-
your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
Since then, the manufacturer has released a bevy of additional netbooks, many of them critically well-received, under both its HP and Compaq brands. So many, in fact, that we have no intention of attempting to provide readers with a complete list! (You'll find most listed in our netbook showcase.)
HP's offerings have all featured similar technology, but each has been tweaked somewhat to suit consumer, enterprise, or educational markets. Such is yet again the case with the new Mini 210, Mini 2102, and Mini 5102, all of which step up to the Atom N450 processor Intel announced last month.
The Mini 5102 (above right) is said to be a "full-performance netbook designed for mobile professionals and students." Meanwhile, the Mini 210 (left) and Mini 2102 -- apparently distinguished mostly by the former's availability in silver, blue, and red finishes as well as the latter's black -- are touted as "ideal companion PCs for the consumer, business traveller or student."
HP hasn't yet posted data sheets for its new triplets, nor responded to our e-mailed requests for same, but the devices are said to include typical netbook ingredients such as webcams (two megapixel on the 5102), hard disk drives (stated as being up to 320GB on the Mini 210 and Mini 2102), memory card readers, wireless networking, and optional 3G modems. All feature 10.1-inch displays, apparently in the typical 1024 x 600 pixel resolution.
The Mini 5102, meanwhile, is said to be optionally available with a 1366 x 768 pixel screen. This can be combined with a Broadcom BCM70015 video accelerator, which allows the device to perform smooth 1080p HD video playback, according to HP.
HP says the Mini 5102, which has a "95 percent of full size" keyboard, is further available with an optional multitouch screen, which allows users to navigate through applications and menus with finger taps and swipes. A "Student Edition" may be configured with an integral handle (right) and includes Adobe Digital School Collection software, providing document management and portfolio creation tools "for enhancing learning experiences in language arts, history, music and the sciences."
According to HP, the Mini 5102 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life when configured with an optional six-cell battery. A standard four-cell battery, on the other hand, keeps weight down to 2.6 pounds, the company adds.
As for the Mini 210 and 2102, they're apparently smaller ("92 percent" keyboards, and less than an inch thick, according to HP), but weight is about the same, starting at 2.69 pounds. The devices offer optional GPS receivers and 3G connectivity, and deliver up to nine hours of battery life, the company says.
Once again, the Mini 210 and 2102 are said to be available with Broadcom's HD video accelerator, though HP didn't specify whether their screens are also available in 1366 x 768 pixel versions. The Mini 210 also includes QuickWeb, a quick-booting Linux environment based on DeviceVM's Splashtop, according to HP.
Speaking of operating system support, the Mini 210, 2102, and 5102 all run Windows 7. However, the devices will also reportedly be offered with Windows XP, SUSE Linux, and even FreeDOS.
Further information
As noted, HP has not yet posted data sheets for its new netbooks, though the company's press release announcing the systems may be found here.
Meanwhile, reviews of the Mini 5102, both confirming battery life of at least ten hours, may be found on the PC website, here, and Laptop website, here.
According to HP, the Mini 210 and Mini 2102 will be available in the U.S. tomorrow with starting prices of approximately $300 and $330, respectively. The Mini 5102 will be available later this month for approximately $400, the company adds.
