HP Mini 5101 First Look

by Jerry Jackson

HP just unveiled its top-of-the-line netbook, the HP Mini 5101 companion PC. This latest Mini features a rugged anodized aluminum display enclosure with a black, brushed metal finish and a magnesium alloy chassis. We recently spent some hands-on time with the newest addition to HP's family of Mini PCs. Continue reading to find out our first impressions and to get a closer look at this impressive little laptop.

Overview of specs and features:
If you think the Mini 5101 is "just another netbook" then you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Here's a quick look at the highlights:

Processors	Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz, 512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
Chipset	Mobile Intel 945GSE Express
Memory	Up to 2GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (limit 1GB with Windows XP)
Storage	160/250/320 GB 7200 rpm SATA with HP 3D DriveGuard (supported on Windows models only); 80 GB Solid State Drive
Optical Drives	Optional HP External USB 2.0 CD/DVD R/RW Drive
Graphics	Intel GMA 950
Webcam and Microphone	2MP integrated webcam and stereo microphones
Displays	10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit WSVGA (1024 x 600) 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD (1366 x 768)
Wired Networking	Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
Wireless	Optional HP un2400 EV-DO/HSPA Mobile Broadband Module (requires mobile network operator service), optional Intel or Broadcom 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n, optional Bluetooth 2.0, HP Wireless Assistant
Media Card Slot	SD/SDHC card reader
I/O Ports	(3) USB 2.0 ports (1 powered), VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo microphone in jack, stereo headphone/line out jack
Operating System	Genuine Windows XP Home SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 FreeDOS
Battery	4-cell (29 WHr) or 6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery, 65W Smart AC Adapter
Dimensions	0.91 (at front) x 10.3 x 7.09 inches (HxWxD)
Starting Weight	Starting at 2.64 lbs / 1.2 kg (with hard drive, weight will vary by configuration)
Security	HP Disk Sanitizer, Kensington lock slot
Warranty	Limited 1-year and 90-day warranty options available, depending on country, 1-year limited warranty on primary battery. Optional HP Care Pack Services are extended service contracts which go beyond your standard warranties.

Build and Design
The design of the Mini 5101 is an obvious departure from the rest of HP's Mini line, and at first glance the new Mini looks more like a pint-sized HP ProBook than a typical netbook. Starting at just 2.6 pounds, the durable little HP Mini 5101 features a 10.1-inch diagonal LED display available in either WSVGA or high-definition resolutions. Customers can also choose either the four-cell battery for lighter weight or six-cell battery for longer battery life. When configured with the optional six-cell battery, HP claims the Mini 5101 delivers up to eight hours of battery life.

As previously mentioned, the Mini 5101 features a rugged anodized aluminum display enclosure with a black, brushed metal finish and a magnesium alloy chassis. The metal construction really gives the Mini 5101 the feeling of being a premium ultraportable notebook rather than a typical netbook. HP even offers a matching external optical drive for those road warriors who can't live without CDs and DVDs.

Speaking of durable build quality, the HP Mini 5101 also features HP 3D DriveGuard, which offers a three-axis digital accelerometer chip that sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock. The HP Panel Protection System also includes a scratch-resistant acrylic LCD cover and magnesium hinge bracket for added durability.

Continuing with the HP ProBook design elements, the HP Mini 5101 has a newly designed, spill-resistant keyboard that is 95 percent of a full-size QWERTY keyboard. The keys are nice and large with significant spacing in between each key to prevent typos. The individual keys have "HP DuraKeys" coating which HP claims makes the keyboard 50 times more resistant to visible wear than keyboards without it. In addition, the mouse buttons are located in the traditional space below the touchpad, making for a familiar user experience. Thank goodness! Someone at HP must have noticed the fact that EVERY review of the previous HP Mini netbooks complained about the location of the touchpad buttons. The touchpad was actually quite nice in the pre-production unit I tested.

Performance and Features
We didn't have an opportunity to benchmark the pre-production unit of the Mini 5101, but it's safe to assume that the performance of the Mini 5101 will be in line with other netbooks equipped with the Intel Atom processor and Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics. That being said, one advantage to the HP Mini 5101 is that HP will include a fast-performing 7,200 RPM hard drive standard with the unit. Alternatively, an optional Solid State Drive (SSD) is available in either 80GB or 128GB capacities.

An optional, integrated Gobi-powered HP Mobile Broadband module allows users to access the Internet around the world ... assuming you have network coverage. Other wireless technologies include integrated Wi-Fi and optional Bluetooth 2.0. An integrated 2-megapixel webcam allows for still-image capture, web-conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging.

HP QuickSync software, planned to be available as a web download in September, allows quick synchronization of the HP Mini with notebooks or desktops so users can avoid maintaining multiple documents, media files and email. Information also can sync to portable storage devices.

One exceptionally nice little feature on the new Mini 5101 is the use of a tool-free RAM cover. Basically, all you have to do to access the RAM is remove the battery and slide a little switch over to release the cover for the RAM module. Very nice.

New accessories designed for use with the HP Mini include a USB 2.0 port replicator that adds a variety of audio, networking and USB ports when you're working at your desk. Other accessories available for the HP Mini include a USB 2.0 docking station, external optical drive and USB-powered external speakers. The docking station is pretty neat because you can rotate the top of the dock to have some of the ports pointed forward and the rest pointed backward. Likewise, you can also mount the dock vertically or horizontally on your desk. Finally, a lightweight messenger bag designed specifically for the HP Mini or a neoprene slip case offer added protection for road warriors while on the go.

We will have a detailed review of the HP Mini 5101 coming soon, so stay tuned to NotebookReview.com for an in-depth review of this netbook.

Pricing and Availability:
The HP Mini 5101 starts at $449 and is expected to be available in late July.

Related Articles:

• HP Mini 2140 (HD Update) Review
• HP Mini 1000 Review
• HP ProBook 4510s Review
• HP Pavilion dv2 Review

 

Two netbooks I like right now are this and the Dell Mini 10. Everything except the bezel and not being fanless are great on this machine. As soon as this gets Pineview, I don't know if I'll be able to resist.

 

keyboard looks nice.. but still gma 945 graphics =/

 

Under OS, Vista should be listed.

 

So this is the update to the 2140. It's not a radical departure from that model (which I own), so I'm not unhappy to see this. In fact, I think the 2140 has a much nicer design!

 

no no no
this is the only netbook i'd use, from what i've seen
bravo HP

 

(netbook)...still a bad joke.

screen bezel is huuuuuuuuuuge, could have at least given bigger lcd.

 

Yeah the bezel kinda shocked me at first. But otherwise, this is one of the finest corporate netbooks I have ever seen. And it's the second to have me say wow (the other being the ASUS N10J). In terms of looks and design features, seems like a cross between an EliteBook (brushed aluminum) and a ProBook (spill resistant keyboard).

 

The screen bezel might look a little large, but it's a side effect of making the netbook a little larger to fit a good keyboard and a proper touchpad.

I'd be interested in seeing if HP eventually turns this into an 11-inch netbook (same chassis, slightly larger screen with thinner bezel). Still, even as it is now I think this is a pretty good corporate netbook.

 

Uncanny! Looks exactly like my TZ with the chicklet KB and in all black.

Is the reason they went with the 10inch screen (and thus the huge bezel) to accommodate the netbook requiremnts for XP licensing?

 

if the screen was bigger that will be nice

 

Hell,I don't see ION platform in options/configurations...

 

Small screen looks odd and I really needed the express card slot, so no sale.

 

Give it time. I just posted a comment in the discussion for the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA about the fact that netbooks really NEED a better alternative to GMA950.

Unfortunately, it's a delicate balancing act for manufacturers who need to figure out the perfect combination of price, performance, and profit margins for these products.

The reason that so many netbooks have virtually identical configurations is because the margins are HORRIBLY thin on netbooks. Developing new motherboards with new processors, chipsets and new IGP or discrete graphics options takes money. Although netbooks are selling pretty well right now manufacturers have to sell a lot more of them to offset the cost of R&D. Likewise, the OEMs and notebook manufacturers don't have a lot of incentive to develop higher performance products at extremely low cost that will undercut better products that have higher prices and better profit margins.

Despite solid sales of netbooks there are some naysayers who think the market for netbooks will dry up in the next few years. The only way that will happen is if netbook manufacturers fail to innovate and make netbooks better. Smartphones are getting better all the time and are starting to turn into pretty impressive mobile internet companions. On the other side, full-featured notebooks aren't much more expensive than a good netbook if you're willing to deal with a physically larger laptop.

 

I used to agree with that argument about the lack of ExpressCard, but honestly, what would you use the ExpressCard for? This netbook has an option for integrated mobile broadband, and USB broadband cards are super cheap.

Sure, ExpressCard lets you add FireWire or eSATA, but those ports aren't as widely used by mobile users the way that USB is.

 

I really like it. hp has really great design in their business lines (loving my elitebook).

I see no real use for ExpressCard as well. I'm more happy they put 3 usb ports in. Something HP often .. forgots ..

two points to make it perfect from my point of view would be..

no fan (with an ssd that would make it completely silent jummie)
bigger screen (but i'm happy about the resoution choice.

and i love to see vista on it. vista performs great on an atom. given enough ram, and a fast hdd, that is.

 

The bezel looks huge because the screen is not a flushed edge to edge display like the 2140. The 2140 looks much more refined than this.

However, the new ProBook signals HP's new design language for its business notebook range (island keys, no bottom vents, black brushed aluminium design) that will eventually filter down to its consumer range.

 

while you are right,I would surely pay more to have ION...

 

That may be true for you but not for me.

I already own express card modem that I use on 2 laptops it's really dumb for me to buy something to replace something that works. I also use an express card serial port for some of my work. We haven't found a USB to Serial cable that works on everything we need to connect to. Believe me we tried, after the 8th cable didn't work we tried an CF to Serial in a eCard 54 adp and it worked. Then we found eCard 34 to serial that worked.



In a nutshell, YOU may not need an express card slot. I need an express slot. I really want a dv2 but no express card no buy.

 

Fair enough. There are some options with ExpressCard in the market now. The HP Mini 2140 is still available from several retailers, the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 (not the S10-2) also has an ExpressCard slot.

From there you can move up to several 11-inch, 12-inch, and 13-inch notebooks with ExpressCard slots ... but most of the newer notebooks in those sizes are more expensive than an entry-level netbook.

I'm a big fan of the HP EliteBook 2530p ... but it's about $1,000 more expensive than the Mini 5101.

 

For some reason, I really hated how the bezel looks. HP just killed off a very successful netbook line up with a less than impressive update.

 

Really? I admit the 5101 doesn't look as ergonomic and flashy as the 2140 and 2133 before it, but it has some nice improvements over those netbooks ... namely tougher build, nicer keyboard (unless you hate chicklet keys) and MUCH nicer touchpad.

I agree the thick screen bezel looks ugly, and some potential buyers won't like the removal of the ExpressCard slot, but are those two reasons alone enough to kill this netbook?

 

When they said the "HPs ultimate" I thought it was going to have a Via Nano processor

Here's to hoping that HP does go Via some day soon *cheers*

 

Why is this limited to only 1 GB with Windows XP?

 

MS's limit to force the proliferation of Vista.

 

I like how this looks. Makes a lot of sense being a corporate netbook. Most netbooks end up either too cheerful and colourful for more serious business users.

Now if they could have put in an 11 incher, CULV cpu and X4500 integrated, in the same formfactor, I would be sold, this would be a good replacement for my aging but well serving D420. Even if it costs quite a bit more.

As per the missing express slots, I still find good use for even the old PCMCIA on my D420. It fits a CF-reader internally. Something that saves me from lugging a card reader. (I know, its not a major issue, I can always connect my DSLR via USB)

 

It may be a nice netbook but there is nothing revolutionary or new about it.

 

Is this a glossy screen like the rest of HP's netbooks?

 

I hope someone intelligent at HP sees my post:

11" LCD please in that frame, for christ's sake.. stop cheaping out.. You'd have my money sooner if you could make something RIGHT and PROPER but you got to leave something out. If you're so stuck on 10" LCDs, get rid of the bezel, and go back to a low 90% keyboard size.

Whoever's in charge of design needs to be fired.

 

it would be a great machine (for me) but... it does not have hdmi/dp. Come on, 10.1" is great when you traveling but at home it would be nice to connect it to external monitor.

 

This looks reallly solid.

What was your impression of the speakers?

 

I think if they went with a 10.2" screen, the bezel would not be a problem at all, like how other netbooks with similar configurations are like.

 

2140 doesn't have such an ugly bezel. Now this is a sleek machine The 5101 really looks like a downgrade in terms of design. And the specs are about the same too, except for the wireless.

 

Is the HD screen option going to make it a lot pricier?

 

But to be fair, the 5101 is probably more comfortable. Plus the bezel doesn't look aesthetically that bad (judging by the first pic).. but I would definitely say that they should have:
1) went with a 10.2" screen, or
2) added subwoofer speakers on the bezel with a 10.1" screen like the Samsung NC120.

 

The HD screen option is win. It makes these HP models the only 10 inch netbooks I would consider. My bro has an Acer netbook with the standard display res, and it really seems unusable compared to my HP with the high res screen.

HP for the win. And 2140 for the epic win.

 

Put a Via Nano and nVidia Ion chipset in there and i will be interested.

not before.

 

The Dell Mini 10 has an HD screen option.

 

Why does this write up say that one USB port is powered? Do you mean the other 2 are unpowered?

 

No, one is a "sleep and charge" style USB port that allows you to charge USB devices like an iPod or some cell phones even while the notebook is in sleep mode. Some notebooks with these types of ports will still power a device even if the notebook is turned off depending on the BIOS setup.

 

Ah, thanks for explaining. That's a nice feature!

 

I wonder how much the HD version will cost. I'm disappointed that it's now a half inch deeper|wider. The smaller size was one of my favorite aspects of the 2140.

 

Not much comments about the docking station. I'd love to have something like that, especially since it's so small.. Then again most people probably use their netbooks in a portable manner, unplugged and no external mouse.

 

I agree that the docking station seems to be the BIG add-on, looks aside. But yeah, they need an 11" screen...people would pay more for it.

 

just like what others are saying, one major letdown with this is the not-so-stunning bezel which is a trade off for having a 95% keyboard size than the other HP models which only has a 92% size.

do we have any release date on this one?

i personally like this over the current crops of netbooks out there in the market. the square design is reminiscent of the Thinkpad series which i think appealed most businessmen. the brushed aluminum makes it one of the dealbreakers than the Asus N10E.

besides, HP will sell it with USB dock and an external DVD right?

 

Already for sale in some countries ?

What is the expected release date ?

 

Shipping in August, at least in the US.

 

Hello everyone, I am loving this netbook i was going to pick up the asus 1008ha last week when I came across this while on Engadget. My # 1 priority is slimness and weight. 1008ha has everything that I can ask for in a netbook but the screen resolution. And pop comes the 5101, the only thing thats keeping from jumping on this right now is the fact that i don't know how thin it is. Specs say .91" and the review in this posting says .91" in the front. If the front is .91" what is the back? im hoping its no more than 1.01" cuz thats how thick the 1008ha. thanks again if anyone could shed some light onto my dilemma.

 

if not because of the design factor, i wouldn't have considered HP Mini 5101 in my purchase decision. one thing that bothers me though, the battery life.

my other consideration is the Toshiba NB205, professing to last 9hrs accordingly.

the thing that hinders me on the Toshiba is then flex keyboard.

what about you guys, what do you think, which one is better in terms of:

1) craftsmandship and sturdiness of the build
2) design factor
3) battery life
4) speed(boot up, data transfer, etc)

 

Is there still going to be a full review? Its been 48 days since the first look. I really want this but need to see a in-depth review first.