Just when you thought you were
safe from the netbook horde, along comes HP's new Mini 5101 to tempt you with the same basic specs once again, but this time with a slick aluminum and magnesium chassis to appeal to the "mobile professional" or anyone else with a bit of class. In a crazy twist, HP has
finally moved the mouse buttons below the trackpad (because only professionals like clicking), and has included other perks like a 7200 RPM hard drive, Bluetooth 2.0, 2 megapixel webcam, and options of either a WSVGA (1024 x 600) or "HD" (1366 x 768) 10.1-inch LED screen. There are also options for 80GB or 128GB SSD drives, four-cell or six-cell batteries, with the latter rated at an improbable eight hours of runtime, and of course WWAN. There's a start price of $449, but with some of these options we could see that shooting up pretty fast -- especially if you pick the optional USB-powered external disc drive, external speakers or port replicator. It's not cheap being cheap. The Mini 5101 goes on sale in July.
We got a quick hands-on with the netbook, and were fairly impressed. The square chiclet keys are much easier to hunt down than Mini 1000-series flush keys, and the proper trackpad configuration is naturally a huge bonus. We'd much prefer multitouch scrolling to the side-scrolling action, of course, but at least it's an improvement. The overall build quality is near the top of any laptop or netbook we've played with in this price range -- it's not perfect, and there's some of that telltale keyboard flex, but it's a big improvement over its largely plastic competitors and predecessor.
posted Jun 24th 2009 12:02AM
the elite book design definately works, I didn't think they could make it look better than the 2140 but this is nice
Does not matter,
According to this article some intelligent loser said Netbooks are crap.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/entelligence-netbooks-r-i-p/
The writer of that article could not of been a bigger douche.
The article was absolute sensationalist shit.
I certainly wont be reading anything else he writes.
tonight on: 'missing the point' A1 plumbings best.
I also like the design, nevermind the anti-netbook article from earlier today. I could completely believe an 8 hour runtime with the LED screen option and an efficient SSD under the hood... particularly if you could put some flavor of Linux on it that could be SSD optimized instead of the worst OS possible for a netbook, Vista.
I bet the reason they are shipping Vista instead of something more appropriate is because they are willfully breaking Microsoft's arbitrary hardware limitations for XP on netbooks.
Did the 2140 every actually release the "HD" (1366) screen version? I remember that being promised at launch but to my knowledge it never came out? (i was waiting for that to buy) .
So now this, I think I'll buy one since it has the 1366, LED-backlit screen. I have fine eyesight still, so to me a high resolution is the way to go. It will slot right in nicely between my Dell Mini 9 and my 13-inch Macbook (which actually has lower screen res) :)
Will probably replace my Mini 9 actually, if it's as portable as the Dell.
Yes, but that model is only available from HP's business site. Dell also has an HD option for the mini 10
As much as I admire the whole netbook seen. They have all looked like kids toys up until now.
*scene* frickin' engadget no edit function.
Not sure why this wasn't mentioned by the cpu is a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280.
HP Mini 5101 RAM upgrade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imGzpWZOwEc
Anyone know what the required hardware specs are for a netbook to play HD video without stuttering? Intel 950 GMA? 1366 x 768 screen? Which netbooks play HD right now?
Don't know. Would be nice to. No netbooks currently play 720p flash fullscreen without stuttering. Anantech has tested an N330 dual core Ion overclocked to 1.9GHz with an Ion and it still didn't handle 720p flash full screen without frame rate issues.
It appears that Adobe Flash doesn't support any meaningful GPU offload, so the GPU is irrelevant right now. We'll see if this changes in the future.
I ASSUME that thin and lights running Intel's CULV processors can handle full screen flash, but am not sure.
No idea if the new Gateway running a 1.2GHz Athlon can handle HD Flash full screen or not.
Does anybody else feel like engadget has become a netbook blog?
GASP!!!!!! It's like Jessica Alba in computer form!
Actually, after looking at the specs, I'm thinking its more like Paris Hilton. Hot on the outside but too slow to do anything productive with.
I think you're giving Paris Hilton too much credit. I'd say that Hayden Panettiere better applies to that analogy.
Looks really nice but I am holding off upgrading my 1000HA until we get a netbook that has the option of backlit keyboard.
Who the hell looks at a keyboard?
@Poo_and_Wee
People from whom a netbook can do whatever they do with their computer... people who need to look at the keyboard to type. ;)
Is that a GLOSSY TRACKPAD?
Of all the things to make glossy ...
Crap. That was going to be my snarky comment. It was going to go like this:
Wow! They finally figured out how to make the trackpad glossy too! Great...
It looks like the keyboard area between the keys is glossy too. And wow, it comes with Vista! And look at how well it shows off all the fingerprints!
But honestly that's the one of the mattest laptops out there. Look at some Toshiba Satellites.
at least the screen is matte...
HP TZ?
I thought the same. It looks pretty much like my Sony TZ31
The Vaio TZ's are sexy, better looking than the current TT models in my opinion.
I like the glossy trackpad. Adds a nice contrast.
Looks great...but Vista??? idk....
This means starting June 28th, it will qualify for the free Windows 7 upgrade!
joy joy joy!
Here is a real laptop http://atxelectronics.net/Product.aspx?ProductID=245.
Because of how Sony can be with their drivers, at least in my experience from several years ago, I would never buy a Sony computer. They are well engineered, though.
At a 10.1 inch screen size, I think that the laptop needs to be as light/small as possible, and the 1 inch bezel is NOT helping. Fugly.
+1
The huge bezel makes it look like junk.
It looked nice... and then it looked like it was half bezel. What were they thinking? I'm guessing they can give you the nice package at that price point but not with any larger a screen. Pity.
I love everything about this but the bezel size, and the fact that it's glossy. I'm holding out for something slightly better. I won't go wheelchair!
I just noticed if you compare the older 1000 model with the 10.2in screen they had when it first came to the 10.1in screen it latter got. The bezel on the 10.2in screen looks noticeably a bit smaller. So at the least they could have done is gone with the 10.2in screen they use to put on their netbooks.
This netbook is win, I may need to get this.
No matter how pretty these are I'm still waiting for ION to show up in these puppies.
Looks pretty sweet, I'd definitely be interested in this if I didn't have a 1000HE already... (Which I still like a lot, I just wish the keyboard was a bit better and it wasn't so bulky.)
My god, when will these companies learn. It ain't a business notebook without a fricking TRACKPOINT!!!!!!
I've been waiting for someone to put one onto a netbook, but even when HP is on it's 2nd 'business' netbook they forget the eraser nub. On devices meant for such portability, it is a definately a huge plus to be able to keep your hands on the home row keys and still move the mouse.
Don't you mean third business netbook?
2133
2140
Now this
this thing is seriously gorgeous. i agree with 'shyam' about the trackpoint. after you use one, you really can't stand a touchpad.
That looks like a matte screen in a few of the pix. Sold!
Oh wow, I'd love to get my hands on one of those. That thing looks nice. I hope it'll eventually get the pine-trail atom processors.
Damn.
I have such wood for an Ion netbook right now, I'm about to break.
Seriously, as soon as I can get a netbook with the free Win7 upgrade coupled with Ion, I'm in. I might even give up on hope for a 330, even though it's been demonstrated in a few lesser-known mfg. configurations on this site already.
One week. One week, Justin. One week.
Oh god.
Damn, another netbook, and I'm still trying to make up my mind on which to buy.
Do I spy a matte screen?
does anything not impress engadget these days?
Seems like it has some nice attributes. Have to wait for some reviews of course. Obviously its relatively thin, at least on the bottom (the screen looks a bit thick, but maybe thats just the ridiculous bezel--guess no LED backlit display on this one).
It has a combo eSATA/USB port, and all the ports appear to be in good locations. Good keyboard. Nice trackpad and buttons, though the lack of multi-touch might be a deal breaker.
Presumably the materials will be impressive, though they just look like plastic in the photos, so we'll have to see. Sounds like the magnesium allow might just be on the inside bottom frame, and all the stuff you see is just plastic...
Can't tell what the upgrade options are... no access from the bottom that I can see, other than that what? business card holder?
Sounds like a Gobi-based flexi-WWAN is going to be an option. A mini-PCI card? Something else?
Doesn't say anything about 802.11n so presumably just the usual 802.11b/g. Big deal.
I guess the speakers are arrayed along the front edge? Hard to tell exactly. Hopefully something half-decent.
The four cell might be a nice option. Doesn't say its lithium polymer. So it probably isn't.
This a very nice netbook, but there is two thing wrong with it. The bezel is too big. They should a) made the bezel smaller or b) went with a 10.6in screen(LG use it on the X100, but then again that more of Sony TZ/TT, Asus U2 competitor). The other issues is the super old GMA 950. Heck, even the x3100 would be a better choice than the 950. Ion would be great, but if we are stuck using intel graphics then it should 4500hd at the least.
Very pretty.
BBBEEEZZZEEELLL... It looks like HP could have fitted a 24" screen in that lid.
I'm surprised by a lot of the comments here. When I saw this thing my first thought was how ugly it was. I mean, the keyboard and trackpad are slick, but I couldn't help but to stare at the HUGE bezel. Also, I really dislike how every port sticks out of the side. Those are just extra edges for things to catch on when your sliding it in and out of a backpack or such all day.
let's think about it... the bigger bezel is to cover the slightly larger size of this netbook... notice it has a *95%* sized keyboard... that's bigger than the 2140 which had a 92% keyboard. plus, the move of the trackpad buttons to the bottom means it had to get a bit taller.
why not a bigger lcd to "shrink" the bezel? how about to keep cost and power consumption down... notice the price point has not budged from the former 2140. the 3.0 MP webcam might be a bit larger to some extent too. maybe if lcd prices come down, we'll see an 11" version of this netbook at a similar price point in the same chassis down the road? it keeps the design options open.
ah yes, engineering and product design trades are hard for people to understand, i know.
it's too bad the lcd is glossy (sigh) and the ram is still limited to only 1 stick (2GB). and it's also too bad that we aren't seeing ion chipsets yet even in these late(r) to market models. maybe by year's end?
still... looks like a worthy replacement for the 2140 in more than a few areas.
ps to Fanfoot above: A 6-cell, 55WHr battery, 4-cell 29 WHr battery... not sure why you care if it's polymer vs. li-ion... polymer is mostly for shape/fit reasons... otherwise the tech performs mostly the same. Also, it does do 802.11b/g/n (just like the 2140 did).
Its deeper, at 7.1", vs the 2140's 6.5" depth. So yes, putting the trackpad buttons below the trackpad made it deeper. But the unit is no wider than the 2140 at 10.3".
I agree with others. There's nothing really that wrong with the 2140's keyboard. If they're going to use a 10" display, they should make the unit a little smaller, with a smaller bezel. As it is I'm just carrying around a bigger unit for no reason.
typo above... webcam is 2.0 MP. ;)
Shrink the bezel, shrink the keyboard. but i do love the edge-to-edge keyboard. mmmm. looks good, besides the huge bezel (and d-sub vga port on the side). i would poop on it.
D-SUB MAKE ME ANGRY! >:O
Seriously, they could've put an HDMI port on there and made everything better.
what's the reason they cant have a 1280x720 resolution in between?
also wish they had HDMI plus a larger screen that goes to the edge...
HP Mini 5101 Datasheet :
http://www.hp2133guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/HP-Mini-5101-datasheet.pdf
at what point are pc makers going to learn how to design a computer that LOOKS decent? And don't you DARE mention the Adamo, because that thing was ugly as hell. Just like this monstrosity.
If one is able to Hackintosh it, it's likely going to be my next computer.
Sigh, I was afraid they'd get rid of the 2140 design. All I wanted was a 2140 HD with room for their Broadcom Crystal graphics accelerator (maybe Ion) in the place of the Expresscard slot. Beyond that, I thought the design was as good as it could get short of swapping the touchpad out for a larger clickable one (a la Apple). Sorry, but I think this is ugly. 2140 was Macbook looking, this thing is Thinkpad looking. My preference was for the polished, rounded 2140 look that made the best use of every little bit of space. Maybe, they'll wedge an 11.6" screen in there ... they've got the room.
Agreed. Sounds like the HD version was available for like a day, before the 2140 was axed.
So once again HP fails to deliver things they promised when they launched the product:
- the graphics accelerator that was going to go in that (stupid) proprietary "internal" USB slot in the Mini 1000
- the VGA cable/adapter for the Mini 1000
- the HD display on the 2140
- the graphics accelerator for the 2140
Buy this unit if you like it. But if you're expecting HP to deliver on some promise they make when they ship this unit, like you want that cool USB dock, or a different sized battery, or whatever, don't hold your breath.
I'm sad to see both the Mini 1000 (nice size, a few too many weird ports), and the 2140 (beautiful build quality, great keyboard, promise of 720p screen), die off. Oh well, that's the price of progress.
HP may proclaim the specs on these new models, but they've clearly brought their costs down. The 110 and 5101 just aren't as nice as the 1000 and the 2140.
behhh still no HDMI, HP sucks!!! so many iterations and they still lack what many others offer.
WWAN is atleast one step on the right direction but HMDI should have been added as well.
Oh, I like the mouse buttons on the sides... I can't be the only one who holds their hand horizontally on the trackpad can I?
Still crap though. Like a fully equipped Peugeot.
Its not only a "who cares" that it has Vista, considering you can put W7 on it for free for quite some time (longer w/ rearming), but its in fact GREAT for that reason! It thus ships w/ Vista drivers, and I haven't come across a Vista driver yet that you couldn't get to work in W7 (worst case scenario running in Vista SP1 compatibility mode during install). The Dell Mini 10 is nice and all, but this loos gorgeous! Wonder if they'll throw some ION goodness in there in the near future. :D
Hey guys, I know you complain about the track pad being off to the left a lot and I wanted to point out that it's not off to the left in relation to the qwerty part of the keyboard, it's actually dead centre. On a 17" the track pad would appear A LONG way off to the left because the qwerty part of the keyboard is off to the left as well. If you put your hands on the keyboard in a normal typing position, you will find the track pad right under your thumbs. If it was in the centre of the laptop and not the keyboard, it would sit under your right palm as you typed.