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 at 12:02AM
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JohnTitor @ Jun 24th 2009 12:08AM
the elite book design definately works, I didn't think they could make it look better than the 2140 but this is nice
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA1 Plumbing @ Jun 24th 2009 1:02AM
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/
Adderz @ Jun 24th 2009 1:28AM
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.
bolezhinkov @ Jun 24th 2009 1:29AM
tonight on: 'missing the point' A1 plumbings best.
Josh Warner @ Jun 24th 2009 2:15AM
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.
Richard Glitter @ Jun 24th 2009 2:31AM
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.
JohnTitor @ Jun 24th 2009 6:55AM
Yes, but that model is only available from HP's business site. Dell also has an HD option for the mini 10
Tarnation @ Jun 24th 2009 8:10AM
As much as I admire the whole netbook seen. They have all looked like kids toys up until now.
Tarnation @ Jun 24th 2009 8:11AM
*scene* frickin' engadget no edit function.
OneLove @ Jun 24th 2009 9:35AM
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
OneLove @ Jun 24th 2009 9:46AM
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?
Fanfoot @ Jun 24th 2009 11:41PM
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.
Mike Goldin @ Jun 24th 2009 12:19AM
Does anybody else feel like engadget has become a netbook blog?
rhcpsfan @ Jun 24th 2009 12:13AM
GASP!!!!!! It's like Jessica Alba in computer form!
rhcpsfan @ Jun 24th 2009 12:24AM
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.
Shyam D @ Jun 24th 2009 12:30AM
I think you're giving Paris Hilton too much credit. I'd say that Hayden Panettiere better applies to that analogy.
aaron @ Jun 24th 2009 12:14AM
Looks really nice but I am holding off upgrading my 1000HA until we get a netbook that has the option of backlit keyboard.
Poo_and_Wee @ Jun 24th 2009 6:19AM
Who the hell looks at a keyboard?
Maddy @ Jun 24th 2009 12:47PM
@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. ;)
Uncontrol @ Jun 24th 2009 12:14AM
Is that a GLOSSY TRACKPAD?
Of all the things to make glossy ...
Fanfoot @ Jun 24th 2009 12:51AM
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!
AndrewNoNumbers @ Jun 24th 2009 2:17AM
But honestly that's the one of the mattest laptops out there. Look at some Toshiba Satellites.
ioannisnousias @ Jun 24th 2009 3:59AM
at least the screen is matte...
good grief @ Jun 24th 2009 12:16AM
HP TZ?
Firr @ Jun 24th 2009 3:46AM
I thought the same. It looks pretty much like my Sony TZ31
Cosmo (formerly Chin-Poh) @ Jun 24th 2009 1:57PM
The Vaio TZ's are sexy, better looking than the current TT models in my opinion.
windblownmonkey @ Jun 24th 2009 12:17AM
I like the glossy trackpad. Adds a nice contrast.
Hi Kenneth @ Jun 24th 2009 12:17AM
Looks great...but Vista??? idk....
Jayayess1190 @ Jun 24th 2009 12:30AM
This means starting June 28th, it will qualify for the free Windows 7 upgrade!
Boards of Canada @ Jun 24th 2009 6:05AM
joy joy joy!
jimy @ Jun 24th 2009 12:18AM
Here is a real laptop http://atxelectronics.net/Product.aspx?ProductID=245.
chispito @ Jun 24th 2009 12:30AM
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.
CH3BURASHKA @ Jun 24th 2009 12:19AM
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.
Soulsaber @ Jun 24th 2009 12:29AM
+1
The huge bezel makes it look like junk.
ash chapman @ Jun 24th 2009 12:52AM
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.
Funke, Tobias Dr. @ Jun 24th 2009 1:03AM
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!
Al @ Jun 24th 2009 1:47AM
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.
Jayayess1190 @ Jun 24th 2009 12:20AM
This netbook is win, I may need to get this.
alex @ Jun 24th 2009 12:23AM
No matter how pretty these are I'm still waiting for ION to show up in these puppies.
MRCUR @ Jun 24th 2009 12:25AM
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.)
Shyam D @ Jun 24th 2009 12:29AM
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.
earlycj5 @ Jun 24th 2009 3:25PM
Don't you mean third business netbook?
2133
2140
Now this
Rich @ Jun 24th 2009 12:33AM
this thing is seriously gorgeous. i agree with 'shyam' about the trackpoint. after you use one, you really can't stand a touchpad.
Andrew @ Jun 24th 2009 12:35AM
That looks like a matte screen in a few of the pix. Sold!
rodney.ha @ Jun 24th 2009 12:50AM
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.
Justin @ Jun 24th 2009 12:57AM
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.
ajnauron @ Jun 24th 2009 1:08AM
Damn, another netbook, and I'm still trying to make up my mind on which to buy.
alosen @ Jun 24th 2009 1:14AM
Do I spy a matte screen?
someone @ Jun 24th 2009 1:16AM
does anything not impress engadget these days?
Fanfoot @ Jun 24th 2009 1:17AM
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.