I’ve bought and a built a number of computers in my time, and recently decided to go down the path of ultra-mobile computing and purchase a netbook. I would be classified as a power user; I work on a powerful full-size laptop everyday at work and also own a gaming PC with just under a TB of media. I sold my IBM ThinkPad T60 (loved that thing) last week in attempt to lessen my computer footprint in my apartment and to also make back some money on it since laptops depreciate very quickly (bought in late 2006 @ $1,199, sold early 2009 for $450).
Not a week went by before I found myself missing the ease and joy of couch browsing without pulling out my massive work machine or sitting at my desk using a mouse. I had a $100 gift card for Best Buy and suddenly the idea of a cheap and super small device used for nothing more than surfing the web appealed to me.
I settled on the HP Mini 1000 against the cheaper and higher capacity Asus Eee PC and the new Inspiron Mini by Dell (ugly). The HP had a bigger keyboard and screen, sharper display, a solid state drive and an overall more attractive look. I choose a small solid state drive since I won’t be using it to store any bulk music or software; just a handful of albums, a movie or two, and some “lite” apps.
It’s an overall great device and I really have no complaints about it. I just need to accept that this isn’t a real laptop and should only be used to mobile computing and when I don’t feel like sitting in an office chair. Part of me when buying a new machine wants to use it as much as possible. It should be understood that netbooks are not a laptops but simply an extenstion to normal computers. I like this idea and am excited to be evermore attached to the internet at all times. This will hold true until I have some crazed Ted Kaczynski meltdown. Actually, a cabin in Montana sound’s good right now, and a perhaps a perfect place for some mobile blogging.
HP Mini 1000 – Best Buy $349, bought 3/9/2009
- Intel Atom N270 @ 1.6GHz
- 1 GB Ram
- 16 GB Solid State Hard Drive
- 10.2 Inch Screen, 2.5 lbs
- Ethernet, 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth
- Graphics – Intel GMA 950 Chipset
- Chipset – Mobile Intel 945GM Express
- 2 USB 2.0, SD card reader, eSATA port
- Webcam, Stereo speakers, single headphone/microphone jack
Pros
- The HP Mini is a 10 inch built a 8 inch chassis so it’s super compact!
- Very fast when browsing, even with multiple tabs.
- The whole case is very shiny including the screen.
- The keyboard has a nice feel also, touchpad works just like a full-size laptop.
- It’s dead quiet (solid state drive helps).
- It’s super light!
- Built well, lid hinges are strong and has a nice feel when opening and closing.
- I was originally against the whole artistic design on the lid, but it has grown on me.
Cons
- The lid doesn’t open a full 180° like most laptops. This isn’t a big issue, but noticed it a few times while trying to get the right angle.
- Obviously it’s light on hardware, so the max resolution of 1024 x 600 is of no surprise but still worth noting. I run a super high resolution at work, and it would be nice to see a bit more since it’s a smaller screen – but no biggie.
- The Home / End / PgUp / PgDn keys have been moved from the upper right of a normal keyboard to child function (fn) keys on the arrow keyset. I actually use these navigation keys all the time, so I just have to get used to their new location.
- Runs a little hot sometimes.
- The gloss finish is great, but shows hella finger prints.
