14 DAY TRIAL // HP, the leading manufacturer of portable computer systems, has decided it was high time to expand its MiniNote line of Internet-capable, ultra-portable computer systems. Following a series of rumors that made the rounds in the media, the company finally saw the market opportunity to launch its Atom-powered netbook in the form of the new Mini 1000 family, which will be available in three different versions. The new range of ultra-portable systems from HP also includes the fashion-ready Vivienne Tam Edition, which was first spotted earlier this year at the designer's Spring 2009 collection show.
With the official release of the new HP Mini 1000 family, the Palo Alto, California-based systems vendors marks the debut of its first Intel Atom-powered netbook lineup, coming to join all the other major vendors on the market that have already announced their own systems based on this platform. Furthermore, having waited until now to finally release the new netbook, the company had more than enough time to see what improvements it could bring to its product, in order to differentiate it from those coming from the competitors.
The company's just launched netbooks will be made available in both an 8.9-inch WSVGA and a 10.2-inch WSVGA display option, and will be based on an Intel 945GSE + ICH7M chipset. All will be powered by the famous N270 Atom processor, running at 1.6GHz, which will pair with a maximum of 2GB of memory and the Intel GMA950 graphics solution. Additional features include a 60GB 4200RPM PATA hard drive or SSD, coming in 8GB or 16GB capacities. Users will also get to take advantage of the 802.11 b/g wireless LAN with optional Bluetooth 2.1, 10/100 Ethernet, built-in card reader and a keyboard that is 92% of a full-sized one.
At first, all models will be made available with a 3-cell battery Li-polymer option, while a 6-cell option will also become available in January 2009. The starting weight for the 8.9-inch version is 1.01 kg (2.25lbs), while for the 10.2-inch, it is of 1.08kg (2.4lbs).
As mentioned above, the company will come out with three versions of the new ultra-portable MiniNote, one of which is the Vivienne Tam Edition, easily distinguishable by the vibrant red color and the peony flower-inspired design. This model is meant for female fashionistas and, for an estimated price tag of US$699.99, it will also come with an embroidered sleeve to protect the exterior, Accidental Damage Protection service and an HP SmartFriend Calling Card, which will be good for 6 months.
The standard HP Mini 1000 will be made available for $399.99 in both 8.9-inch and 10.2-inch flavors, which are expected to feature a 3G module as early as December 2008. The third and last member of the new HP Mini 1000 family has been dubbed HP Mini 1000 with MIE, short for Mobile Internet Experience, a custom HP Linux build specifically designed for Internet and multimedia use. This version will apparently have an improved startup time, compared with the Windows XP-powered models. It will come with an estimated street price tag of $379.9.
