Photo from jkOnTheRun
The subnotebook previously known as the Compaq 2133 is being released today as the HP Mini, according to James Kendrick, who has posted a long review with lots of pictures and a half-hour video at jkOnTheRun.
The HP Mini runs Windows Vista or Linux on a 1.6GHz Via C7 processor, which is a big compromise, but it does run Aero. He says the $499 model "will sport 1GB of memory and run SuSE Linux installed on a 120GB hard drive".
I played with this model for an hour at the HP offices and it is extremely snappy and well worth the low price in my opinion. The Mini is also available with Windows, Vista Home or Business initially and XP eventually given Microsoft's easing of the restrictions on OEMs to provide XP going forward. The impressive model is the one I am reviewing here, the top of the line Mini with 2GB of memory, a 120GB fast hard drive (7,200 rpm), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 8.9" screen (1280 x 768), web cam, trackpad, SDHC slot, ExpressCard slot, 2 USB ports (1 is powered for running peripherals that require power), Ethernet and a 6-cell battery. The price is equally impressive with $749 getting you the whole enchilada which is a great deal in my opinion.
It's not that small, but it seems the keyboard is good enough for normal people to touch-type:
The high resolution display coupled with an absolutely awesome keyboard make the Mini a real trooper for field work.
He also says it's very well made: it reminds him of his MacBook Pro. So, it probably isn't going to do too well in the toy market, but HP hopes to sell it into the business and education markets.
