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HP's exclusive Mobile Internet Ubuntu skin not so exclusive anymore
Crazy kids and their crazy hacks have extracted all the juicy goodness of HP's Mini-purposed Mi software for Ubuntu, including the launcher (pictured), the OS skin, and some application skins, and unleashed it for all Ubuntu users with an eye for black and some hacking skills of their own. From what we can tell, it's not exactly a breeze getting the mod up and running -- and most successful folks still cite a few tweaks they'd like to make -- but it's free, so we won't look a gift theme in the resource files... or something like that. Instructions are in the forum, a bit more inspiration is after the break. [Via Ars Technica]
Video: HP's MIE Linux distro runs just fine on Acer's Aspire One
Just last Friday HP finally released the installer for MIE, its clever and clean version of Ubuntu, and, though we warned about running it on anything but a Mini 1000, Dan from Dan's Web threw caution (and whatever was currently installed on his netbook) to the wind and tried it on an Aspire One. Straight out of the box the OS and UI overlay seem to work quite well, as shown on the video below, missing only an audio driver but having WiFi and even Bluetooth. He suspects things will function just as well on other netbooks (since there's so much hardware overlap between them), but as always your compatibility may vary. To get in on the action you'll need the 900KB installer from HP, the 900MB image the installer will download, and a 2GB thumb drive to boot. If you have the necessary bytes, bits, and bravado, be our guest and let us know how it goes.
HP makes MIE installation and recovery files available for download, fun times
We've known this was coming, but plenty of you will no doubt be excited to hear it's finally here. That's right, HP's just made MIE installation files available for the Mini 1000 -- great news if you've wanted to get in on all that MI action. As you can see above, they've unleashed one version to install the recovery tool from an XP machine onto a USB flash drive, and one to install the image from Linux machine to a USB flash drive. There is absolutely no guarantee these images will work with anything other than the Mini 1000, of course, so... watch out![Via GottaBeMobile]
HP to publicly release Mi Edition Ubuntu installer
We're actually pretty high on HP's Mini 1000 Mi Edition, which trades in XP for a custom Ubuntu build with a slick, polished interface, and it looks like early Mini 1000 owners can now get in on the action as well -- a Mi Edition installer will soon available for download. If you're currently running Mi Edition or know someone who is, you can actually build an installer flash drive right now, but we'd wait for the official Windows-based utility to appear in the next few days. No guarantees that HP's Mi Edition installers work with any non-Mini 1000 machines out there, but given the proliferation of drivers and tools for hacking OS X onto various netbooks, we're definitely hoping the community takes to hacking the much more open Mi Edition the same way.[Via Download Squad]
HP rumored to be concocting digiframe / slate PC hybrid device
We've heard some rumors that were pretty far out in left field, but this one is far out. In fact, the only reason we're giving it even an ounce of credence is that it's a perfect market opportunity -- we mean, who isn't dreadfully sick of the plain jane digital photo frames that are impossible to distinguish from one another? At any rate, whispers have it that HP is working up a frame that will double as a slate PC of sorts, giving users a full blown web browser, e-mail client, RSS reader and access to other "widgets and lightweight applications." Predictably, the mythical unit will be marketed as a companion internet device, and we're told that it may even boast an Intel Atom CPU alongside a 10-inch panel and a WiFi radio. We'll find out if you'll really be burning $400 on this so-called conglomerate before the year's end.
HP's new Mini 1000 and MIE Linux make netbooks fun again
We've been struggling to keep awake for the large majority of this year, as netbook after netbook lands in our laps with identical specs, form factors and general shoddiness. No longer. HP is giving the market a shot in the arm with its new "clutch-style" skinny form factors, polished Linux OS and aggressive price points -- even if the specs are about as boring as the Mini-Note 2133. As rumored, HP's new Mini 1000 netbook is ditching VIA and going the Atom route (1.6GHz N270, in case you hadn't guessed). Also new is an option for a 10.2-inch display, though it's a mere 1024 x 600 instead of the 1280 x 768 display on the 2133 -- for a bit cheaper you can get a 1024 x 600 8.9-inch display, but that would just be boring. HP is offering 512MB, 1GB and 2GB RAM configurations, though the XP option limits you to 1GB (thanks, Microsoft). For storage you can score a 60GB 4200 rpm HDD or your choice of a 8GB or 16GB SSD. If you go the SSD route there's also room for a 2, 4 or 8GB "HP Mini Mobile Drive," which is a regular USB drive that inserts all the way into a special slot for added integration. There's also an SD slot, VGA webcam, 802.11b/g, optional Bluetooth, Ethernet and dual USB plugs. Where things get extra interesting is in choice of OS. You can go the standard XP route, or for $20 less you can go for HP's brand new Ubuntu-based Linux "experience," MIE, which reminds us not just a little of HP's TouchSmart interface. The XP version is available today starting at $399, with a 10.2-inch version costing just a little bit more. The Vivienne Tam Edition, which brings a whole lot of style but little substance to the offering, will go for $699 in mid-December, and the MIE version will land in January for a mere $379.%Gallery-35568%
