HpMini5102
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HP Mini 5103 with dual-core Atom N550 performance review
We realize keeping up with HP's model numbers can be as hard as keeping tabs on say, Lindsay Lohan's run-ins with the law, but the 5103 is notable in one major way -- it's one of the first netbooks to ship with Intel's dual-core Atom N550 processor. Like the 5102, the 5103 is still primarily aimed at business professionals. In fact, HP hardly messed with the look and feel of the aluminum dressed laptop -- the chassis and features are pretty much the exact same, although HP did ditch the black lid for an "Espresso" color and preload some new "Day Starter" instant-on OS. Obviously, the big deal here is the new processor and seeing as how we've been waiting on Intel to release a dual-core Atom CPU for netbooks since well, the first netbook we were eager to see how much power that extra core adds and if it impacts battery life. Hit the break to see some of the results. %Gallery-101488%
HP Mini 5102 review
There are netbooks and then there's the HP Mini 5102. Or at least that's always been our impression of the 10-inch business and education targeted laptop, since it isn't every day that you see what's supposed to be a secondary system with a 7,200rpm hard drive, durable aluminum chassis, spill resistant keyboard and capacitive touchscreen options. Or you know, a $415 starting price. The Mini 5102 doesn't fall into the same class as those $299 netbooks -- considering our review unit rings up at $668 and all -- but does the extra dough really pay off in a noticeably better shrunken computing experience? We've been on a mission to find out just that over the last few days, so hit the break for our full review. %Gallery-90927%
Keepin' it real fake: Dell Adamo and HP Mini 5102 feel the knock-off effect
Shanzhai Dell Adamos have been popping up quite a bit lately. We've seen these things in both white and black (um, Onyx), and now MIC Gadget has hepped us to a red model (try getting that from Dell!) that features an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive and either an Atom N450 processor with GMA 3150 graphics or a 1.2GHz Intel Celeron ULV processor and GMA X4500 graphics. The former will run you 1,900 yuan (about $280), and the latter 2,600 yuan (about $380). If that ain't enough for all of you Shanzhai freaks, we've also spotted yet another HP Mini knock-off, this time branded Phecda and sporting a brilliant blue paint job. The source doesn't mention a price, but we're guessing that the device -- which features a 1.66GHz Atom N450 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi will run you no more than about $360. It does mention, however, that you can order one with an HP logo -- that'll cost you an extra 10 yuan (or about seven cents). That's what industry insiders call "the HP tax."
Keepin' it real fake: HP Mini 5101 knockoff is almost as good, almost as expensive as the real thing
Coveting a beautiful new netbook but can't quite manage the $399 for a new HP Mini 5101/5102? Maybe this knock-off would fit your budget, looking more or less indistinguishable from the real thing. The ports have a slightly different layout (with some of them looking a wee bit askew) and the red hue here doesn't have quite the same lustre of the real thing -- but it is awfully close, right down to the chrome HP logo on the lid. How much would you pay for this piece of impressioned gadgetry? How about $337? Sure, the difference is enough to cover a copy of Heavy Rain, but could you live with yourself typing your e-mail every day on a lie? Beyond that, we have a suspicion this thing wouldn't last much longer than the Origami Killer's victims.
HP Mini 5102 has optional handle and touchscreen; the drive to succeed
HP's netbooks can have a tendency to really creep up in price as you pile on the specs, but you can't fault them for options. Particularly this new Atom N450-based Mini 5102, which is aimed at business and education use. You can tweak the 10-inch laptop with a WSVGA or WXGA screen, Broadcom HD video acceleration, and just about any OS you could think of: FreeDOS, SUSE Linux, Windows XP and Windows 7 (Starter and Home Premium). You can also squeeze a capacitive multitouch screen into the 0.9-inch form factor and take your pick from a 4-cell or 6-cell battery. Like we said, lots of options. As far as fit and finish, the laptop isn't that far divergent from the Mini 5101, which certainly isn't a bad thing. We love the quality, no-frills feel and look, and the optional handle (which has to be picked at the time of order, since it's integrated) is surprisingly nice and handy. If we had one gripe it would be the oppressive screen bezel, but at least it leaves room for a 95%-sized keyboard, and the brushed aluminum screen back is a nice touch. %Gallery-81629% %Gallery-81614%
