The HP Mini Note 2133 — Rich Man’s EeePC

Just when I thought Asus had bagged it for the ultraportable category, here comes the HP Mini Note 2133. Jayvee gives his initial impressions, having had the opportunity to bring home a demo unit. Notebookreview also has a more extensive review. Some specs:

HP 2133 Mini Note PC Specs:
1.19 kg
8.9 inch wide XGA display 1280 x 768
Close to full size keyboard
3D DriveGuard with accelerometer for parking the hard drive when the computer falls
Webcam
Two battery solutions: 3 cell for ultralightweight config // 6 cell for extended battery life
802.11g WLAN
Bluetooth
Option for Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Business or Linux Preinstalled
Scratch resistant screen
Hp DuraKeys

There are three options, and in my opinion, they’re so affordable that I would consider the Mini Note a direct competitor to the Asus EeePC 900. And it’s an HP!

P24,950.00 — BEST DEAL EVER!
Via 1.0GHz Processor
1GB RAM
120GB Hard Drive
Preinstalled with Linux

P29,950.00
Via 1.2GHz Processor
2GB RAM
120GB Hard Drive
Windows Vista Basic

P34,950.00
Via 1.6 GHz Processor
2GB RAM
160GB Hard Drive
Windows Vista Business

In comparison, both Windows and Linux versions of the EeePC 900 retail for about PhP 24,000 in my last price checks.

Gizmodo calls it the rich man’s Eee. I don’t know if I’m going to jump for joy or weep. I just acquired a 12-inch Presario B1200 recently. Damn gadget lust! Oh well, maybe in a few weeks (after kids’ tuitions, car repairs, rent, etc.). Nah.

But then again, I tell myself, the B1200 is my work machine. The Asus EeePC 700 (acquired last December) is my portable machine — for bringing just about anywhere. I doubt I can still use an ultraportable as my main work machine after having getting used to larger screens again.

HP, I’m an avid Compaq user — you know that! Perhaps you can send over a demo unit for me to review one of these days!