HP "Officially" Announces Mini 1000 Netbooks

Days after leaking the launch of their new netbook on their own website HP has officially launched the all-new HP Mini 1000, which is now available on the HP Shopping website today for $399.

The new consumer-focused version of their Mini-Note 2133 companion PC, the Mini 1000 will be available in three different models and multiple configurations. All three of the new Mini 1000 models share a sleek form factor – at less than 1-inch thick – with a starting weight of 2.25 lbs, a keyboard that is 92 percent that of standard PCs, Brightview widescreen Infinity display with flush glass and LED backlight and a webcam.

HP designed these companion PCs to target consumers who are interested in "information snacking" and "content enjoyment" and they made the point in their marketing materials that HP believes consumers interested in "content creation" would still be more interested in a traditional notebook PC. They are "a complement" to HP’s notebook PC family rather than a replacement for an existing laptop. The three models are as follows:

• The HP Mini 1000 features a piano-black finish with HP Imprint swirl design and is powered by an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor running Windows XP Home. It includes an Ethernet jack, two USB ports, built-in webcam and microphone. It comes with wireless connectivity (WLAN,) and 3G versions are expected to beavailable in December. Configuration choices include screen size -- 8.9-inch Brightview or 10.2-inch diagonal Brightview widescreen Infinity display with 1024 x 600 resolution -- and solid-state or mechanical hard drive options.

• The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition comes in vibrant red with a peonyflower inspired design that reflects the globally acclaimed fashion designer’s Spring 2009 collection. It seeks to satisfy the highly mobile, Internet- centric fashionista woman and features a 10.2-inch diagonal Brightview widescreen Infinity display with1024 x 600 resolution.

Its design was first unveiled on the runway of Tam’s Fall 2009 Fashion Week show in Battery Park in New York, although many people attending the show mistook it for a purse rather than the companion PC that it is. Tam labeled it the world’s first “digital clutch,” and it ships with an embroidered sleeve to protect the exterior, Accidental Damage Protection service and an HP SmartFriend Calling Card good for 6 months of unlimited technical support consultation service.

The Vivienne Tam Edition companion PC is powered by the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor running Windows XP Home and has a 1GMm memory, making the Web, critical files and PC applications easily portable. It includes an Ethernet jack, 2 USB port, built-in webcam and microphone. It comes with wireless connectivity (WLAN,) and 3G versions are expected to be available in December.

• The HP Mini 1000 with MIE (Mobile Internet Experience) is essentially the HP Mini 1000 with a uniquely simple (and rather attractive) Linux interface. HP claims "It delivers a seamless Internet experience out-of-the-box via an intuitive interface developed by HP that makes it easy to enjoy digital content – videos, photos, music and email -- on-demand and on the go." MIE comes loaded with Instant Messaging, email and Skype, for online video chat.

The HP Mini 1000 with MIE is Linux-based (Ubuntu) and powered by an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor. It includes an Ethernet jack, two USB ports, built-in webcam and microphone. It comes with wireless connectivity (WLAN.) Applications such as browsing, email, online video, are pre-loaded and run from the MIE dashboard, minimizing startup time. Favorite websites that are added to the dashboard stay live, and the task bar makes it easy to switch between programs.

Mini 1000 Accessories and Service

The HP Mini Mobile Drive gives HP Mini 1000 customers 2, 4, or 8 gigabytes of additional storage, making it simple to transport and retrieve important files, photos, music and other data. It sits flush against the HP Mini, so that is doesn’t disrupt the sleek design.

An optional 6-cell Li-polymer battery will be available in January.

The HP Mini 1000 and HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition come with a free six-month subscription to HP Upline for up to three PCs. HP Upline is an easy-to-use, secure on-line service for the storage, backup, sharing and synchronization of digital content.

Pricing and availability

• The HP Mini 1000 is available today in the U.S. from www.hpdirect.com with a starting price of $399.99.

• The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition is expected to be available in the U.S. in mid-December via www.hpdirect.com. It – plus its designer sleeve and support offerings – is expected to be priced at a starting price of $699.99 U.S.

• The HP Mini 1000 with MIE is expected to be available in the U.S. in January via www.hpdirect.com and is expected to be at a starting price of $379.99.

Details Technical Specifications

• Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Home SP3, Mobile Internet Experience Linux
• Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M, 533MHz FSB
• Memory: DDR2 SDRAM, 533MHz, one SODIMM memory slot, supports up to 2GB (Windows XP restricted to 512MB or 1GB from HP due to Microsoft agreement)
• Internal Storage: 60GB 4200 rpm PATA hard drive, 8GB/16GB Solid State Drive
• External/Removable Storage: 2GB/4GB/8GB HP Mini Mobile drive (available with SSD model only)
• Display: 8.9-inch diagonal WSVGA (1224 x 600) or 10.2-inch WSVGA "Infinity BrightView" display
• Graphics: Intel GMA 950
• Audio: High Definition Audio, stereos speakers, integrated stereo microphone, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in
• Wireless support: 802.11b/g, b/g, optional Bluetooth 2.1
• Communications: 10/100 Ethernet
• Expansion slots: Secure Digital (SD) slot
• Ports and connectors: Two USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, VGA webcam
• Input device: 92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.99 (at front) x 10.3 x 6.56 inches
• Weight: 2.25 lbs (with 3-cell battery and 8.9" display, 2.4 lbs with 3-cell battery and 10.2" display.
• Power: 3-cell 26WHr Lithium-polymer battery (optional 6-cell 52WHr Lithium-polymer battery
• Warranty: Limited 1-year and 90-day warranty options available, depending on country, Extended warranty available

 

Not crazy about the black imprint and the red one is just ugly IMO. I think HP missed the price point as well. The Dell mini 12 seems a better value. I personally don't like screens this small for extended reading. But I expect the build quality on this may be tighter then the Dell. And whats up with MS saying one can only use up to 1 GB with XP configs?

 

Microsoft has been trying to kill XP since Vista's arrival. Unfortunately, Vista's initial release was done poorly (that's a long story there) and consumer perception is that Vista is horrible (even if an increasing number of people, myself included, like Vista better than XP).

As a result, consumers and OEMs are continuing to try to get new PCs with Windows XP rather than Vista despite the fact that Microsoft is trying to end all support of XP. Since Microsoft in stuck between a rock and a hard place (many consumers and OEMs insist on XP but Microsoft wants to kill XP) Microsoft decided to start enforcing increasingly strict limitations on the type of hardware that OEMs can use with XP.

If HP (and other OEMs) want Microsoft to sell them licenses for Windows XP then HP has to follow the rules. In this case, Microsoft is saying that HP cannot offer more than 1GB of system RAM.

Of course, there's nothing to stop the consumer from adding a 2GB stick of RAM to their Windows XP machine on their own. The hardware supports 2GB but Microsoft won't sell Windows XP to HP if HP puts 2GB of RAM inside this netbook.

 

Imprint finish is ghastly.

I hope the "business oriented" model is better.

Edit - and the "HP Shopping" link points to the HDX16t, not the Mini 1000.

 

That's fixed now.

 

I'm taking a wait and see attitude until the netbook market becomes a bit more mature. And on Vista . . . I just changed over my wife's new notebook from Vista Home Premium to WinXP Pro. She really disliked Vista, and a some of our legacy external devices didn't work with Vista even with updated drivers. But, I took the safe route - pulled the Vista 5,400RPM HD, and installed a new WD 7,200RPM drive along with the new WinXP Pro install.

 

oh man i like the look of the red design. good price range

 

They look nice! But I like the look of the Vivienne Tam....and that's just my own opinion!

But a starting price point of $699.99 for a *designer* netbook..I'm not to sure about that one.


Cin

 

I'm not seeing the value here; the price gets scary-big as you try to match features with the Wind or EEEPC 1000.

And a 60GB 4200 PATA hard drive is an "upgrade"??

Oh yeah, and kudos to HP for listing a "color matching keyboard" as the only (no-cost) option on the customization page...a laptop with a keyboard included; what a deal.

 

Too bad....I really wanted to see what the VIA Nano could do with a better chipset than the crappy 945GSE/GMA950.


Also looks like they got rid of the express card slot for a removable mini-hard drive which to me seems kind of redundant with an SD card reader.

 

Great, now a glossy screen netbook =/

 

I'm dying for a "netbook" with tablet functionality. Geez I sure miss the HP TC1100...



For the record. I hate glossy screens...

 

is their a picture quality difference between the 8.9-inch Brightview or 10.2-inch diagonal Brightview widescreen Infinity display?

 

You won't have long to wait for a netbook tablet (hint) but be prepared for sticker shock when you see the price next week.

 

Soo close to a win. Nice keyboard, nice size, nice weight, nice look but crappy mouse button and glossy screen! =/

 

I don't think HP was going for a win....just a tie.

 

I bought an Asus Eee 1000H yesterday for my fiance - and it couldn't have been any worst of a timing.

This HP Mini 1000 is definitely a comparable notebook - I actually think the button layout on the HP is better than the Asus (which receives universal criticism on the hard-to-press touchpad buttons).

Another difference is that the HP can be loaded with 8/16GB SSD, but the disadvantage would be the obvious loss in HDD space. Not a true con/adv for the model.

I also like how the 1000H has Wireless-N (unlike the HP).

Nevertheless, if I were one of your guys still looking to get one of these nice, cheap, portable laptops, I'd wait until the Atom 330 (basically the dual-core version of the current Atom processors available right now) arrives, which should be really, really soon. The speculation rests on arrival of FA '08...but the manufacturers usually take a little longer to start putting them in.

 

Is this one of the: "I can tell you but then I have to kill you" things?
Or you want to share a secret with us?

Btw, I have seen the "business" model today. I was really impressed by the size of the keyboard. Next to it the EEE was really small.

From my point of view the important things in netbooks are the input and the output. The rest... well there are not huge differences there (especially when everyone is trying to keep the prices down)
So input wise HP Mini does great. (the touchpad is a bit awkward though...) As for the glossy screen... I have to actually see one in order to judge

My 2cents on the story...

 

http://www.pocketables.net/2008/07/review-kohjinsh.html

 

The resolution leaves somewhat more to be desired.

 

Wow, way to mislead people with a competitive "$399" pricetag, but in realisty it's with a mediocre 8" setup...

 

I want the red one, without flowers.

 

Exactly! New they offer a 10" option, but lower the res. to be the same as the rest Atom-based netbooks. May be Via doesn't have this restriction, as I think the original mininote has higher res.

 

I expected more, considering how Asus is stepping up there game in this market segment.

 

I don't like the looks of the red one at all.... the black one looks pretty good, but it's too "girly" for my tastes....

The interface on the MIE version looks just like what's found on the HP TouchSmart PCs....

The standard battery seems quite small in capacity... it'll be interesting to see what the battery life will be...

Otherwise, these machines look pretty compelling... now if HP would only update the Compaq 2133 with the Atom CPU, then I would have found the perfect eee pc competitor...

 

fujitsu have an 8.9" Centrino2 tablet due out soon, the 1630 i believe.

 

very interesting! Looking forward to hearing more info on this

 

Will carrying one of these take 10% off your macho points?

 

Ewwww

I almost ordered the 8.9 inch version before noticing that it shares the same chassis as the 10.2 inch version, sporting this incredibly ugly look:



I think I'll wait. Definitely want a netbook to suplement my dv4 though.

 

http://www.fujitsu.com/hk/news/pr/fpcap_20081002.html

Defying the restrictions of computing evolution, the Fujitsu LifeBook P1630 makes the ideal mobile companion. Weighing under a kilo(2) and measuring just 232x167x37mm, the LifeBook P1630 can be slipped into a handbag and carried around with comfort and ease. And with the embedded 3.5G(3) capability, you can truly communicate anytime and anywhere!

This small beauty is big in performance boosted by the powerful Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology and a long battery life of 6hrs(4). The LifeBook P1630 is also built with incredibly thoughtful features such as an 8.9" WXGA Transmissive Anti-glare screen with LED backlight for ultimate outdoor viewability, a flip-out UMTS diversity antenna and a palm-rejecting touch panel to save the user from the common problem of accidentally engaging the wrong button when using the stylus.

The addition of an integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel camera and other all-time favourite features such as the bi-directional hinge for maximum versatility, communication tools such as LAN, WLAN, WWAN, Bluetooth® v2.1, the Fujitsu 3D Shock Sensor and other security features let you achieve more from anywhere and in enviable style.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/fujitsu-8-9-inch-lifebook-p1630-sashays-into-the-fccs-lair/

http://gadgetmix.com/index/?p=707

 

Freakishly close to my dream-machine setup listed in my sig.

 

What the specs really mean:



Details Technical Specifications

* Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Home SP3, Mobile Internet Experience Linux

Cheap licenses - $40 for Windows Home, rather than a higher fee even for the lowest priced Vista Basic, and no need to conform to HDCP edics required for Vista.


* Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz)

Ho-hum... like everyone else.

* Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M, 533MHz FSB

A chipset that burns 22watt TDP, 7 year old design, 90nm process that is better mated to a desktop processor burning 50 watt TDP from 7 years ago.

* Memory: DDR2 SDRAM, 533MHz, one SODIMM memory slot, supports up to 2GB (Windows XP restricted to 512MB or 1GB from HP due to Microsoft agreement)

The price of a cheap license is to sooth Microsoft's ego over putting out a product that is rejected by the marketplace.

Note: rejection is not just over performance (which is always debatable), but over compatibility with existing equipment / driver availability, user familiarity with the interface (they like the old), the size of the code (smaller with XP and Linux), and most of all, from the OEM point of view, MUCH cheaper licenses vs Vista.

* Internal Storage: 60GB 4200 rpm PATA hard drive, 8GB/16GB Solid State Drive

This is HP's lame effort to prevent the machine from cannibalizing their existing line of Laptops: force the thing to use an ancient PATA drive that is no longer widely available to make it hard and expensive for the user to upgrade.

If you bought ASUS, MSI, it has a SATA drive, which if you don't like it, you can chuck it out, plug in a SSD SATA drive, and have a screamer.

* External/Removable Storage: 2GB/4GB/8GB HP Mini Mobile drive (available with SSD model only)

Isn' that automatically available to any machine with a USB port?

* Display: 8.9-inch diagonal WSVGA (1224 x 600) or 10.2-inch WSVGA "Infinity BrightView" display

Reduced resolution from 1280X768 (thanks to Chaz below) to match the competition (Asus) even as Asus is about to INCREASE resolution on the next generation of netbooks... nice going HP.

More worried about cannibalization than success in Netbook market.

What is not stated is whether it is a CCFT backlight or an LED backlight like the ASUS, which gives battery life a real boost.

So in the absence of info, it is assumed that the HP is equipped with the inferior CCFT and not LED backlight.

* Graphics: Intel GMA 950

Dredged from the Intel parts bin at a deep discount and nearly useless for any serious graphics, again to keep costs down and competition with real Laptops down.

* Audio: High Definition Audio, stereos speakers, integrated stereo microphone, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in
* Wireless support: 802.11b/g, b/g, optional Bluetooth 2.1

Optional Bluetooth? When Asus include it knowing that 99% of the teens and kids (the ones least bothered by the small keyboard and screen) are going to use it to play MP3s, etc. to their bluetooth headset. At this rate, why not make the power adapter "optional"?

b/g shows they are not even smart enough to put in a single band n card, which costs the same.


* Communications: 10/100 Ethernet
* Expansion slots: Secure Digital (SD) slot
* Ports and connectors: Two USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, VGA webcam

VGA webcam, but no bluetooth headset.... great going.. they must not have heard of video conferencing via Yahoo that 99% of kids do...

* Input device: 92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
*
* Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.99 (at front) x 10.3 x 6.56 inches
* Weight: 2.25 lbs (with 3-cell battery and 8.9" display, 2.4 lbs with 3-cell battery and 10.2" display.
* Power: 3-cell 26WHr Lithium-polymer battery (optional 6-cell 52WHr Lithium-polymer battery

3 cell standard? Didn't they hear that Asus eee PC 1000 has a 6 cell standard?

Haven't they figured out that the big deal with netbooks is that many will run 4-5 hrs on one charge, thus negating the need to bring power adapters along?

What about the charger? Is it a gimpy 30 watt job?




* Warranty: Limited 1-year and 90-day warranty options available, depending on country, Extended warranty available

Figures, if you live in (name your country), you have 90 days....



Well, what this netbook showed is that HP screwed up with the 2133, and this is their second try.... within 6 months.

In another 6 months, as they lose even more market share in Asia and Europe, they will figure out that this model is also a flop...

By that time, ASUS will have sold another few million units, further cementing their lead.

Maybe what HP needs to do is to do some hiring of key staff from competitors that understand netbooks, and set up the business as a separate company that isn't so worried about internal HP politics.

Nice Going HP... a great lesson in taking value out of a machine and making sure that discriminating buyers will notice that their HP netbook is inferior to an Asus.

Big deals:

- Non-upgradeable (for practical purposes) 4200 RPM PATA Drive done strictly to screw users who want to put in own drive - knowing that these drives are hard to find now.

- Florescent Tube (CCFT) backlight with 3 cell battery, plus continue use of ancient 945/950 chipset means bad battery life.

Well, I guess that beats a Via C7... but....

- $397 starting price.. what is the real selling price for a reasonably equipped machine?

Stop playing the Dell game (i.e. $50 for a keyboard backlight that cost $.10 to add.... or $30 for a camera that cost $.50 to add)


Whoever at HP that did this product just ensured that they have a job doing Strike 3...

If they only applied the rule of 3 strikes and you are out at HP for product people.. they would get it right the first time.

 

Ack, they reduced the resolution from 1280x768 on the original Mini-2133 to 1024x600 . . . that is 37.5% less. Disappointing in the least. I can't imagine having only 600 pixels of vertical space . . . *shudder*

Other than that, I like the design. A critical selling point for me is the keyboard. Engadget said it was the best so far.

However, I'm still not biting on these 'netbooks'. The practicality is simply not there for me since there are easily-accessible computers wherever I go, and if there isn't then I take my laptop.

Time will tell whether netbooks will be an over-hyped fad or they are here to stay.

 

I think that's a refresh on the P1620 so you'll probably see a similar price tag of $1700-2300 US.

 

that red looks awesome!!! Though the flowers give it a fruity look, i'd still rock it though

 

I like it! It's a cool blend of colors!
*but thats just me*

Cin

 

Netbooks are not for everyone ---

Let's talk reality here: A typical 5 to 6lb laptop, by the time you actual travel with it in a bag, easily becomes an 8lb box (actual travel weight, including charger, (additional battery if it has less than 3 hr life), misc. cables and what nots).

A netbook that weights 3lbs (4-5 hr battery life) can actually travel at about 3.5 lbs if you do not take the adapter.

I just did about 10,000 miles with a Dell Inspiron 1525, and thank heavens it failed on me, and forced me to buy a netbook.

that 4lbs extra really adds up in everyday life.

 

What are the internals like? I hate when they review laptops and they don't show you what the internals look like, it's like reviewing a car and not showing you wat powers it..eg.. engine.., so how many mini PCI-E slows does it have?, if they will add a 3G modle lately I assume 2?

 

I think that the 3G is really where it's at. It'd be like having BlackBerry or iPhone, only with a whole lot more functionality.

 

i have a question for everyone... does the screen resolution really make that big of a difference on a screen that's 10"? 1280x800 on my 15.4" has me scrolling constantly, i can't really imagine it on a 10".

and more than the resolution, i'm disappointed that there is a $50 premium for a 10" screen that should be standard.

 

The screen is 10xx by 600, so you lose 200 vertical pixels.

 

If hp were to improve this netbook soon will they take out the microphone feature like they did with the dv5t? That really dissappointed me because I was about to buy a dv5t when they had the microphone and then I found out a week later they don't come with a microphone anymore.
So should I wait for hp to improve this mini or just wait until it comes with better features i.e. 3G and 6 cell battery?