HP Mini

Processor and memory

The HP Mini 1000 uses a 1.60 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor and includes 1 GB of DDR2-533 memory with support for up to 2GB. The Mini has only one slot for RAM. Due to Microsoft's restrictions, the XP versions were only sold with 1GB of RAM, but a user can easily upgrade to 2GB by accessing the slot on the bottom of the computer and replacing the module.

Storage

The HP Mini 1000 shipped with either a 16/32GB SSD or a 60/80GB 1.8" hard disk drive. The HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition was also available with an 8GB SSD. A ZIF SATA connector is used as opposed to standard PATA/SATA connector cables.

Motherboard

The motherboard uses the Intel 945GSE northbridge chipset and Intel ICH7M southbridge. The motherboard model is HP361A. The northbridge component provides the integrated Intel GMA950 graphics core.

Display

The Mini features either an 8.9- or 10.1-inch LED-backlit display. The 8.9" display has a resolution of 1024x600 pixels, the 10.1" is 1024x576 (10.2" @ 1024x600 is no longer sold). Both models feature stereo speakers, a webcam, and a single audio jack for both mic and headphones. Both the unit and the dock connector can carry a VGA connection. A first-party adaptor is available from the HP online store.

Power

A 3-cell battery is included as standard. A 6-cell battery can be ordered as an accessory, or (with the Mini 1000 and Digital Clutch only) chosen in place of the 3-cell battery during configuration. The 3-cell and 6-cell batteries provide up to 3 hours and 6 hours of run-time, respectively.

Software

The Mini has Windows XP & Windows 7 Starter installed at launch and can be upgraded to Windows 10, while Mi (a special HP operating system based on Ubuntu, named for "mobile Internet" containing "HP MediaStyle" based on Elisa) was released in early January 2009 on the HP Mini 1000 "Mi Edition."

Connectivity

In addition to the aforementioned card reader, the system has two standard USB ports, a 10/100 Mbit Ethernet port, a single 3.5mm audio in/out mini-jack, and a power connector. The Mini 1000 also has a proprietary dock connector which can carry VGA, USB, RJ-45 (over USB), analogue audio in/out, and power. An 802.11b/g wireless NIC (Broadcom BCM4312) is included for Wi-Fi, while Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and a built-in HSDPA modem are options. It can be connected to Verizon for a one- or two-year contract.

Known issues

• Integrated Microphone Array does not work under Windows Vista or Windows 7 RC1 Build 7100 and earlier
• Audible popping sound under Windows 7 Prior to RC1 and Windows 10 "November Update" and older
• Poor 3.5mm output audio quality using Windows XP drivers (some models)
• Mini 1000 - built in webcam only works well with bright lighting conditions. This can be fixed by removing the reflective piece. This square piece is glued in place and is easiest removed by spreading the casing around the monitor and pulling it out. This will create a small opening for dust.
• Requires HP-customized version of Windows XP to prevent crashes on bootup.
• Due to a power adapter port design defect, HP-provided power adapter cannot fit flush, allowing the power adapter to come easily disconnected.
• All Windows 8 apps (except PC Settings app) will not working on HP Mini 1000 because display resolusion is too small. This can be fixed by enabling "Display1_DownScallingLevel" on regedit.exe and restart the computer.

Reception

Initial reviews have been positive, complimenting the computer's keyboard and aesthetics as particular selling points in comparison to its market rivals, and the improved battery life and performance, and reduced price, as particularly important improvements over its antecedent, the HP 2133. However, reviewers noted that the diminutive 1.8-inch hard drive, usually used in digital audio players, performed slower than the 2.5-inch drives in competitors and criticized the decision to charge separately for a VGA adaptor. Although the battery life has been improved, it still does not stand out from the competition.^[8][9]

Details

The new components are a 1.6 GHz single-core Intel Atom processor, a 10.2-inch "standard definition" or "high definition" (1024×576 or 1366×768 pixel) LED-backlit LCD display (with a glass cover and acrylic coating), an Intel GMA 950 graphics adapter, and a 160GB HDD (5400 or 7200rpm) or 80GB solid-state drive. Operating systems available are similar to those for the Mini-Note 2133: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, FreeDOS, Windows Vista (Home Basic or Business), Windows XP Home (only on 1GB RAM models) or Professional (through downgrade rights from Vista Business).^[10]

Its features, accessories and appearance are otherwise identical to the HP 2133, however HP predict that the new processor and screen will give it up to 8.5 hours of run time on the 6-cell battery. A docking station will be made available. The updated machine was initially available in various configurations with prices starting at $499USD for a system with the "standard definition" display, hard disk drive, 1GB of RAM, and 3-cell battery, without Bluetooth or 802.11n support, running Windows XP Home.^[11][12]

HP Mini 2140 now appears to be a discontinued product. HP Mini 2150 is contemplated and was scheduled to launch in June 2009.

Reception

A review by Laptop Magazine (of a system with a 1024×576 pixel display and 2GB of RAM running Windows XP) has complimented HP for addressing common criticisms of the earlier model. The reviewer notes that the Mini 2140 produced much less heat, although the underside did become warm, and had much improved battery life compared to the Mini-Note 2133. Their system continuously loaded websites for 3 hours and 32 minutes on the small 3-cell battery, and 7 hours and 19 minutes on the larger 6-cell battery. However, the reviewer chided HP for the low resolution display which showed approximately "two lines" less than netbooks with 1024×600 pixel displays. Otherwise, praises and criticisms of the 2140 were similar to those for the 2133. The magazine gave the system their "Editor's Choice" award.^[13]

Similar products from HP

A new HP notebook similar in appearance to the Mini-Note, called the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition, was unveiled in October 2008, with a launch expected for December that year.^[14] The small pink computer is a collaboration with fashion designer Vivienne Tam, and has a 10-inch screen, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and an 80GB hard disk drive. A few days later, a black notebook of otherwise similar appearance called the "HP Mini 1000" was informally revealed by a banner on the company's store, and officially announced on the 29 October 2008. Unlike the 2133, this device is meant for the home market.