14 DAY TRIAL // Even though they aren't growing, as a market, quite as fast as some companies hoped, netbooks are still growing in popularity, especially now that high-speed DDR3 memory is no longer out of their reach. Consumers are already finding reason to replace their previous-generation models. Better multitasking and multimedia support are the main factors behind this increased interest. HP, however, appears to have chosen not to focus much on these aspects, instead being content with optimizing one of its laptops' design for use by children.
The top-tier PC supplier has officially announced the existence of the Mini 100e Education Edition. On the inside, this product is not much different from all the other Pine Trail-based entry-level mobile computers that swarm the market. What does cause the 100e to stand out is its design. Essentially, the machine is meant to aid in children education and, thus, it is built compact, with a carrying handle that allows it to be easily transported.
The configuration is centered around the Intel Atom N455 central processing unit, which operates at a clock speed of 1.66GHz and is backed up by up to 2GB of RAM. The display is a LED-backlit panel with a diagonal of 10.1 inches and a native resolution of 1024 x 600. This screen is utilized by an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (Intel GMA) integrated graphics solution. Additionally, a hard disk drive provides 160GB of storage space. Other specifications include 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g WiFi and a 3-cell or 6-cell battery.
"HP is committed to helping schools adapt to students' changing needs and to creating solutions that provide better interactivity, connectivity and learning," said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavors."
The Mini 100e is pre-loaded with Windows XP, Windows 7 Starter or SUSE Linux Enterprise 11. Shipments should begin next month, with prices expected not to go over $300.