HP's new Mini 2140 stuffs Atom, larger screen into original form factor

Just when we thought HP had moved on, what with the Mini 1000 getting all the love these days, HP has returned to its original Mini-Note 2100 series of netbooks with the 2140. Supposedly aimed at businesses, the new netbook loses that sluggish VIA C7-M of its predecessors and replaces it with -- you guessed it -- a 1.6GHz Atom processor. There's also a 80GB or 160GB hard drive onboard and a 10-inch screen available in 1366 x 768 and 1024 x 567 resolutions, plus that lovable ExpressCard / 54 slot hasn't gone anywhere, but the machine remains otherwise mostly unchanged. Prices start at $499 for the base model, and OS choices include XP Home / Pro, SuSe Linux, FreeDOS and Windows Vista Home Basic / Premium. The laptop is certainly a nice step up over the Mini 1000, but we sure could use a bit more power under the hood. You know, for business.

[Thanks, Jarrett]

Read - HP updates Mini 2x netbooks with Atom, 10in LCD
Read - HP Mini 2140 official site

[oZ @ Jan 5th 2009 11:54PM]

Well, crap, they fixed everything I hated except for the buttons on either side of the trackpad. 2133 owners, does it suck as bad as it looks to have them there? I think I might be sold on this one.

[z0phi3l @ Jan 6th 2009 12:15AM]

I don't use the L button much, but the R one is ok for context menus

[Cash @ Jan 6th 2009 4:34AM]

I tap the touchpad to left-click anyway.

I like it, but I'll wait till the new dual core Atom's come out. Quad core computing had just spoiled me, and that half a second lag between click and response even in XP is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

[BB @ Jan 6th 2009 6:15AM]

If HP put a better graphic chip in this baby, it will be an instant sold!
The crappiest 945 965 ain't going anywhere.

[Tim @ Jan 6th 2009 12:55PM]

Not Really. The buttons on the sides of the trackpad is inconvenient, but I find that I don't need to use them all that often. Really, for me at least, it amounts to having to stop and looking where to press the button before I press it. Not a big deal since I typically would have needed to do that anyway. To click-and-drag (vs. double-tap-hold-and-drag) does require using both hands, though; I usually just use my left thumb to click the left button and drag with my right index finger.

[Skrying @ Jan 5th 2009 11:55PM]

Nearing perfection. The nice resolution screen, a mechanical hard drive, and good looks. Leave it to HP to buck the trend.

[L @ Jan 6th 2009 4:26AM]

Agree - this thing is gorgeous and imho the best netbook out there right now by far.

Now, if only HP managed to integrate the 6 cell battery into the device itself...

[Basic @ Jan 6th 2009 4:18PM]

Nearly perfect. I'll be looking for a HSDPA modem, bigger battery, and Ion graphics.

[adam @ Jan 20th 2009 4:37PM]

does anyone know if you can ge the linux version and install XP or Vista on my own?

[schmitt @ Jan 5th 2009 11:55PM]

THAT thing is HAWT.

[Horse @ Jan 6th 2009 12:01AM]

Two HP laptops with failed motherboards within two years. Sorry, no matter how sweet it looks, they've lost my business.

[oZ @ Jan 6th 2009 12:18AM]

Stuff happens, laptops die. I don't like HP much, but this is gorgeous. Did HP replace them? Were they out of warranty? Get an extended one.

[L @ Jan 6th 2009 4:28AM]

My 1.5 y/o Pavillon 6000 also had a mainboard failure a couple of weeks ago - annoying, but the service was pretty flawless and quite quick, so it's acceptable overall for me.

[wii991000 @ Jan 6th 2009 12:03AM]

thats what i call a true netbook

[WILLIAM @ Jan 6th 2009 12:15AM]

The only thing HP is missing is a 5-7hr battery and they would be a major player in the netbook market.

[schaarschmidt @ Jan 20th 2009 5:43PM]

I agree. I am looking for a 10 inch computer with a battery life of at least 5 hours. Does anyone know how long the 3 cells last in one of these?

[Joshua Walters @ Jan 6th 2009 12:17AM]

1024x567 is a stupid resolution.

Anyone who owns a netbook with a 1024x600 resolution knows that its manageable, but the down scrolling thing gets a little annoying (you do get used to it, just use all your programs in full screen mode with minimal menus). But losing 33 pixels? Thats not going to work. That would require an even higher learning curve.

I like 1366x768 though. That would be better than good. Hell, thats higher than what I use at home! (1024x768 FTW! Well, for the frugal win!)

[frumpsnake @ Jan 6th 2009 12:33AM]

That's clearly meant to be 1024x576.

[Mark @ Jan 6th 2009 1:03AM]

I'm with you 100%. Goddamn sick of this widescreen trend on monitors. 16:9 is just stupid when it comes to using a computer for actual WORK. You know, like this BUSINESS-ORIENTED laptop.

[Down @ Jan 6th 2009 12:26AM]

Why would you use 1024x567 when your screen can display 1366 x 768? Why even mention the 1024x567?

[Pedobear @ Jan 6th 2009 12:28AM]

Maybe it's because people who don't live in a cave realize that computers often come with varying resolutions depending on configuration

[Mark @ Jan 6th 2009 1:02AM]

Because the 1366x786 screen will be a $100 option along with nicer everything else?

[Spartan2x @ Jan 6th 2009 12:28AM]

I am so glad I waited for them to update this version!

The 6 cell battery should last a good while on the Atom. I wonder if the older 6 cell battery's will work on the newer model.

Very Impressed! This is the perfect thing to take to and from school. The alum case lets me just toss it into my bag and not worry about breaking it. Cases be darned. Now I just need to install a Nice ssd...

[Fab @ Jan 6th 2009 9:20AM]

Apparently the two share the same batteries. Only the Mini 1000 uses a different battery from 2133/2140

http://hpfansite.com/hp-mini/hey-hp-mini-2140-hands/

[Ray @ Jan 6th 2009 12:43AM]

That's it! Thats the netbook I'm ordering. Ive been waiting for news on the 2133 refresh (i was disappointed with the choice of the c7) and part of me wishes they used the nano, but the atom is good enough.

Pop a mogo mouse in the express card bay, and you have a great netbook for traveling.

[Ian @ Jan 6th 2009 1:06AM]

With the higher res screen, WinXP, and RAM, that thing is going to cost $699, possibly more. No way this machine only costs $499 and not cannibalize their Mini 1000.

Saying all that, it would still be worth it. :o

[decapitor @ Jan 6th 2009 1:31AM]

Finally all the holdouts can be happy and let me enjoy my Mini 1000 in peace.

[BChau @ Jan 6th 2009 1:54AM]

If only it would include a trackpointer rather than the tiny trackpad, I would be sold. Naturally I would assume it can be updated to Win 7 later on.

[DssTrainer @ Jan 6th 2009 2:04AM]

Finally someone to break the mold! This thing could be sweet!
I'm all about the FreeDOS install! No chance of bloatware!

[DjFIL @ Jan 6th 2009 3:25AM]

Very pretty, but I still won't buy a Netbook without a 6-cell battery. But my Netbook purchase is waiting until we see more of what will happen with the nVidia Ion.

[L @ Jan 6th 2009 5:35AM]

There is an 6-cell option...

[Uncontrol @ Jan 6th 2009 5:06AM]

... 10 inch Powerbook!?

[weg @ Jan 6th 2009 7:58AM]

I think that thing has a hell a lot more power than my 12" PowerBook G4. I'm tempted ;)

[CJ @ Jan 6th 2009 5:18AM]

10.1 inch 1024x576 / 1366 x768 screen
1.6-GHz Intel Atom N270
1GB RAM ( 2GB max )
160GB HDD (5400 or 7200rpm) / 80GB SSD
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth Bluetooth 2.0
Windows XP Home
2X USB, Ethernet, Headphone, Microphone, VGA out
ExpressCard slot
SD memory reader
Size 10.3 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
Weight 3.0 pounds
3 and 6 cell battery options (up to 7 hours over wifi with the 6 cell)


Definatly the best netbook ever.

[L @ Jan 6th 2009 6:05AM]

Laptop Mag seems to agree.

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/hp-mini-2140.aspx?page=1

Battery life on this thing is amazing - 7h 19m while constantly browsing the net (6 cell battery)...

[Tony @ Jan 9th 2009 4:52AM]

Can anyone tell me what are the different between Model 1035 ?

http://www.bestdealsonar.com/good-and-cheap-hp-1035nr-102-inch-netbook/

* 10.2-inch (Diagonal) WSVGA LCD Infinity BrightView LED Display, 1024 x 600 Resolution
* 1.60 GHz Intel Atom Processor N270 with 512KB L2 Cache
* 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm), 60GB (4200RPM) Hard Drive, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (shared) with up to 128MB Total Available Graphics Memory
* 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
* Genuine Windows XP Home Edition, dims in inches: 6.56 (W) x 10.3 (D) x 0.99 (H) approx., 2.38 lbs

What is the big improve ? I found 1 thing ... It changed Color from black to silver. :)

[CJ @ Jan 9th 2009 5:36AM]

1. 2gb ram insted of 1
2. 6 cell battery that gives 7 hours of battery life
3. uses 2.5" sata drives insted of slow 1.8" pata drives
4. hdd version gives u 160gb of 5400rpm or 7200rpm insted of 60gb 4200rpm
5. ssd version gives you 80gbs insted of 16

also try www.myhpmini.com it has lots of information on all of the hp mini's (1000, mi, 2140)

[mike @ Jan 6th 2009 5:26AM]

so you guys want a laptop that runs windows, that is too weak to play games.

what's it for? (please say something I can't do on my $200 iPod touch)

....

....

Oh Dear God, please don't say Copy Paste.

[CJ @ Jan 6th 2009 5:33AM]

For 1. I have an iPhone 3g. and frankly if i do too much browsing or something the browser will crash and go back to the home screen and ill have to re load the page.

2. iPhone / iPod Touch doesnt have Adobe Flash which means poor browsing since alot of sites need flash. Also if you want to watch a video not on YouTube your screwed.

3. It's a NETBOOK, even Im not that slow. It's used to -drumroll please- browse the NET

:)

[L @ Jan 6th 2009 5:35AM]

Obvious troll is obvious.

[Benson @ Jan 6th 2009 8:23AM]

I'm plus-ranking you, just for reading my mind about the copy and paste.

[Tim @ Jan 6th 2009 6:54PM]

"Too weak to play games"?? What are you talking about? Any laptop you pay less than $1,000 for will be too weak to play games. Playing (serious) games requires dual-core 2+GHz processors and a dedicated graphics cards. Heck, there are numerous DESKTOP computers that are "too weak to play games." That's simply not a valid criticism of any netbook or notebook/laptop computer that is intended for Student/Business clients.

[Félix @ Jan 7th 2009 8:54AM]

Can you type an office document on your iPhone touch ?

[fucter @ Jan 6th 2009 7:14AM]

suse is awesome, glad to see it getting some love

[BryanSD @ Jan 6th 2009 7:40AM]

Drat...here I sit with my Dell Mini 12 wishing I would have waited a month or two more before buying a netbook. The Mini 12 is suiting me just fine...but I think the HP 2140 is going to be a winner. It has everything I wanted in the HP MINI 2133 PLUS the Atom processor.

[htd @ Jan 6th 2009 8:30AM]

I would prefer 1280x720 for daily use and video playback... also I heard rumor intel forced those netbooks to be 1024x600, guess that's not true... why atom instead of via nano this time?

[earlycj5 @ Jan 6th 2009 9:38AM]

I don't regret having mine for nine months by now, but I wish I could justify upgrading to this one. Seems like they've addressed the major issues while keeping the good points about this computer.

Anyone else click on the "Buy Now" link and get http://www.idea.com/ ?

[JP23 @ Jan 6th 2009 11:45PM]

Yeah WTF is that crap. I wanted to customize and get a price on one.

[Luffy @ Jan 6th 2009 11:17AM]

I'm surprised no netbook manufacturers have added a trackpoint to a netbook yet, especially Lenovo. I love trackpoints, and they would be perfect for these small netbooks.

[Rush Montgomery III @ Jan 6th 2009 11:50AM]

All I wanna know is does it play WoW?