HP Mini 100e gets official for the little kickers

By Joanna Stern

posted June 23rd 2010 12:01AM

Hands-On

We hate to crush your dreams of a World Cup-branded netbook -- and we know that's exactly what that looks like up there -- but it's really just an example of how schools can customize HP's new 10.1-inch Mini 100e. Sorry to have killed everything you've ever had to live for, but doesn't it make you happy to know that the kids can watch ~~Justin Bieber~~ NOVA videos on netbooks with different colors and designs? Rhetorical questions aside, HP's finally sharing the details on the education-aimed laptop we spotted a few weeks ago at Computex, and as expected, it has the typical netbook internals, including an Intel Atom N455 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a choice of decently sized hard drives. HP will also have Windows 7 Starter, XP, and SuSE Linux operating system options. While we're told the 3.2-pound netbook will start at under $299, HP won't actually be selling units directly to consumers -- instead it will only be taking bulk orders from schools. Still the 100e seems like a very worthy Classmate PC and Dell Latitude 2110 competitor, especially when you consider that it can be tricked out with a colorful keyboard, like the one in the gallery below. After you're done crying that one of those will never be yours, feel free to hit the break for the full press release.

HP Mini 100e hands-on gallery

Show full PR text

HP Introduces Affordable Mini Netbook for Schools

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 23, 2010 – HP today announced an education-focused Mini netbook designed to help schools around the world acquire affordable, reliable computing technology.

The HP Mini 100e Education Edition features a modern, innovative design with the durability and functionality essential for classroom computing. Complete with an array of hardware and software tools, the HP Mini 100e aims to close the digital divide by offering students and teachers an interactive learning experience at an affordable price.

"HP is committed to helping schools adapt to students' changing needs and to creating solutions that provide better interactivity, connectivity and learning," said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavors."

The HP Mini 100e includes productivity, education and security software from Microsoft, such as Microsoft® Office 2010 (preloaded),(1) Microsoft Math and Microsoft Security Essentials.

In addition to the learning software, the HP Mini 100e also features a spill-resistant keyboard under the keyboard helping to ensure greater protection against spills and higher reliability in the classroom as well as an easy-to-see LED that indicates when the PC is connected to a network, thereby enabling better instructor monitoring.

The HP Mini 100e offers optional Wi-Fi Certified WLAN(2) as well as an integrated worldwide modem that is compatible in all countries with the V.92 standard. This enables dial-up internet connection(3) in remote areas so students can easily connect to the web anywhere there is internet service available over a phone line.

HP Mini for the classroom
Created to seamlessly integrate into education environments, the HP Mini 100e features a practical clamshell design starting at only 3.19 pounds. Its 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit WSVGA display, 92 percent of full size QWERTY keyboard and an integrated carrying handle allow for maximized comfort and efficiency in the classroom and on the go.

It also includes separate headphone and MIC ports to allow the Mini 100e to easily connect to other devices, along with a VGA webcam(4) that offers enhanced sound quality and reduced echo in virtual conferencing, language courses and interactive multimedia classroom sessions.

Built with added durability features for the classroom environment, the HP Mini 100e includes strong metal alloy hinges with steel pin axles. The Mini 100e also features a customizable back panel, keyboard deck and bottom case – exclusive to HP Minis – allowing customers to personalize their units with their school logo, motto or a picture for added security and personalization.

The HP Mini 100e boasts a wide array of technologies in a tiny package, including a low-power Intel® Atom N455 processor(5) and Intel NM10 Express chipset, enabling the unit to run cooler, use less power and help improve battery life compared to its predecessor. It offers 1 gigabyte (GB) of DDR3 memory for faster data transfer, along with optional flexible battery solutions, including three or six-cell battery options.(6)

Catering to varying education environments, the HP Mini 100e offers Windows® XP Home, Windows 7 Starter(7) or SuSE Linux (SLED 11) operating systems.

A variety of accessories are also available for the HP Mini 100e, to further improve the productivity of students in the classroom and on the go, including:
- HP Slip Case
- HP Optical Mouse
- HP Combo Lock
- HP Student Edition Youth Backpack
- HP External USB Optical Drive

Pricing and availability
The HP Mini 100e will be available worldwide in July. Pricing will be set on a
per deal basis and is not expected to exceed $300 per unit.(8)

More information about the HP Mini 100e and its accessories, including product
specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal

About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people,
businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP
brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software,
services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about
HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.