HP Mini 1000 (netbook review)
hp mini 1000 mini-laptop-Now, HP has made great their second netbook, but the price maybe still too high of rival devices with similar functions. this HP Mini 1000 with an 8.9-inch screen, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom microprocessor, Windows XP, 512MB of RAM and a 60GB HDD that ran at 4200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
The company actually offers a nice variety of component options on the HP Mini 1000, including a 10.2-inch screen and SSDs for storage.
One thing that really stood out about the HP Mini 1000 was the high definition audio, especially the sound quality of the onboard speakers. Songs play well, as does the sound on videos. Speakers may not be that important to some people considering netbooks are often used in coffee shops or other public places where headphones are more appropriate, but good audio is a nice touch on a device otherwise very similar to what’s already on the market.
Typing on the Mini 1000, another major consideration because netbooks are much smaller than regular laptop PCs, is great. The Mini 1000 has a keyboard 92 percent the size of one on a normal laptop. Keys are spaced out to make typing comfortable. One area I wasn’t as impressed with was the trackpad. HP opted to use a trackpad similar to Acer’s Aspire one, with the left and right mouse buttons at the sides of the trackpad instead of below. It’s workable on a small device, but it’s not as comfortable as having them below the trackpad.
Battery life is one of the top considerations in a netbook. Some people may choose a 3-cell battery because it will make the overall device slightly lighter and less expensive, while others will prefer the extended life of a heavier 6-cell battery. For me, the cost and weight differences are far less important than being able to use the device for hours on end without needing a battery recharge.
The 3-cell battery in the device I used ran for just over 2 hours of typing and Internet use, about standard. But the HP Mini 1000 apparently doesn’t yet offer the option of a 6-cell battery, and so does not even come close to rivals in battery life.
HP-Taiwan told me there will be a 6-cell version available that will raise battery life to 5 hours to 6 hours, but the company was not able to say when that product might be out. According to HP’s Web site, it’s still not available.
Price is also an issue on the Mini 1000. HP’s Web site lists the basic configuration, with an 8.9-inch screen, for US$399.99, while the recommended model is $504.99. On Amazon.com, the lowest price for an HP Mini 1000 was $549.78. That’s a lot more expensive than the Acer Aspire One’s on Amazon.com, which carry similar components, for $384.99.
