I just picked up the HP Mini 1000 with 10-inch screen, 1GB of system RAM and 60GB hard drive today for a family member and it's a great notebook. Technically, it's a "netbook" because it uses the low voltage Intel Atom processor and uses a smaller screen. Basically, a "netbook" is just a compact, lightweight notebook that has a weak processor and generally a smaller hard drive and less RAM than a full notebook.
The benefit of the Mini 1000 is that it's extremely easy to take with you everywhere, and unlike most netbooks this computer actually has a reasonably large keyboard that makes it easy to type.
Although the Atom processor isn't as fast as other new dual-core processors found in full-size notebooks, the Atom has more than enough power for web browsing, working in Microsoft Office, listening to iTunes, or very basic photo editing (although I wouldn't suggest buying a netbook for Photoshop work).
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the built-in speakers on this netbook. You can listen to iTunes songs and movies without needing to use earbuds (unless you don't want other people to hear what you're listening to).
There are only two minor issues that I have with the Mini 1000. First, the mouse buttons are located on the sides of the touchpad rather than underneath the touchpad ... which takes time getting used to. The other is the fact that the "Infinity Display" is highly reflective which makes it hard to read the screen outdoors in bright sunlight or while you're inside your car during the day. Under normal indoor lighting the screen is gorgeous, but take it outside and you can't see what's on the screen because of the reflections on the screen. If you don't use your notebook much outside this isn't a problem.
Overall, this is a great netbook.
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I've been keeping an eye on this "netbook" market for the past 6 months, watching dozens of various models hit the retail stores. I stumbled upon this little gem in a local Costco it took about 3 minutes of messing around with Costco's floor model before it was apparent that this is currently the best netbook on the market right now. Here's why:
1. The keyboard is almost full sized, and is true to most industry-standard layouts. Several of the other netbooks have tiny right shift buttons and smaller buttons, and I honestly don't know how people can type efficiently.
2. The screen is 10.2 inches, whereas most netbooks are right around 9 inches. Note that the resolution is still the same; however, the extra inch is welcomed.
3. The touchpad is a decent size, and has a built-in vertical scroller, which comes in VERY handy while surfing the internet. One gripe is that the mouse buttons are located on the left and right sides of the touchpad, and they feel very awkward at first. However, after a day or two, I started using both hands to manage the mouse controls. I use my left finger to click the left mouse button, and the other to move around the mouse. So, the button placement actually didn't turn out to be a dealbreaker for me.
4. The form factor and exterior design of this netbook is far better than any others. The computer is less than an inch think, and has a very sleek look when closed.
Now, here are a few minor complaints:
1. Currently you can only get the computer with a 3-cell battery, which will get you anywhere between 2 and 3 hours. I highly recommend picking up an extra AC adapter ($49 on the HP site) in the event that you need a quick charge.
2. there is a lack of external ports on the computer the biggest issue being the lack of a VGA port. So, if you're looking to hook this up to an external video source, then you probably shouldn't go with this model.
So, if those last 2 issues won't affect you, then I can definitively say that this is one of the best netbooks on the market right now.
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I had been considering buying a new Macbook to replace my ageing iBook G4, which at 3 years old is getting ready to be retired. My ventures into the electronics shops to play with the Macbook brought me into contact with netbooks... and was I amazed at their price!
Although I was an Apple convert of 5 years these tiny gems seemed to be able to do everything I wanted with a mobile computer (remember I still have a functioning iBook... and a new iMac). I wanted something that was very portable and light. I wanted to be able to surf the net, read emails and type the occasional document. And I figured I could live with Windows XP at a push, so I started my research. I read all the reviews. I flipped through every PC Mag I could find. And I tested them in-store.
The HP Mini 1000 got my attention for three things
a) The stylishly compact design and high quality build
b) The almost full size keyboard
c) The amazing screen with glowing colours
Now to be honest I must admit that it looks a lot like the black MacBook (which has been discontinued) and as a Mac user I do like design. But the keyboard is so easy to type on compared with the other ones on the market. And the case is very very stylish and professional looking (unlike some of the other netbooks out there). And the edge to edge glass covered screen makes it look even more impressive. The build is solid and it is sturdy enough to throw into a backpack.
I also appreciate the lack of extra pre-installed trial software as well so I don't have to spend hours removing it.
Oh, but I forgot to mention the price! It's about 1/3 the price of a Macbook! Not bad in these bleak times.
Honest reviews on HP Mini 1000 Notebook (Intel Atom Processor N270 1.60GHz, 10.2" LED
I've been using this HP Mini 1000 Netbook for a while now, and decided to write a review for Amazon because I'm so impressed with the device. If you are considering a "Netbook" like this, chances are you've never owned one, and are perhaps a bit skeptical about the device. So was I.
First off, let's set the parameters. This isn't a multi-core Pentium processor machine with a high end dedicated graphics card. It isn't meant for running the most processor intensive applications faster than any other computer on the market. Most of you have one of these number-crunching machines at home already, or perhaps a high-end laptop with all the power-intensive support. This is a "Netbook," which means a slimmed down laptop that can be used for basic functions, such as web browsing, e-mail, and some minor picture viewing.
That's a bit deceptive, because when you read descriptions like that, you expect that the HP Mini 1000 will essentially be a performance "dog" that can handle only a web browser, and perhaps Picasa. I can tell you, that's a real mistake.
There's no doubt this in one of the lightest and smallest computers you've ever seen, but, surprisingly, it is also one of the most sprightly performing laptops you're likely to find in the price range (and speaking of price, it's basically a steal at between $400 and $500; I had two other laptops not long ago that were both sub-3 pound devices, and they each cost over $3,000). I went ahead and just took a gamble on loading all of a trial copy of Microsoft Office 2007 (Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote, etc.), and then just piled on other applications I typically use on my regular laptop (a dual core T8100 processor in an HP Dv2000 body), including picture viewers, utility programs, etc.. Surprise. It not only handled all the software, but it runs the programs remarkably well, with little lag time and surprisingly deft performance. The Intel "Atom" Processor powering this thing can easily be seen as a "sleeper" technology that people are going to increasingly talk about.
Boot time is also surprisingly fast. Mine usually loads within 20 seconds, certainly faster than my "powerful" laptop. Of course, the Mini is running Windows XP, not Vista, but still, that's pretty impressive. (By the way, I also installed Windows 7 RC1, and it worked just fine.)
The wireless has thus far worked without problems. I connect to my home network with high security settings, and to public locations using open networks, all without a hitch so far. (The unit, however, does not support draft-n specifications, so you'll be connecting at g speeds.)
The physical construction of this unit is excellent. Yes, it is small and light. But it is also sturdy in the way it feels, with little squeaking and a solid construction. The screen is bright and clear. And the keyboard is one of the best I've seen in any laptop. How did they do this?
Finally, when youfeel the tiny weight and size of the battery as you take it out of the box, you'll be thinking that it will run 30 minutes, tops. Well, with the Atom processor sipping current at exceedingly low amounts, you'll likely see some 90 120 minutes on a single charge. It's amazing.
You can probably tell I'm impressed with this device, because I am. If this is the beginning of "Netbooks," then I think they will become increasingly popular as people discover them.
Rating for Size and Weight: Five Stars
Rating for Price: Five Stars
Rating for Configuration: Four and 1/2 Stars
Pros:
1. Exceedingly light and small
2. Beautiful physical appearance
3. Clear and bright screen (but glare can be an issue)
4. Remarkable performance, even with software suites such as Office 2007
5. Excellent keyboard with good tactile feel and large size layout (how is this possible?)
6. Wireless that actually works
7. Lightweight adapter cord (you've been stung on this before, haven't you? They finally got it right.)
8. Two USB 2.0 ports, plus a network port and a HP adapter output port
9. Built-in webcam
10. Can put in a 2Gb memory card (even though it claims 1Gb is the limit)
11. Very good battery life for such a dimunutive battery
12. Great price for the package
Cons
1. No draft-N wireless available
2. Bluetooth not on every model
3. HP Proprietary connector required for VGA output
4. Non-common 1.8" hard drive format limits upgrade options to the 1.8" format
5. Screen resolution, though very good, is not as high as we might wish (but is good enough)
6. Display does not fold back as far as most laptops
7. Outstanding performance probably drives us to push the unit past its stated purposes (i.e., just don't be upset if you can't run a C++ compiler while listening to Windows Media Player and editing an Excel spreadsheet)
To sum it up, this is truly an outstanding breakthrough if you understand what the unit is designed to do. I'm already seriously considering substituting my main laptop with the HP Mini for most out-of-home tasks. Five stars.
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This is a great little netbook but for the price HP should include bluetooth and wireless n in addition to the installed b/g wireless of yesterday.
First I should mention I didn't pay the price Amazon is asking, I bought it direct from HP's site for $450 (built to order, same configuration as this model).
I also own an Acer mini with the same processor, ram, and XP.
Well after using both the Acer and the HP I much prefer the HP simply due to the beautiful screen. In other departments Acer got it right like having three usb ports, a 100GB larger and faster hard drive, and a 6 cell battery to name a few. But did I mention the beautiful screen on the HP? I love it! This doesn't come (or at least mine didn't) loaded full of ad's and crap which was very nice, there was very little to uninstall before I went to work configuring it to my personal taste and loading my software. Thank you HP for not bogging this one down with useless crap, it is very appreciated and will keep you in mind next time I'm looking for a similar product. Also I love the fact that the Windows Install CD came in the box, Acer wasn't so generous in that department.
HP really should include a nice slip case in the box, unfortunately none of the manufacturers do so I was forced to buy a generic third party case off of Amazon like everyone else, I'll post a review on the case and how it fits in a week or so once it arrives and I've tested it out.
Does anyone know if there is a way to upgrade the ram on this one yet? As far as I know there isn't but it would be nice to have 2gb verses the 1gb that it comes with. I should mention it runs pretty good on just 1gb I simply am a demanding consumer.
I usually buy most of my electronics on either Amazon, Newegg, or eBay but this time the price difference was remarkable I actually saved $250 by buying directly from HP.
I hope this review is useful to those of you out there debating which one to get, remember none of the other netbooks will even come close to this HP as far as screen quality goes but for the dollar Acer gives you a little more bang for your buck in the other departments.
