14 DAY TRIAL // Palo Alto, California-based HP has just announced the expansion of its line of mini-laptops with the introduction of the new Mini 5101, a netbook PC designed to meet the performance requirements of on-the-go professionals. Built on the same platform that is currently at the base of the majority of netbook systems, the new Mini 5101 comes to provide users with a high-quality build that can deliver the basics in computing experience and energy efficiency. Unlike any of the company's other Mini netbooks, the new model packs a sleeker, more elegant design, with design features similar to those of the company's EliteBook and ProBook series.
“HP Mini PCs have no equal when it comes to industrial design, use of innovative materials and overall feature sets,” Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP, said. “The HP Mini 5101 is truly a work of art, a sophisticated companion PC crafted for the trend-savvy mobile professional who needs functionally, durability and style.”
According to HP, the new netbook has been designed for professional users, providing them with an alternative to similar 10-inch netbooks on the market. It boasts a 10.1-inch diagonal LED display, available in WSVGA or high-definition resolutions, a choice for a four-cell or a six-cell battery pack and Intel's highly successful Atom processor. Users will also be provided with a configuration choice between a 7200RPM hard drive or a faster Solid State Drive, available in capacities of 80GB or 128GB.
Additional features include an integrated HP Mobile Broadband module, WiFi WLAN with optional Bluetooth 2.0, an integrated 2MP webcam and an HP 3D DriveGuard technology that is designed to deliver protection to the system's hard drive, in case of a sudden movement or shock.
Price-wise, the netbook is expected to become available later in July for a starting price of US$449. Although it's not the cheapest system in its category, the Mini 5101 sure makes for a good-looking netbook.