HP launches Mini-Note sub-PC

Success breeds competition. In the case of the highly successful Asus Eee PC line of sub-notebooks, it’s about to get a serious one from the new HP 2133 Mini-Note PC.

Officially launched here last Friday, HP’s first ultra-portable notebook boasts of several advantages over the well-loved Asus Eee PC starting with the keyboard.

Unlike its rival’s diminutive keyboard, the HP 2133 Mini-Note has a more functional, spill-proof keyboard for easier typing. It is able to have larger keys that are almost the size of those in regular notebooks because its keyboard spans the width of the entire notebook, which at 165 by 33 by 225 mm, is slightly bigger and wider than the latest Eee PC 900.

It’s also heavier. The new HP 2133 Mini-Note weighs 1.19kg, while the Eee PC 900 is lighter at 990g. But it’s still relatively light and easy to lug around by students and mobile users.

HP’s latest mobility solution comes in three packages and prices: P24,950 (via 1.0GHz, 1GB memory, 120GB drive, SuSE Linux), P29,950 (via 1.2 GHz, 2GB memory, 120GB drive, Windows Vista), and P34,950 (via 1.6 GHz, 2GB memory, 160GB drive, Windows Vista Business). All three come with a webcam and an integrated 802.11 b/g WLAN connectivity.

First look

With its anodized aluminum shell and magnesium hinge bracket, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC looks nicer than others in its class which could look a bit toyish.

The HP sub-notebook also features a scratch-resistant 8.9-inch WXGA display, which is the same size used in the Eee PC 900. HP’s, however, runs at a better resolution of 1,280 x 768 pixel compared to Asus’ 1024 x 600.

The 2133’s speakers are installed on both sides of the screen, just like in the older Eee PC models from Asus.

More on the keyboard, the HP 2133 Mini-Note features the HP DuraKeys, a kind of clear coating applied over the notebook keyboard to protect the finish and printed letters and characters. Its trackpad is rectangular — shorter but wider — and flanked left and right by selector buttons.

This might create a bit of discomfort for those who are used to the more squarish trackpads where their fingers could easily move around. Many are also used to finding and clicking at selector buttons below the trackpad, so their new location in the HP 2133 Mini-Note will take a bit of getting used to.

For connectivity, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC got plenty from Ethernet port, D-Sub VGA port, USB port, ExpressCard and SD card readers to the standard mic and headphone jacks. It also has button switches for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Other features that buyers could expect to find in and do with an HP 2133 Mini-Note PC include the following:

• Ability to view video, still-image capture, Web conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging with no additional hardware to buy or carry. An optional integrated VGA webcam enables video and still-image capture to allow the addition of photos and video clips to presentations, documents and e-mail;

• Two battery solutions — three-cell for lightest-weight configurations or optional six-cell for longer battery life;

• An HP 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock by using a three-axis digital accelerometer chip; and

• Wireless technologies such as integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLAN and optional Bluetooth for accessing the Internet as well as communicating via e-mail, IM, chat, VoIP and blogs.