HP Mini 1000 hands-on
By Paul Miller 
posted Oct 29th 2008 12:19AM
posted Oct 29th 2008 12:19AM
Hardware
We'd be the first to gripe about HP's aesthetics in the consumer space, but for some reason the Mini 1000 just works. Perhaps it's the small form factor that leaves little room for the gaudy and yet a whole bunch of room for a great keyboard, screen and halfway-decent touchpad. The lid of the netbook has a fancy shiny pattern worked into it, which is subtle enough to be tasteful, and the chrome speaker grill in the hinge isn't bad at all. There's an edge-to-edge glass-ish surface in front of the screen, which is probably about 0.75 MacBooks on the glare-o-meter.
The overall build is pure quality, and we can't emphasize enough how important it is for a computer, especially a small, super-portable computer, not to feel like a toy in your hands. This puppy weighs 2.4 pounds in the 10.2-inch configuration, and hardly flexes a millimeter, with a solid screen, hinge and body. It's only slightly less than one inch thick, which is bested handily by the Eee PC S101, but the shrunk-to-fit 16:10 form factor means that "clutch" moniker is more than just marketing speak, it's a whole new way to carry your laptop, and we find it to be plenty small.
The LED-backlit screen is disappointingly low resolution, but is quite bright and plenty vibrant -- a lot better than it looks in our pictures, trust us. The standard battery is a three-cell, but HP will be offering a six-cell in January. 3G should be available in December.
For expansion there's a removable HP Mini Mobile Drive in the SSD versions of the Mini 1000, which is a straightforward USB drive, but disappears completely when you slide it into its designated slot, flush with the machine. Also, intriguingly HP plans to offer an optional "HD video decode accelerator mini-card." We're not exactly sure what that entails, but it sounds fun.
Software
The OS starts up at a respectable pace, and once you've booted you're faced with a home screen that's actually preloaded your primary apps to save you the trouble. Web Browser (Firefox) shows you a few favorites and a search bar, Email (Thunderbird) shows you your recent messages, and Music and Photo apps just sit there looking pretty. There's a nice big app switcher "dock" of sorts across the bottom, and from anywhere in the OS you can tap the "Windows Key" to jump back to the home screen.
There's a fundamental shift here from the file browser and window manager-first approach of most desktop operating systems, but unlike some instant-on operating systems that really do limit you to pre-loaded applications and stripped down functionality, most everything's still here. You can file manage to your heart's content, install programs from Ubuntu's extensive repository, run pre-loaded apps like Open Office, and we're sure someone will manage to make this switchable to Ubuntu's traditional desktop view before long. Unfortunately, HP's not open sourcing any of its MIE interface, which is a little sad seeing how much the company has obviously benefited from existing open source work.
That also brings us to our biggest "mistrust" of the interface, if you will. Everything's sort of buried under this layer of HP. In some cases that's a good thing, and makes the netbook more of an internet-connected, rich media appliance -- like a modern day smartphone with the power and convenience of a full computer operating system. Where that could be a bad thing is in the case of shoddy, irreplaceable apps that are inextricably integrated into the system and get in the way of us enjoying the computer how we'd like to. In short, we're expecting quite a few Engadget-types out there to chafe under HP's rule and install their own preferred flavor of Linux, perhaps running Ubuntu's netbook interface on top, but for a good majority of users, MIE is all they'll need, and we'd say it's delivering Linux in one of the most user-friendly packages yet.
Wrap-up
Overall we're very impressed with HP's new offering. While ASUS is busy charging $699 for its "designed" version of a netbook, HP is delivering a beautiful computer with a "thin enough" chassis at a really aggressive price point -- though you can certainly go Vivienne Tam nutso if you'd like. We, being the nerds we are, will always want more power than Microsoft and Intel are allowing / providing currently, but these netbook things are finally reaching the point of maturity to bring the category out of its pimply gimmick phase and into the "recommend to people we don't dislike" phase. MIE is just gravy, but certainly shows a lot of promise.
it's what it takes to drop the price I guess, but without the HD screen of the 2133, my Rise of Nations won't even run simply cause its engine only takes 768 height or higher, the specs would otherwise be fine, still waiting for that netbook I guess
and seriously manufacturers, quit messing around with small trackpads/weird button positions, and just go back to good ol' space saving pointer stick, I hate how they aren't standard anymore
And seriously, does it play Crisis or what?
The drop in resolution is a bag of hurt.
Eraserheads FTW!!!
My school has about 60 of those lappies with eraserhead mice-thingys. They are about 10 (million) times better than my tiny Inspiron 1520 trackpad.
Totally shameful. Less resolution, same old crappy touchpad, aluminum replaced with plastic. Hey, if price is such a concern, I've got a picture of a netbook I'll sell for only $1.
A 1.6GHz Atom and 2GB RAM on the MIE version, eh?
You know, I may stick Vista HP on it just for giggles. 32 bit of course.
i think this computer is really well made except it has no memory capacity and i want something small but gaming capable. hopefully they will come out with a new 1 with a better hard drive
not open? so basically you are stuck using their built in, extremely limited apps that blow...add to that a terrible screen...no deal
Am I the only one who sees the true release date for these netbooks as the day they ship with 6 cell batteries? These 3-cell only launches are a maddening trend.
I appreciate long battery life, which is why I got an Aspire One with a six-cell, but people like you and I are definitely the minority. Almost everyone I know has a laptop, but almost none carry theirs anywhere.
If you're never away from a power outlet for more than 3 hours, then you really won't mind having a 3-cell, and you might actually prefer the slightly lighter weight.
I agree. Who in their right mind would want a 3 cell battery???
Wait. Didn't the HP Mini 1000 just "make netbooks fun again" eighteen minutes ago?
According to the 12:01am article, "HP's new Mini 1000 and MIE Linux make netbooks fun again," yes.
I think we have a new record for description-to-hands-on turnaround.
...I'll be expecting the full teardown by 12:24, thanks.
Obviously someone is a little excited...
Pffft. That other article was SO 18 minutes ago. How young and impulsive. How cynical we've become.
wow! its so skinny now! thank god somebody in HP got rid of that VGA port!!
well, if i still need to do presentation, hopefully an adapter is included.
Indeed that's a very good choice!
I must say HP has made a lot of good choices with this netbook:
- Display port enables slim design
- Ubuntu based linux with good looking GUI skin
- The build quality of the case seems very high, and personally I think it's good looking
- Price (USD379 as introduction price..)
Two thinks I don't like:
- The artwork on the lid, hopefully this is optional
- The CPU, hopefully they'll upgrade as soon as the dual core is available (for the same price ;-) )
Things are looking good... This "sexy netbook" trend is starting to take off, and by the time I can justify one there will be enough that don't look like toys that I'm sure I'll be able to find the right one for me.
Since when did Engadget get a Mr. Blurry Cam...
Wait, HP is not open sourcing the MIE ? Wow, talk about screwing the very community you depend on for your OS to work. Anyone know if the GPL gives enough legroom to the Ubuntu guys to tell HP to bug off and stop using their distro if they don't open source MIE?
Ever heard of a OS called OS X? =P
@Shyam D:
It really depends. If HP has modified any of the GNU source code, they need to make those changes available to the public. If they wrote their own X11 interface with out using any existing GNU code, then no. One can write a program, compile it to run on Linux, sell it for a profit, and not have to make that code public. They can even use GNU software in their custom interface as long as there are no changes to the GNU code.
I'm not saying that it's right or wrong; that's just how the GNU license has operated.
@w4rh34rt:
OS X isn't Linux and is actually partially based off of FreeBSD which uses the BSD license. That license allows a corporate entity to modify the code, sell it for a profit, and not be required to make the code modifications public.
Fair enough Fuzzball, I knew that OS X was based on BSD but had no idea that's how the BSD license worked. Guess I shouldhave done my homework beforehand hehe.
Available where?
Finally, the netbook I've been waiting for. Good size keyboard, good style (say what you will about HP's notebook design, I think they look awesome), and a great price. Yea, I was hoping for 1280 res, but considering that 1024 x 600 is standard in the netbook space, thats hardly a con. Finally ditching VIA for Atom seals the deal. Mini-note 1000 here I come!
Ummm... Is it just me, or is this device lacking an Ethernet port. Please HP let it have an RJ-45, I absolutely love the way this netbook looks, the drop in screen space is a bit of a bummer but I'm willing to let that go because this netbook looks like a $3000+ SONY VAIO Z.
Anyways, if HP thinks it's Apple and it can get away with missing an arm or a leg then I'm not buying this. No RJ-45, no buy.
I'm actually liking all of HP's designs, even accessories.
nitsnipe, it does have an ethernet port.
Congratulation HP on not making the keyboard suck! You did the arrow keys/right-shift-key correctly!
Now, will you please offer a version with the higher resolution screen? That would clinch the deal for me.
And maybe Apple can take a clue here: Even on this puny computer, THERE'S A REAL DELETE KEY.
Not a Backspace key mislabeled "Delete."
Reply to Information Central! Hold 'Fn' key and press delete! so you don't need an extra key for it!! Apple is smarter than PC...ALWAYS!
Command + Delete = Forward Delete.
Sorry, meant Function, not Command.
@Ho Wai
Sure, because it's much more efficient to use two hands instead of one.
In most non-word precessor applications (Terminal, Safari, Firefox, etc.) ctrl-D gives you "forward delete" (ala unix/emacs). Your fingers don't even need to leave the home row....
The keyboard and MIE are classy and the blue leds makes everything look elegant. The only thing putting it off is the cloud swirls on the cover. An alligator skin pattern would have been preferable, I think. That being said, maybe the cloud swirls are a theft-deterrent pattern.
Congratulation HP, you've just made another blah netbook.
I've been hoping for the last 3 days that the official release would say 1280x768 resolution..
If they had done that, they would have differentiate themselves from everyone else.
Sure its a good looking netbook but so is the Wind, S10, and NC10.
So far, the Eee 900ha is the perfect netbook.
Their ability to cramp so much into a 8.9" screen form factor + decent battery life sets it apart.
Now, whats stopping them from putting the HP2133 screen resolution into the 900ha ??
Man that would be perfect.
Shoot, I want it before Christmas, but the Linux MIE model and the 6-cell battery aren't available until Janurary.
Pictures under the tree just aren't as fun...
Any chance we could see a pic of the bottom side?
I'm wondering if it would be possible to upgrade the stingy SSD and/or RAM.
kthx.
I've been waiting for a CPU refresh for ages. Too bad they lost the aluminum chassis, I loved that. And where's the Windows XP 2GB ram option and the 160gb HD? I loved how the old Mini-note had the largest keyboard AND HD of any netbook, but oh well I guess I can buy my own 500gb internal HD and swap it in, and install XP. That would make a perfect netbook, but I kinda wish they included that new atom that you can see in Dell's 12-inch netbook they just announced.
Good luck finding a 500GB hard drive that fits into a netbook.
@trippel: I have a standard 500gb 2.5 laptop drive in my Aspire One.
Tripel, many netbooks use normal 2.5" sata-drives. And those are available in up to 500GB in size. This one on the other hand may use a 4.2" drive. I assume this since many of those run at 4200 RPM.
Sorry, I meant 1.8" drive, not 4.2". This is what lack of sunshine make to man. :-(
Why do you need 500 GB for a netbook?
I'm pretty sure MS limits the XP installs to machines with 1GB system memory, hence less memory on the XP version than is available on the Linux version. They also limit HD size to 160 GB. That's up from their initial limit of 80GB I think.
Oh hey Mini 1000, where's 6-cell at?
Is this theme available for ubuntu?
Lots more info at jkontherun here:
http://www.jkontherun.com/2008/10/jkontherun--han.html
... including:
- $399 version is XP with 512MB of RAM, 8GB SSD and an 8.9" display (not 10.2")
- The 10.2" XP version is actually $499, but has a 60GB hard disk, 1GB of RAM
- There is no VGA connector. Rather HP has switched to DisplayPort, and a dongle will be available to connect to USB. Presumably similar to what Apple is doing with the new MacBooks, so maybe a DVI dongle will be available as well. Not sure how standard these dongles are. Presumably this is a "standard" DisplayPort rather than the new mini form factor Apple is using.
Lots of unanswered questions about battery life, costs of various options like dongles, mini thumb drives, dock, bluetooth option, etc that hopefully we'll see answered soon. Or even what colors might be available.
Man thank you for that link ! thank you !
Also. I don't see headphones out?
The resolution is the only thing it had going over the competition, now it's same old... And quite a few specs are worse than the competition. Good keyboard might be the deal-breaker.
Not for me. I wish 2133 was done right in the first place, but as it is, they're missing my boat both times.
The preview mentions a drop in resolution but did not mention what that resolution was. Did I miss something?
HP's website shows that the resolution for both 8.9" and 10.2" going at a resolution of 1024x600.
Naaahhh... I 'd better wait for the 2133 refresh. The 1000 is pretty nice, but I would like to see a higher resolution for a 10incher...
Where is that $89 netbook?
whomever said it wasn't opensource is wrong. the hp is using a distro of linux and by the looks of it, probably Ubuntu. but definatly using the gnome xwindow. I like what they did with the UI. would like to get my hands on that since it's a lot nicer than the default ubuntu installation. Linux dev's should take some notes.
I know this netbook seems like everything else on the market, but they got the keyboard and aesthetics right. The size is also right.
And for people who are complaining about the resolution and plastic casing: They lowered the price back to where other netbooks are priced. What did you expect? If HP gave you the metal casing and higher screen resolution found in the previous Mini-note, you'd be complaining about how there's no low-cost option from HP. Now their base cost starts quite low, and they're giving you lots of options for upgrades. Perhaps there will be a higher end version released with the same case and screen resolution as before. Who knows.
This thing looks really great. Nice work.
PS: I don't even mind the funny trackpad.
Some questions i need answered ...
Can i use WinRaR on MIE ?
Can i use JDownloader on MIE ?
Can i use Gom player / media player classic on MIE ?
Can i install video codecs on MIE ?
I don't fully understand MIE but if i can use them that are listed all good but if not then xp will have to do .
From the hands-on at www.jkontherun.com/2008/10/jkontherun--han.html, it's hard to tell.
They said that HP restricts the types of apps you can install through MIE, but that Linux people should have no problem installing what they want. Can you go to a normal Ubuntu install, add the application you want, and go back to using MIE? I actually think MIE looks really good. I only want to do 3 or 4 things with a netbook anyway: Write documents (using LaTeX and .doc files) and emails, use the web, play music, and maybe play some videos on occasion (I'm not big on videos and DVDs and such). MIE would serve me just fine if I could install LaTeX.
@ Lan . Yeah I love the look of MIE but if I'm limited to the things i need then there is no point going with MIE .
Though i don't no why XP version wont be able to read more then 1GB of ram ? unless I read it wrong ...
I'm looking to replace my main laptop (3 yr old) with a netbook like this hp mini .
The main things i use my laptop for is to surf the web . download download download and watch/listen to music/movies plus MSN .
Also I'll be working away from home so the size is really good not to mention price
But it's still early .. I'm sure ill find the information i need in a week or so
BTW best looking netbook I've seen yet . HP has away with style and fashion :)
* Can i use WinRaR on MIE ?
Archive Manager, which is there by default, already supports RAR files
* Can i use JDownloader on MIE ?
Sounds Javaish, so yes. There's probably better automated download managers for you (I like the Firefox plugins).
* Can i use Gom player / media player classic on MIE ?
You'd use VLC or one of the MPlayer variants for a multi-codec player
* Can i install video codecs on MIE ?
You probably won't need to, as most likely HP will include licensed WMV / MP3 etc codecs from Fluendo. But if you do, the 'ubuntu-restricted-extras' package has what you need.
When you said in the other post that the xp option is limited to 1 GB of ram, do you mean that hp will only supply 1 GB and upgrade is possible? Or that this ver of xp will read a max of 1gb???
No, it means that while Microsoft originally said it wouldn't sell new versions of XP anymore because they wanted people to buy Vista, they eventually let manufacturers sell new copies of XP to appease the netbook makers, but only under certain restrictions. One restriction was that manufacturers can't include more than a certain amount of RAM. I think the limit is 1 GB, but it could be 1.5 GB (1 GB + 512 MB). HOWEVER, if the customer installs 2 GB of RAM in the netbook, who's to stop them? That's why you won't see a netbook sold by the manufacturer with 2 GB of RAM unless it has Vista or Linux installed. Microsoft won't allow it to be sold with XP.
There's also another limitation. I believe manufacturers aren't allowed to have a multi-core processor in a netbook and sell it with XP. So a dual-core Atom can't be sold with XP. I'm not 100% certain about this one, though.
Nice netbook.... Except for the touchpad size and button placement... They could have used the EeePC touchpad. Would make it a perfect netbook....
Everyone can now order it online. The site to place order is finally up.
My CTO came up to $549.99 with:
Windows XP SP3
10.2" screen
1GB DDR2 RAM
60GB PATA drive
Wireless-G w/BT
3-Cell Battery
At that price, I can get a MSI Wind with similar specs but with more HDD space for $399.99 @ NewEgg.
As of right now, the styling, design, and keyboard is what keeps me thinking of getting the HP Mini 1000 instead of the MSI Wind. Decisions....decisions.
what kind of adapter can be usw for vga out of Hp mini 1000
I gotta say I really like it, reminds me of my old HP Omnibook 800CT but updated for now. Think this will be /the/ one :)
It's nice, but I'll wait for a mini convertible tablet. Gigabyte is almost there, maybe the next version will be it.
Where is the picture of the power adapter ? ? ? Dell mini 9 adapter is so small and great, just like a cell phone.
Asus, MSI etc are bigger/bulkier with the extra cords etc... what did HP do ?
sounds silly but if you have a light small laptop, I don't want a bulky power adapter. Dell mini9 one is just great.
thx
Nice to see them putting some effort into the Linux version. I told an HP rep that I am jealous of Dell because their /one/ netbook is almost the only one of the market whose pre-loaded Linux OS is actually decent. To rub it in, they provide that OS almost unchanged, which I find just swell.
I think this would be just fine with Ubuntu Netbook Remix, as Dell has shown us, which is simpler but a lot closer to the platform. However, there seems to be no stopping HP and their obsession with developing redundant software. This looks quite a bit better than TouchSmart, thankfully. For example, the GNOME panel is still visible on the bottom instead of being completely obscured so I don't think "normal people" will have too much trouble with it.
Since the Linux Synaptic drivers are way better than the Windows ones, I wonder if that touchpad supports multi finger input? Engadget, did you guys have a chance to try a three finger (or maybe two finger) tap to do a right click?
So I been considering either a Dell Mini 9 or a HP Mini 1000.
While the HP does rank higher in the 60 GB HDD compared to Dell's 16 GB SDD, I have a hard time choosing between the two laptops.
Both have glossy screens (which I like)
Both have the same CPU speed
Both have webcams and built-in-mics (am i correct?)
One thing I didn't like is HP's integrated mic and audio jack. How can I use my headset then if I have two seperate cords?
Another thing: Can I use skype videocalling if I use Linux? I never used Linux before.
That "Front Row-esque" player is Elise Media Player, which is still in Beta.
Bot sure what the hell HP was thinking with that. Mythbox or XBMC would of been a better choice, and it would of seemed less copycat-like.
I also really want them to OSS the MIE interface, it looks so awesome.
Wow hp have finally learn t from their last attempt at a netbook.
i have a question if any one can answer me: when will it come to asia pacific/ Australia
thanks
I will be getting one of these next year! I love the interface!
Does anybody know if you can load VMWare on to the MIE version? I'd love to get this version (Ubuntu + better hardware than XP version) and then load a hypervisor to ALSO get XP on the machine.
Very nice! Couple of questions:
1. Is the ram/hdd easily accessible for upgrading?
2. Are the USB ports powered?
3. Will the 6-Cell battery look like an ugly mutation sticking out?
I'm pretty sick and tired of this stuff. People's jaws will drop no matter what it is... OMG! Britney's panties are on a laptop! I'm gonna buy one! Sheesh, get a life everybody! Eee and all that crappola doesn't impress me at all!
This is what I want and I will never be satisfied until I get one:
A total package measuring no more than 1" by 4" that can provide the following: A pocket-sized, rollout portable PC with the following "technology is already here but nobody wants to build one" stuff, consisting of:
+ OLED rollout display, 12 x 20 inches. I can role it out to 12 x6 inches if I want and still get the display, or open it for more display.
+ A display built into glasses that is connected to the main unit through a Bluetooth-like interface. Can be used instead of OLED.
+ Diskless storage of at least 100GB.
+ 4GB RAM or better.
+ An OS that combines the best of Ubuntu, Windows XP/Vista and Solaris features. In short, a brand new OS with a small storage footprint that gives me all the features that I want in an OS, not the ones that the OS manufacturer insists I should have!
+ An infrared or laser-based keyboard.
+ Built-into the 1" x 4" box is: the latest wireless technology with a good antenna (including Wi-Fi), all the storage, OS and programs I want, keyboard emitter, Bluetooth or better technology for sound (through miniphones), microphone (miniature, integrated into a button on all my shirts), and for the display glasses.
+ Programs that I can download anytime, anywhere, through the wireless connection. Includes online books, videos, applications, phone calls (internet calls?), and the like.
+ Good security features. If the device is stolen, a lo-jack-type recovery device is built-in, connected to satellite as soon as it turns on, ID'ing the device to the cops (or to me, I'll hunt down the bastard(s) myself...
And this is just the beginning... So somebody please take my ideas (no copyright involved, just do it) and make it happen!
Maybe someone can take your stool sample instead? It's more valuable.
On HP's website, it mentions nothing about any linux OS options. It only mentions XP. I keep reading on about this netbook having linux. I don't want to pay additionally for a license of Windows that I am not going to use.
Site for the HP Mini 1000 Series at http://myhpmini.com
I absolutely LOVE the MIE interface. For my money it's the best looking one out there right now, this includes the OS X stuff. Very good job,HP!
Hi everyone,
Is there a way to put in a hard drive into these little netbook puppies? Everytime I see them the highest drive capacity they offer is like 8 gigs... It's the same with that Dell E Slim one. Thanks!
I'd rather wait for MID
Beautiful netbook, great keyboard, and right weight/size. Poor webcam which produces too dark an image in normal light. Not good for video conferencing. Poor battery life compared to it 6 cell competitors.
where is the ethernet port? i dont see it.
Surely my stool sample is far more valuable than yours, since you're is definitely without any substance...
Dude your school can only afford 60 of these? lol. My school has a few 100 Macbooks and a few 100 Macbook Pros plus 1000s of iMacs. Lol
Thats a extrmely impressive small form factor notebook.
I got EeePc from Asus but is totatlly crap. It is not a computer at all. My NDS with homebrew softwares can do the same job as EeePc.
Really wanna try this one out
I seriously don't understand how people like those eraser head pointer things that were banished in the 90s. Those things suck so hard.
The keyboard is much more usable than the Acer Aspire One and the unit is only slightly longer yet thinner, but...the HP does not seem to have an Ethernet jack, only an expansion port. I guess i could carry a USB to Ethernet adapter for those hotel rooms with a jack but no WiFi (or carry a wireless router), but should i have too?. The real drawback is in expanding/replacing the harddrive in the future. The 1.8 inch form factor isn't all that common that you can just pop into a computer store and buy a new 250 gig version when available. And as solid state drives become common and prices drop to reasonable levels they will most likely be 2.5 inch models, at least to begin with as that would be the largest market. Over all it is a great looking machine and I'm torn between it and the Aspire One. I think that, over the next couple months, when i finally spring for a netbook, it will come down to price. If they were the same price it would be the HP hands down , but for $100 less (give or take), the Acer looks like the better deal for something i will only use while travelling, OK, maybe occasionally at home.
How can you enable the command line in this rascal? (i.e. Per HP's web site it says the command line is disabled, which is too limiting.)