NetbookTech

CompUSA is currently offering the HP Mini 2140 AS819US Netbook for a low price of $349.99. This netbook features the Atom N270 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 10.1 inch 1024 x 576 resolution display, a 160GB 5400 RPM hard drive, Intel GMA 950 graphics, media card reader, HD audio, built-in stereo speakers, 2 USB ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, a built-in webcam, and a 6 cell lithium-ion battery for approximately 4 hours of power. The system measures 10.3 x 1.05 x 6.54 inches and weighs approximately 2.6 lbs.

Check out the deal here – HP Mini 2140 AS819US Netbook

While visiting the HP booth at CES 2009, we briefly checked out the newly announced HP Mini 2140 – a 10 inch netbook designed for the mobile professional in mind. A couple of things definitely stood out for us.

1. The fit and finish stood out. No plastic chassis here folks – a beautiful aluminum alloy finish truly befitting a mobile professional netbook
2. The 1366 x 768 resolution display – a nice change from the standard 1024 x 600 resolution display. It’s almost the perfect resolution for a display measuring 10 inches
3. Can’t complain about the keyboard design – as always an excellent feel from an HP netbook
4. It has an ExpressCard/34 slot – just like the Lenovo IdeaPad S10
5. 8 hour battery life – very nice

The one downside? The damn touch-pad buttons that are still to the left and right of the touch-pad.

This is the optional external optical drive,

Finally, here’s a new review of the netbook from the folks at PC Magazine. They had this to say about the system:

“The HP Mini 2140 offers a larger screen and more advanced parts than its HP 2133 Mini-Note predecessor, while keeping the sexy design intact. But it’s pricier than other netbooks—for now.”

Hot on the heels of the introduction of the new HP Mini 2140 business oriented netbook comes the first review of the system by the folks at LaptopMag.com. The reviewed system features an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM (expandable to 2GB), a 160GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD, a 10.1 inch 1024 x 576 resolution display, Intel GMA 950 graphics, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, ExpressCard slot, SD memory card reader, and Windows XP Home OS – all for $529.

So what did LaptopMag think of the new netbook? Well they liked it enough to give it their “Editor’s Choice Award”. Here’s their verdict:

“The $529 HP Mini 2140 (starting at $499) rises above the majority of the netbook competition by incorporating a well-designed keyboard, a durable design, and more than seven hours of battery life. Some may prefer the $499 Samsung NC10 (also a LAPTOP Editors’ Choice winner). It’s $30 less than the similarly configured HP Mini 2140, and its six-cell battery doesn’t bulge from the bottom of the chassis like the Mini 2140. But the extra cash buys a more durable case and more endurance.”

You can read more here at LaptopMag.com.

Think netbooks are only for consumers? HP is looking to change that image with the introduction of the new HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC designed for mobile professionals. Featuring an all-aluminum lightweight case and a starting weight of 2.6 pounds, the 2140 comes with several features ideal for mobile professionals including HP DuraKeys, HP 3D DriveGuard, and the HP Panel Protection System.

Now what makes the 2140 a bit different from the competition is the 10.1 inch display. Instead of the common 1024 x 600 resolution found in nearly every other netbook, you can choose from a standard resolution display of 1024 x 576 or a high resolution display of 1366 x 768. It’s about time we have a 10 inch mini-notebook PC with a resolution OTHER than 1024 x 600. The larger resolution is sure to be a hit with mobile professionals – if not with everyone out there.

Other specs to the HP Mini 2140 include the following:

• 10.1 inch diagonal scratch resistant HP Illumi-Lite LED 16:9 display
• 92 percent of full size QWERTY keyboard
• HP DuraKeys featuring clear coat applied over notebook keyboard protecting the finish, printed letters and characters
• Range of hard drive options including optional 80 GB solid state drive
• Intel Atom processor
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Optional Bluetooth 2.0
• Built-in VGA webcam
• HP 3D DriveGuard featuring three axis digital accelerometer chip that sends signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock
• HP Panel Protection System with scratch resistant acrylic LCD cover and magnesium hinge bracket for added durability
• Three or six cell battery

If there’s a single complaint I still have with the HP Mini systems – it’s the placement of the touch-pad buttons. They’re still along the left and right side of the touch-pad – very irritating.

You’ll also be able to purchase several optional accessories for the HP Mini 2140 including an HP USB Docking Station, a USB powered HP Mobile Audio Speaker system, and an HP USB optical disk drive.

As for pricing – the starting price for the Mini 2140 is $499 but the specs are unknown for this model as of yet. (We would assume it would be for the standard resolution display. Expect to pay a premium for the high resolution display). Expect the Mini 2140 later this month. Stay tuned for pics at CES 2009.