :(

    Still loving my 2140 and not experiencing any problems; of course, since this is my first laptop of any kind, I was pretty easy to please. :)

    Zam, hope you get yours quickly; I think you can only get it through HP, and I think it takes so long b/c it is coming from China! But believe me, once it arrives, I think you will find it to be worth the wait.
     
  19. wesrubix

    wesrubix Notebook Guru

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    I second btobey's opinion: it's a solid little machine. Fantastic build and quality. I think my only disappointment with the machine is its CPU performance: the Atom is a piece of junk. It is a miracle worker with battery life, but like any new-ground Intel product, it's bottom of the generation barrel, i.e., playing an HD youtube video doesn't happen--yes even on AC power. You can play high quality youtubes no problem, but HD (not even full screen) makes the system stutter. I thought at first it was an issue with the GMA950, but flash is CPU intensive, not GPU.

    I do have good experience playing mpeg4 videos on the machine (divx and xvid) no problem.
     
  20. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    I haven't had any issues playing YouTube videos, although I've only tried a few short segments here and there (this is a second computer in our home, so I'm using it mainly for email/general internet use).

    Any other thoughts/new owners?
     
  21. act88

    act88 Newbie

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    I've had my 2140 (HD version) for about two weeks. This is my first netbook. The build quality is awesome and the performance is much better than I expected. I stopped by Staples to look at the HP 1000, Dell Mini 10, and Sony's "non-netbook" Vaio P. The 2140 outclasses these in quality and it's metal body makes the other plastic models feel like toys. Sure, the 2140 is more expensive, but I think its worth the extra cost.
     
  22. elude

    elude Notebook Enthusiast

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    is there anyway you can get the built-in Verizon Mobilie Broadband (the one that comes with the new HP Mini Broadbands) on a 2140?
     
  23. Maymay

    Maymay Newbie

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    Zam, I ordered mine from TigerDirect through Amazon. But you can buy directly from Tiger, easier if you live in the US. For the HD screen you can run a search in amazon.com or tigerdirect.com using the term FM839UT, or for the pricier model, FM904UT.

    There are other sellers of course but I never dealt with them :) Maybe those living in the US could help. Here's a quick roundup of sellers and price comparison from pricegrabber.com:

    FM839UT http://computers.pricegrabber.com/l...-N270/m722445800.html/search=fm839ut/st=query

    FM904UT http://computers.pricegrabber.com/l...16GHz/m723427442.html/search=fm904ut/st=query

    Happy hunting :D
     
  24. docdeh

    docdeh Notebook Geek

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    I agree with the high evaluations given to the 2140. I had tried an evaluation model earlier with the regular screen display and now have a unit with the high resolution display. This model comes with XP Pro installed but with a restore CD for Vista Business. What experience have others had in running Vista on the 2140?
     
  25. docdeh

    docdeh Notebook Geek

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    Our organization purchases notebooks and netbooks for our field personnel through DSR in Maryland. Check it out at www.dsr-inc.com. Their website is a bit awkward and often doesn't have the latest pricing information, but give them a call. They will usually be able to match prices offered elsewhere and the customer service and repair services are outstanding.

    I received my 2140 FM904UT from them this week.
     
  26. billpool

    billpool Newbie

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    Thanks for the thread....

    Now that HP has shot the "silver bullet", so to speak, us owners will need more places like this to congregate and learn.

    Take Care
    bill
    :GEEK:
     
  27. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    Is it true that this model was discontinued? I heard a rumor...I also heard that a lot of people have had WiFi connection issues, although I haven't myself; still love mine! :D
     
  28. Jurisprudence

    Jurisprudence Notebook Evangelist

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    The 2140 has been rapidly discontinued just like my little 2133 before it. HP seem to be going for 6 month product cycles (if that) which is not good IMHO. Was looking to upgrade to the 2140 with a HD screen but it was never released in Europe. May go to the new 5101 depending on price, reviews and if the screen is HD in Europe.
     
  29. btobey

    btobey Notebook Geek

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    Well, I guess I'm lucky I ordered the HD screen as soon as it came out! I'm really happy with mine--I hope that the fact that it was D/Ced doesn't mean that anything is wrong...
     
  30. MDR8850

    MDR8850 Notebook Evangelist

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    hello.... i jusy got my 2140, it has the 1024x576 resolution.
    my problem is: it won't let me install my hp all in one printer. it halts on system checking since it's minimum requirements is 800x600.

    any work around here.....????
     
  31. MDR8850

    MDR8850 Notebook Evangelist

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    need your help....
    i installed win 7
    most of the drivers was provided + i installed the card reader, touchpad, chipset, sound and both lan and wifi

    and i still have this unknown device:
    [​IMG]
    what can this be?
     
  32. chrixx

    chrixx Product Specialist NBR Reviewer

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    It appears to be the HP DriveGuard hard disk protection system.
     
  33. MDR8850

    MDR8850 Notebook Evangelist

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    thank you
    completed already. yup, it's the drive guard.
    many thanx
     
  34. NJP

    NJP Newbie

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    Wanted a HP Mini 5101, but got a great deal on a HP Mini 2140 had to do it.
    Does anyone know of any major limitations on the 2140 vs 5101.. will I be disappointed that I didn't spend the money on the new model?

    NJP
     
  35. MDR8850

    MDR8850 Notebook Evangelist

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    2140 vs 5101

    just the specs

    Atom 270 runs @ 1.60GHz & 133MHz Quad Pump PSB (533MHz) @ 2.5W TDP
    Atom 280 runs @ 1.67GHz & 167MHz Quad Pump PSB (667MHz) @ 2.0W TDP
     
  36. chrixx

    chrixx Product Specialist NBR Reviewer

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    N270 vs N280 processor
    Glossy vs Matte screen
    Silver vs Black
    Full aluminium vs Aluminium + Plastic base
     
  37. NJP

    NJP Newbie

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    Thanks Chrixx, looks like key difference are in the looks.. I think I made a good choice
     
  38. darobin

    darobin Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have had my 2140 HD version for some months now and love it -- solid construction, size is perfect and the keyboard is fantastic. I think the 2140 will or has become a collector's item.
     
  39. chrixx

    chrixx Product Specialist NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah, the HD screen is fantastic. HP has also ran out of supply for the HD display and they can't actually replace this part anymore, so they're replacing broken 2140 HDs with 5101s. Kind of sad really.