joninoj

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HP Mininote Owner Comments

Jul 10, 2008

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Small, just powerful enough to run the apps I need
Cons: Too slow for Skype Video Conference with a Bluetooth Headset.
Opinion:
Here is the list of benefits of the new HP-2133

1. Small and light weight, Can be carried at all times.
2. Has Screen Resolution of 1280x768, almost same as full sized laptops, 9 inch diagonal is more comfortable than a 7 inch.
3. Windows Vista Basic OS, runs the same apps as my regular Vista machines.
4. It has a Webcam, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, and Wireless B/G.
5. 120GB HDD space with accelerometer that turns off HD with dropped. HD is 2.5" laptop HD, can be upgraded in the future.
6. Connected with 3G for internet access anywhere.
7. Use Adhoc networking and Windows Internet Sharing and system functions as a portable hotspot.
8. Builtin Speakers are good sounding.
9. 6 Cell Battery runs for 4 hours with power options at maximum Performance + screen at brightest with 3G connected while playing a movie.
10. It has better design and aesthetics and comfortable keyboard size and response.
11. I accidentally dropped it 3 feet onto a wooden floor with LCD open. No scratch or dent detected, system turned off during the fall. No problems after that.


Cons:
Much slower than regular laptop, uses Ultra Low Voltage 1.2 Ghz Via Processor

Work Around:

1. Use Windows Media Player Classic to play music and video (Available with K-Lite Codec Pack)
2. Turn off unnecessary windows services like Windows Search, Windows Defender, Print Spooler and real time anti virus scan
3. Avoid Multitasking if possible.
4. Be aware of which applications are running.
5. Use with Bluetooth Audio adds 30% more load on CPU. (audio stutters if cpu hits 100%)
6. Surfing the Internet while listening to music best done using built-in speakers or wired headset.
7. Put the system to sleep rather than shut down, saves bootup time.

Best Uses,

GYM:
Use the system in a GYM with Dell BH-200, you can listen to your favorite tracks and you can still hear activities from your messenger programs or skype calls. The BH-200 Headset allows you to control the music tracks and volume on the headset itself.

Travel:
Login to GoogleMap and plan your trip while on the road. Use Skype to make hotel reservations. Celcom 3G Access is widely available in Malaysia. Size and weight of laptop is a big relief compared to a standard 12 inch laptop.
Edit and Upload your Photos and Videos on Facebook, Friendster or YouTube while on the road back from a vacation.

Bottom Line:
I am satisfied with the purchase of the unit. The processor will appear slow for you if you are used to Dual Core systems. Performing the work a-rounds allowed me to make the system perform all the things I intended for it.

The keyboard size being almost same as a regular 12 inch laptop keyboard is the biggest selling factor for me. I intended to type a lot with this system and I have experienced the same level of productivity in typing as compared to my 12 inch HP TX1000 laptop.