NetbookTech

HP is currently running on a sale on the HP Mini 311 netbook with the system available at a starting price of $399.99. At that price, the system features the following configuration:

• Black swirl color
• Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3
• Intel Atom N270 processor clocked at 1.6GHz
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• NVIDIA ION graphics
• 5 in 1 digital media slot
• 11.6 inch HD LED BrightView widescreen display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• HP Mini webcam
• Wireless-G card
• HP Matching Color Keyboard
• 6 cell Lithium Ion battery
• Microsoft Works 9.0

If you’re interested in the Mini 311, especially for the ION platform, then you’d better hurry – this deal is available only until December 14th.

Check it out

After months of waiting, the first NVIDIA ION-powered netbooks are finally available to the general public in the form of the HP Mini 311. PC Magazine is one of the first publications out with a review of the Mini 311 here on their website. Now the real question is – was all the hype about the ION platform justified? To a certain extent yes, and to a certain extent no.

In performance tests conducted by PC Magazine, the HP 311 easily played back 720p and 1080i video clips but suffered some playback lag when dealing with 1080p video clips. The HDMI output is certainly a boon for those of you that want to connect the netbook to large-screen HDTV displays but the inability to handle 1080p video is definitely a downer.

On the gaming front, the ION LE improves upon the nearly-standard Intel integrated graphics but that doesn’t necessarily translate to playable 3D games. As PC Magazine put it – “most of our high-end games were virtually unplayable on the Mini 311.”  Let’s face it – the Atom processor just isn’t up to snuff for 3D gaming apps.

Finally, the other drawback to the Mini 311 is in the area of battery life. The higher power draw of the ION LE resulted in a five hour battery life for the Mini 311 (compared to 8+ hours on many other competing netbooks). This is not an all-day netbook system.

This brings us to PC Mag’s bottom line which is:

“The Mini 311 offers moderate gaming and HD playback benefits, but they’re not compelling enough to beat out other top netbook contenders.”

While the ION certainly improves upon Intel integrated graphics, don’t expect wonders out of these systems. Now I wonder when Samsung and Lenovo will ship their ION-powered netbooks??

[Check it out]

HP continues to expand their netbook portfolio with the announcement of two new models today – the HP Mini 110 designed by Dutch designer, Studio Tord Boontje, and the first 11.6 inch HP netbook – the HP Mini 311. Here’s what you need to know about each new model.

HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje:

• Measures just over an inch thin and weighs 2.68 pounds
• 10.1 inch mercury-free LED display
• 92 percent keyboard
• HP Imprint 3D – industry’s first 3D PC surface technology. Multiple layers on the top cover are used to make the art appear to float on the surface while casting shadows onto lower layers
• Windows 7 Starter Edition – personalized with 15 wallpapers, screen saver, and Stardock MyColors desktop theme – all designed by Boontje
• Intel Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz
• 1GB RAM
• The mouse buttons are still on the left and right side of the touchpad
• VGA output, Ethernet, Multi-card reader, headphone jack, three USB ports, and webcam

According to PC Magazine in their hands-on with the new Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje, the new netbook is being offered with several matching accessories including a wireless mouse and a carrying case. Expect a starting price of $399.

HP Mini 311:

Now if you’re looking for something a tad bit larger than the standard 10.1 inch netbook, you might want to check out the newly announced Mini 311. With the Mini 311, HP joins not only the 11.6 inch netbook market but also the NVIDIA ION platform market (tho we’re still waiting for the NVIDIA ION netbooks to ship).  Features of the Mini 311 include:

• 11.6 inch HD (1366 x 768) widescreen display
• NVIDIA ION graphics
• 92 percent keyboard (which is a crying shame for an 11.6 inch system)
• Spacious touchpad
• HDMI port
• Three USB ports, Ethernet port, VGA output, and 5 in 1 media card reader
• 160GB HDD or 64GB SSD
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor
• 1GB expandable to 2GB
• Six cell battery
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Prices will start at around $399

As with the HP Mini 110, PC Magazine has a hands-on look with the new HP Mini 311 here. Expect the Mini 311 to ship after Windows 7 ships (which is Oct 22nd). Here are more pics of the Mini 311 courtesy of PC Magazine:

You can pre-order both the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje and the HP Mini 311 here at http://www.hpdirect.com/go/newfromhp