Just when we thought HP had moved on, what with the Mini 1000 getting all the love these days, HP has returned to its original Mini-Note 2100 series of netbooks with the 2140.
The HP Mini 2140 supposedly aimed at businesses, the new netbook loses that sluggish VIA C7-M of its predecessors and replaces it with -- you guessed it -- a 1.6GHz Atom processor. There's also a 80GB or 160GB hard drive onboard and a 10-inch screen available in 1366 x 768 and 1024 x 567 resolutions, plus that lovable ExpressCard / 54 slot hasn't gone anywhere, but the machine remains otherwise mostly unchanged.
Prices start at $499 for the base model, and OS choices include XP Home / Pro, SuSe Linux, FreeDOS and Windows Vista Home Basic / Premium. The laptop is certainly a nice step up over the Mini 1000, but we sure could use a bit more power under the hood. You know, for business.
The HP Mini 2140 is an update to last year's HP Mini-Note 2133 and features an attractive, durable all-aluminum chassis. Starting at 2.6 pounds, the new Mini 2140 features the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, a range of hard drive or solid-state drive storage options, as well as the following:
· A 10.1-inch diagonal LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio available in either standard-definition (1,024 x 576) or high-definition (1,366 x 768) resolutions.
· User-friendly 92 percent of full size keyboard (QWERTY) and touchpad coated in the "HP DuraKeys" finish that protects the finish and printed letters and characters. HP DuraKeys offers 50 times more resistance to visible wear than keyboards without it.
· HP 3D DriveGuard, featuring a three-axis digital accelerometer chip that sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock.
· Ability to view video, still-image capture, web conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging with no additional hardware to buy or carry. The integrated VGA webcam enables video and still-image capture to allow the addition of photos and video clips to presentations, documents and email.
· Two battery solutions: 3-cell for lightest-weight configurations or 6-cell lithium-ion battery for longer life.
· Optional Absolute Software’s Computrace, which allows IT professionals to work with local law enforcement to track and help recover stolen or missing computers, inventory computers district wide, and detect changes in hardware and software.
· Integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLAN and optional Bluetooth 2.0
New accessories designed for the Mini 2140 include an HP USB Docking Station, USB-powered HP Mobile Audio Speakers and HP USB optical disk drive that can read and write CD and DVD formats, as well as offer HP LightScribe capability to burn labels directly onto discs. A lightweight, functional messenger bag designed specifically for the HP or a neoprene slip case offer added protection for professionals while on the go.
