For some time now, leading computer systems vendor HP has been rumored to be working on at least one new version of its small-sized, low-power ultra-portable computer system, the MiniNote 2133. As it turns out, we should soon see the fruits of that labor, as the company is expected to introduce the new MiniNote 1000 netbook later this week, according to “The Technicist.”

 

There are few details to go on for the time being, except that the upcoming netbook surfaced on one of the company's shopping web pages - from where it was subsequently removed. According to currently available details, the new netbook has been dubbed HP MiniNote 1000, and appears to boast a similar external design as its predecessor, the MiniNote 2133. It should have a starting weight of 2.25lbs, and be less than 1 inch thin, specifications that would place it well within the range of similar portable computer systems.

Price-wise, the system should become available for a starting price of $399.99, which makes it roughly similar to other 10-inch, Atom-powered netbooks, such as the Wind, S10 and the Eee PC 1000H. And this is where rumors begin, as no other official details are available at this time.

 

Regarding the system's screen size, HP is likely to have featured its new netbook system with a 10-inch display, thus allowing for a larger keyboard and better viewing space. It is yet uncertain if the HP MiniNote 1000 is going to be powered by an Intel or a Via processor, but if we are to trust last week's news regarding an upcoming 10-inch, Atom-powered netbook designed by HP in collaboration with worldwide renowned designer Vivienne Tam, then we can speculate that this new consumer MiniNote from HP will be based on Intel's highly successful Atom platform. On the other hand, a business version could be equipped with a VIA-made processor, as the company has been rumored to have placed a considerable order to the chip maker, earlier this year.

 

As far as storage is concerned, given the system's physical details, it could be offered with an SSD-based solution, while an HDD version could also be made available for users looking for higher-capacity storage solutions.