HP

HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition User Review

By Perry Longinotti

The HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition (Mini 1110NR) is a cool-looking, low-cost netbook focused on easy Web access and entertainment. It uses the same design as the Mini 1000, but runs the Mobile internet (Mi) software rather than Windows. Mobile internet is an easy-to-use interface built on Linux, but is it enough for most people to enjoy their e-mail, Internet, digital photos, music, and video?

Last year's HP Mini-note 2133 looked great, but it was let down by a pokey slow VIA C-7 CPU and 4200rpm HDD. I can imagine many people who got to handle a 2133 trying to rationalize how they probably didn't need too much CPU power because of how well-built and attractive the 2133 was. I know I did, but thankfully I came to my senses before plunking down $500 on what was sure to be a disappointing investment.

We'll never know why the VIA/Centaur C-7 was picked for the 2133 (everyone loves to cheer for the underdog, and I am sure that the VIA Nano will rock when its released in 2012), but its descendants like the HP Mini 1110NR we are reviewing here come equipped with the much better Intel Atom processor. Here are the 1110NR Specs:

• Processor: Intel Atom N270
• Graphics: Intel 900 IGP
• Operating System: HP Mobile Internet UI (Ubuntu Linux)
• 1GB DDR2 667 RAM
• 8GB SSD (1.8” Form Factor)
• 8.9” LED LCD (1024 x 600)
• 802.11g, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
• MSRP: $379 USD, $449 CDN
  

  Pros:

  • Cool operating system: Ubuntu + Mi = Win
  • Nice form factor - thin and stylish
  • Great keyboard and touch pad
  • Despite having some gaps, the Mi concept has some serious potential

  Cons:

  • Without integrated "cloud" storage services the 8GB SSD is insufficient
  • HP MediaStyle applications are of limited value
  • Price still needs to come down a bit - there are better values on the market from HP's rivals
  • Memory compartment door pops off with almost no effort
  • Battery life is too short