HP 2133 Mini-Note Review

Seems like a pretty nice machine but sometimes I wonder the exact market that these notebooks are targeted at, I mean, I'd rather get an ultra portable or a portable notebook instead of this, they might be more expensive but offer more than these hybrid notebooks especially now with the influx of super cheap ultra portables like the Asus Eee PC and its upcoming competitors.

I just don't really see the point or usefulness of this type of notebook.

 

I guess you don't travel via coach on many US domestic flights.

Between work and vacation travel there are too many times I need a compact laptop that's smaller than a 12-inch notebook but more powerful than a smartphone.

I have a full-featured desktop with multiple monitors and hard drives ... and I have a 14-inch work notebook and a 15-inch notebook at home. Still, there are times when I want a notebook I can take everywhere but don't want to haul a typical 12" or 14" laptop.

The "catch" is that I'm not willing to spend more than $500 at most for said ultraportable notebook.

 

I'm very happy a firm HP enter the UMPC market. We need more firms entering the UMPC market so they can drive other UMPC prices down.

The first thing I notice is the 2.5 inch HDD. Why can't Sony fit a 2.5 inch as standard?

Second thing I notice is the keyboard. The keys look really tight and cramped.

Third thing I notice is the speakers on the side of the LCD. Looks very similar to the ASUS EEE design. I think it would be better to have 2 small speakers inbetween the keyboard and LCD. That would free up some room for a bigger LCD. I think you can get a extra inch from the 2 speakers? Maybe 1.5 inch?

Nice review!

 

Hey there, quick question. Since you've managed to open this reviewed machine I was wondering if you'd be able to answer something for me. Does it appear, or do you have any information about, the processor being soldered in?

To my understanding, the VIA Isaiah chip is supposed to be the same pin as the C-7M so wondering if there's any likely chance of custom upgrading of the proc in the future.

Also...is there any chance you could put a copy of Windows XP on this to get the benchmarks with that instead of Vista?

Thanks in advance!

 

AWESOME UNIT. Did you get to keep your review unit.

 

Thanks for this post. I, and I'm sure many other people, were hoping for easy access to buy the cheaper machine and upgrade it DIY, especially if it has SATA 2.5" HDD and standard PC2-5300 RAM.

 

We NEVER get to keep review units of laptops ... even the ones like that retail for less than $500.

About the only thing that we ever get to keep are laptop bags and "some" accessories.

The editorial staff has to spend our hard-earned cash to buy our expensive electronic toys just like everyone else.

 

The question is, would you want to keep it? Is this a pre-production unit? I understand that there are often problems with those models.

I'd be interested to hear what, if you could have had one, review model would you have kept if you could?

I like the HP keyboard and the widescreen is kind of nice, but what is the point with out an optical drive? I think I will get the 9" Eee pc as my ultra-port, but it's nice to see the market with options. That VIA chipset with the Vista is probably what killed it, in all truth, for me - doesn't help to have weird buttons either (though a little usb mouse like the one featured in the Eee PC review videos could solve that easily).

 

A few months ago, I would have completely agreed with you. This will be marketed to the education sector, though - this is a MyFirstPC kind of thing. HP, so I have read, will not be putting this out to large retailers (though I think this will change). They want in on the UMPC deals that Intel and (I can't remember the name of the humanitarian guy) have been pitching to 3rd world countries. I believe that the cell phone market and this recent "furnish the world with PC" movement has created a recent push for the compact pc.

On a sillier note, I can completely see the usability NOW of the Eee PC just for entertainment value and smaller work tasks - I have a 15.4" standard screen laptop, and coach in a plane is no place to open that up. The screen remains at a lovely 70 degree angle. I think these little guys are perfect for a one-day business trip for meetings. But they are a little "Derek Zoolander phone" in some ways.

 

VIA uses a nano-BGA packaging for its C7-M ULVs, so it's directly soldered to the motherboard. There's no chance for DIY upgrades.

 

Correct. Most of our review units are pre-production units with various problems or full production review units that have been shipped to multiple publications for review (and took a beating in the process). Most of the notebooks we get in house are ones we wouldn't want to keep.

As for which notebooks we would have kept if we could, that depends on each member of our editorial team. I think every editor or reviewer has his/her personal favorites. For Brain, it was the Sony TZ. For Ben, it was the Dell M1330. For Andrew, it was the Lenovo ThinkPad X61. For Tiffany, it was probably the HP tx2000. For Kevin, it's every notebook he gets his hands on (but he only wants to keep them for about two weeks before selling them on ebay or replacing them with a new toy).

For me, well ... I suppose you could argue the Eee PC 4G since I ended up buying one and installing Windows XP on it last year, but I have a love-hate relationship with that subnotebook.

A large part of me really wanted to keep the updated HP Pavilion HDX that we had earlier this year, but not because that monster makes a good notebook. The HDX rocks because it's a solid desktop replacement and it also works perfectly as a small HDTV replacement. The HDX is the best all-in-one system currently on the market ... but I can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on it right now.

 

Hi Jerry, I mentioned this earlier in the thread, but it may have gotten lost in the mass of posts since. Could you take a peek at voltage and CPU frequency while the laptop's idle (perhaps with CPU-Z or a similar tool) and then under load? I'm interested to see if the poor battery life and high heat dissipation are perhaps due to power management problems in the pre-production unit or whether it's working as expected.

 

Chuck, sorry I didn't see that request earlier. The HP Mini-Note has already been shipped back to HP, so we can't run any more tests at this point.

That said, I doubt this was a pre-production issue since the Everex CloudBook with the 1.2GHz VIA C7-M likewise suffered from excessive heat and "relatively" poor battery life.

I desperately want the VIA processors to perform better ... in part because I want some healthy competition for Intel and AMD, and in part because I absolutely love the Mini-Note other than the processor and graphics. If the VIA processor and graphics did a better job I would have already placed an order for the Mini-Note on the HP business website.

 

Ah, no problem. Thanks for putting that in context though - it looks like VIA could use some research into its power consumption/heat dissipation, despite touting its own performance-per-watt horn. Although promising a 7W TDP, I can't help but think that's no where near how the Eee PC's ULV Celeron M's 5.5W TDP is measured.

I hope Isaiah turns out to underpromise and overdeliver, as opposed to what they've got now.

I'm thinking along the same lines as you - if this thing were on a different platform with better battery life (for the life of me, I can't understand how they can push an ultra-mobile laptop with only 2-2.5 hours of productivity battery life) I'd very, very strongly consider something around the $500-600 range. The build, design and screen resolution are very appealing but the combo package just kills it completely.

 

This vista thing for the tiny PC's is driving me nuts though. You can easily pick up older versions of some software on eBay and utilize these little PCs pretty well as an ancillary device. I just purchased a 15.4" thinkpad t61 (I didn't realize how long widescreens are now because I currently have a standard), and am thinking that will be my "Desktop" PC. I really like the mini-note, but I feel like Eee PC's configuration with Intel, XP, the easy upgradability of the RAM, and the touch pad are better. The mini-note's design is much more comfortable (keyboard) and aestetically pleasing (overall design of the screen and case). I guess this is a "there will always be bigger and better". My question is, at which point is it a full blown device and at which point is it a basic needs deal?

P.S. I love you guys at notebook review. I am a researcher, and this place is my heaven for computer purchases. I especially love me some youtube videos.

 

Thanks for the love. And that's an excellent question. Although I think there's a lot of room for improvement with the Eee PC, the fact that it only uses a 4GB SSD/Flash module doesn't bother me because I have a 16GB SDHC card and a 320GB portable USB drive. I don't use the Eee PC as a primary computer and since it's just for travel use or web browsing while I'm on the couch watching TV I don't mind not having a super fast processor or tons of storage.

That said, I want a notebook that's smaller than a 10-inch display with a good display that fits a full web page, good battery life for at least 4 hours of continuous use, and enough processor and graphics performance for active web browsing, some light Photoshop work, and some light gaming. I also want to pay less than $500.

I don't want a heavy-duty Photoshop and video encoding machine because that's why I have a desktop. I also don't need 100GB+ of storage because it's just a short-term travel laptop. I also don't want to spend more than $500 because I need to travel everywhere with it and I don't want to be worried about losing an expensive investment.

 

I agree with everything that you said, especially this particular portion - there is always the external harddrive, optical, if needed. And with the SDHC, I think these things could really take off as travel mates. What I think it particularly funny is the similarity to older computers with what I have seen regarding running World of Warcraft off of the SDHC - like the boot programs from floppies, only more advanced. I would be glad to see a little higher resolution and absolutely, the economy of battery life needs to be better: keyboards and batteries seem to make these things all the more worth while.

The disposability of these is also appealing. I don't think I would cry about the loss of a celeron. I think it would be great because I want to do more traveling in Europe, and Skype sure is cheaper than a cell phone.

P.S. I will get the new Eee both as a work machine (Photoshop 6.0 should do okay! LOL, sufficient for edits) and as an N64 emulator (because the DS doesn't fulfill my portable N64 need [yes, I am that much of a dork]).

 

You just described the Nokia N800/N810 Internet Tablets. They can host USB devices, with some configuration in Terminal. It has a built-in GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 2 SDHC card slots for N800 and one for N810, and a Full Web browser with Java, Flash, FlV, and WM implemented. Although you can't entirely rely on the Flash, I have the N800 so I don't know if the extra 70MHz will help in the N810. Tons of applications and is a really nice PMP. All in a 4.1" WVGA Touch Screen and a 400MHz processor for the N810 and 330MHz TXI processor for the N800.

The only thing you can't get out of it is gaming and Photoshop, but there is a application for it called myPaint and it is a really nice paint program although I never tried editing with it.

Wait a bit more and the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition will be released.

 

1: No keyboard.
2: Way too small to use for any work.

 

I concur. I saw a review, and though it is cool-looking, it is just that: cool-looking. I wouldn't attempt any "light Photoshop" on the N810 - and the mini-key pad would be hard for me to type on.

 

This little UMPC sure is a neat little guy. I hope they put out some XP drivers for it. Would make it alot more attractive in my opinion.

 

The HP SBO site notes an XP option for it, but none are listed on the config page as yet. It will probably be forthcoming...........

 

1: There is a QWERTY keyboard on the Nokia N810
2: Not intended for heavy duty work. More for Web Browsing, Media Capabilities, Communications, and light word processing. When you use it, it won't be too small.

 

The N810 is a nice concept, but flawed execution. The Linux platform doesn't really help it get ahead of other devices like the Sony Mylo or Windows Mobile, its just like any other OS at that point. A portable device has to (be able to) run Windows to be a proper UMPC that can run the same programs you use at home. In my opinion at least.

Regardless, this thing is for a different market than the 5" or less pocketable UMPCs. I like the resolution on it, but the Eee may be more livable.

 

This unit reminds me of the Fujitsu P1120 I used to own back in 2003 - same 8.9″ screen, 2.5″ HDD, Windows XP, non-Intel CPU, same keyboard layout, battery, PC card slot… The resemblance is remarkable. It’s as if HP took the P1120 shell, redesigned it and stuffed it with 2008 hardware.

For $499, this kicks Asus EEE butt. The $749 top-spec version will make $1799 MacBook Air owners go into rehab.

I could throw in a 320 (or 500 if I wait) gigabyte hard drive in this device and retire my portable DVD player/Archos. With a wireless broadband card, it is small enough to sit down with ANYWHERE and instantly blog/email etc. Load up Cool Edit Pro on this and with the right audio cable you can transform it into a highly portable recording/editing/mixing deck. This mini-note is just a KILLER device.

I suspect HP is closely scrutinizing early reviews of the unit, because even THEY must know XP on this is sure to run better, and if VIA does offer better performance with Isaiah, then you can bet this is just an introductory product and HP may offer something better in the near future.

I had my eye on a tx2000t. Yes, that's the C2D version, until HP suddenly pulled it from the market. I'd like to know what else HP has in the works.

 

Hmm, so HP really was working on an Intel version of the TX2000? This and the previous TX1000 have only been AMD unfortunately.

 

it uses 2.5" 5400rpm

 

HEY HP-STAFF!!

Great thing you've created there, but as long as your product risk giving me a headache after less than two hours of usage I won't spend any money on it.

So please do something about that additional protective layer of glossy plastic over the screen and you'll get yourself a new customer.

 

Looks like HP is going to refresh this line with either the intel Atom or the new Via Isaiah processors. Cnet is reporting the upgrades could be as soon as 6 months or so from now...
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9914927-1.html

 

I'm not surprised by anything in that article. I understand HP's need to get this product to the market "now" and not 1-6 months from now. Let's just hope they can refresh the Mini-Note with Atom as soon as possible.

If they can do that (and offer a configuration costing less than $550) I'll buy one as soon as they are available for pre-order.

 

Change the buttons, use XP, and lose that super high gloss thing for less than $550, and I am in the boat too.

 

I think the C7M might have been fine if not for the heat problems. I don't think performance is the number one priority in such systems, as long as it can provide adequate performance and battery life. Vista is definately a bad choice for such systems and I cant understand HP's decision to bundle it even as an option. Xp or the linux flavors would have decreased the heat output, increased battery life as well as the performance to an acceptable level.

 

I think people are missing the point.

While I agree the heat issue is most defiantly a con, its important to note the reason for buying the machine in the first place.

1) Poor Performance: This is one review of several others. Disabling Vista Aero would be a huge performance gain. Better yet with XP or Linux I HIGHLY doubt there would be performance issues. I have a Desktop for fast performance. I need the 2133 for notes, e-mail, chat, and pictures.

2) Poor Battery Life: The 3 cell is clearly not enough, however the $750 does ship with a battery rated for 3.5 - 4.0 hours. It does add to the weight but 3 pounds is still very light and portable.

The VIA processor is slow, but for the purpose it does just fine. People keep talking about the Eee PC, and quiet frankly while its a cheap, well functioning design, I do not have faith its build quality. I think HP took care of this with the solid design and scratch resistant screen. I think that more people need to actually run the machine before jumping to conclusions that it is unbearably slow.

 

(emphasis added)

Just so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle, you CAN order these from HP with XP for the same price as Vista, and you get a Vista license in the event you ever want to upgrade the OS.

 

And a rep point for you. I cannot think how I missed that in reading all the reviews for these things...I think I read two articles, and one did not mention that XP option. VIA chipset still is a hastle, screen and buttons. This is ONLY the beginning though - HP has really made huge improvement in general throughout the years, so things are gonna happen...I hope...

 

If nothing else, even if the initial offering isn't perfect in all respects, I think that one of "the big boys" here in the U.S. jumping into the subnotebook "war" at an attractive pricepoint will spur all sorts of competition. As much of a cult following as the Asus eeePC has, they're not considered a mainstream maker by corporate America/Fortune 500. I work for major Big-10 University, and from an institutional standpoint it's all Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo, and Gateway. One of these large companies getting into the game is a good thing from an economy of scale and competition standpoint...

Things can only get better.

 

Big 10...just as long as it isn't Ohio State...(I am a UW's kid). LOL, I hope that Lenovo/IBM or Dell would do one. I am not that big a fan of HP, but admire their move. I will be getting the new 9" EEE, however, but it really will be a "toy" (emulator for some older console games). But as the market grows, I will love to see one with an optical drive, though I think discs will eventually become obsolete. Things are slowly getting more internet-based.

 

Nah, Illinois. Muck Fichigan!

There's already a press release that Dell will be releasing a similar device later this year.

I've given the optical drive dilemma a lot of thought, and discovered that the only time I'd really use one would be for installing software, which most likely I'd do at home rather than on the road.

In fact, I'd much rather NOT have an integrated optical drive for several reasons:

1. Weight and bulk.

2. Any time Windows decides to poll devices (like when installing drivers, etc.) it likes to spin up the drive to see if there's anything there. That's usually 5-10 seconds of drumming my fingers in annoyance.

3. While the ability to burn CDs/DVDs for folks might be handy, depending on your application (photographer, programmer distributing a build, etc.), that's a very narrow application, not to mention the fact that most geeks I know almost always have either a thumb drive or an SD card that can be used to offload material. Burning discs for file transmittal is actually an annoyance.

4. With wireless hotspots becoming ubiquitous and the increasing usage of broadband wireless, it's frequently easier to send files as an email attachment or upload to a remote server via FTP. I have a Verizon Wireless U727 cellular broadband modem and monthly data service, so I'm always able to upload something somewhere. If the recipient doesn't have a place to dump files to, I can always upload to one of my servers, create a dummy web page and email the URL to them.

5. More and more software installations are downloads rather than CD/DVD distributions, so as time goes on this becomes less of a need for doing installs.

6. If you REALLY, REALLY have to have an optical drive for watching DVDs or burning, since one of the 2133s USB ports is powered, you can take along a slim DVD/RW drive with a short single USB cable. I would think that sticking one of those in your case and pulling it out when needed would be preferable to ALWAYS lugging around the extra weight and bulk of the drive with the unit itself.

YMMV of course...

 

The whole thing has made me reassess my computing needs.

I'm thinking of splurging for a tablet. Going to have to wait for Montevina and Puma with the hope that battery life will be north of 4 hours with these new chipsets. Also improvement with the graininess on account of the digitzer overlay.

Not sure an 8.9" screen will do. I've had a 10.4" screen many years ago @ 800x600. Can't imagine 1280x800 on an 8.9" screen. DPI just doesn't seem right.

In spite of it's short comings, the HP 2133 sure is purdy. But I think I'll have to pass.

Something tells me that Dell's upcoming mini will outsell it.

 

These look sweeeeet. Nice review, thanks.

 

1. XP and Linux may help with performance, but from what I understand, the UniChrome integrated graphics isn't powerful enough for Aero, so all the performance observations you've been reading are without Aero already.

2. 3.2lbs isn't bad, but the added height to the rear of the laptop makes is around 2.7 inches thick at the back. That is not something you can easily toss into a bag. There's more to portability that just weight.

 

3.2 lbs is as much as a 12" laptop, so it IS way (weigh?) too much. But luckily the base weight is 2.8 lbs with the stock battery.

 

I have not seen a slim DVD-ROM in person, but now my interest has been piqued if the weight difference is significant between carrying it around separately and having it built into the unit. I already have a stationary PC, so this ultra-port wouldn't be my primary machine - I think we are moving into a multi-PC market where people actually want something bigger than a palm and smaller than a 15.4".

 

Design looks good especially the keyboard which looks similar to macbooks. Shame it uses VIA procs but that wasn't a surprise.
Gonna wait for EEE PC 8.9" with Atom.

 

I wish they informed this lot sooner. Now I felt I had done something stupid like buying 2G eeePC for $400...

 

Anyone have any thoughts on whether the slower processor and flash memory version (the $499 one) might sport better battery life since power usage is likely to be less on both fronts?

All the reviews I've seen so far have been of the $749 version.

I was thinking of getting one of those and swapping in 2GB of RAM, but I'm still torn between the looks of this thing and the at-least-acceptable battery life of the Eee 900. I don't need a big hard drive, and I like the idea of flash memory.

 

you need to have very little hand sto typ normally on the EEEpc but if you really wnat battery life gor for the EEE 700/900 there are 7200 battry packs for sell on ebay (about 50-100$) which will give you 5-6hours with the atom processor it will get even better

 

In comparison, the EEE 900 gets about 1.5 hrs of battery life.

 

Source ???

 

this mini-note sucks. via processor? give me a break