Overall Design and Theme
I really appreciate what appeals to me as good design, and I think HP did a great job with the Mini 1000. I love to let people guess how much a Mini 1000 would cost them (those that have never seen a netbook) and I get some incredibly high guesses. People see how nice the hardware looks and immediately assume it is some ultra-expensive mini-laptop. This is definitely a testament to the design vision of the Mini 1000. I called the theme of this netbook ‘subtle-elegance’, and as I’ve been using this hardware for the last few weeks, I still find it to be true. Everywhere you look on the Mini 1000, you will see this theme reflected. The hinge is the most attention grabbing and detailed part of the netbook, and the rest seems to radiate out from there. The rounded edges of the lid help the screen blend into the body when the unit is closed, and the entire thing sits flat. The graphic design on the top of the lid is almost like a reward for the viewer that looks a little closer. From afar the lid looks like a simple glossy black. But upon closer inspection, you are greeted with an interesting design. That, to me, exemplifies the subtly elegant touches that define the visual identity of the Mini 1000. I will say this about the Mini 1000; best looking netbook thus far.
See the HP Mini 1000 MIE coverage roadmap for all of our Mini 1000 MIE coverage.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Long term hardware impressions — HP Mini 1000 MIE http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5924
February 26th, 2009 at 5:10 am
RT @chippy: Long term hardware impressions — HP Mini 1000 MIE http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5924
February 26th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I had a chance to check the PC … and I agree: it is a very good one.
However, in my opinion, it is lacking an Express card slot – and it is the ONLY reason why I shall not buy it! Imagine: if this PC does not come with the built-in GPS support – short of a USB- or BT-attached receiver, how else can I add the option. Neither of these two is very convenient, because either one requires an external GPS unit; but if the PC had the slot, one could easily complement the PC by inserting a GPS card, without losing a single-piece view.
Of course, it’s just my opinion.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Nice review!
I have an HP Mini-Note 1000 10″ running XP and just love it!
The LED back light can really give you some serious eye burn! I lower mine down to level 6.
The keyboard is just what you said, and I have gotten used to it. It’s the best one around for a Mini. The Dell Mini 9 has the keys here and there and I was afraid that if I used that keyboard much I’d be ruined for any standard keyboard I’d use. That’s one reason I bought the HP and the Dell sits by the wayside. I have Microsoft Office 2007 and use the Mini-Note for all my typing.
The touch pad was my biggest problem: the right click is a little flimsy until you find the right spot to hit.
The best is that it is so portable! I got to laugh when I see folks carrying these large 15-17” laptops, they remind me of the early 80’s where an Osborn portable weighed 24.5 pounds and people would lug them around!
One thing that I don’t like is that there are only two USB ports. Hell My Asus EEE701 and Dell Mini 9 have three each. I didn’t count the flush USB port because it’s unusable without Hp’s Mini Mobile Drive (4GB for $24.99) I might get me one.
//bob