NetbookTech

HP today announces the launch of their new HP Mini 1000 line of netbook systems with the introduction of three new systems – the HP Mini 1000, the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition, and the HP Mini 1000 with MIE (Mobile Internet Experience). News of the HP Mini 1000 leaked out over the weekend when the HP Shopping website accidentally had some images of the new netbook series – yet actual detailed specs were scarce at the time.. ah but now we know the goods..

First off, all three systems have the following common traits:

• Less than one inch thick
• Weighs a little more than two pounds
• 92 percent keyboard size
• BrightView widescreen Infinity display (1024×600 resolution) with flush glass and LED backlight
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor

Now let’s get to the details of each of the new systems.

First up, there’s the HP Mini 1000:

Key features of the Mini 1000 are as follows:

• Piano black finish with HP Imprint swirl design
• Windows XP Home
• Ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3G versions coming in December
• Choice of either 8.9 inch or 10.2 inch display
• Choice of SSD or regular hard drives
• Prices start at $399

Here are the full specs:

• Windows XP Home with SP3
• Choice of 8.9 inch or 10.2 inch WSVGA HP LED BrightView Infinity Display
• 512MB or 1GB of RAM
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 8GB/16GB SSD or 60GB 4200 RPM PATA HDD
• HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish
• Wireless G card with optional Bluetooth support
• 3 cell Lithium Polymer Battery
• Measures 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (W) x 0.99 in (H)
• Only 1 DIMM slot for a maximum of 1GB of memory
• Weighs 2.23 lbs
• Integrated stereo speakers

Note – a fully decked out system can be as high as $549.99 – that’s including a 60GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, and a 10 inch display.

The Mini 1000 is available now for purchase.

Next, we have the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition:

Key features for this netbook are as follows:

• Vibrant red with peony flower inspired design
• 10.2 inch BrightView display
• Windows XP Home
• Ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3G versions coming in December
• MSRP of $699

You can reserve the Vivienne Tam edition today.

Finally, there’s the HP Mini 1000 with Mobile Internet Experience (MIE). What makes the MIE model particularly interesting is the fact that it’s an HP designed user interface for accessing digital content – including videos, photos, music, and email. The system runs a Linux OS and has Ethernet, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Prices for the Mini 1000 are expected to start at $379. This system will be coming out soon.

HP rounds out the new netbook announcements with several accessory announcements also including a new HP Mini Mobile Drive which comes in 2, 4 or 8GB storage capacities and an optional six cell lithium-polymer battery due out in January.

Initial thoughts

The new HP Mini 1000 series certainly have the looks and the form factor/sizes are definitely just right. However, the mouse button layout is still the same as before (why in the world are the buttons on the left and right sides of the touchpad??)  and the prices are a tad bit high once you start adding features to the list. Other netbooks feature more and cost less – something HP might have to contend with if it wants to be successful in this market.

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