HP 2133 Mininote. XP testing wave!

Posted on 29 April 2008, Last updated on 11 November 2019 by

Laptop magazine and jkOnTheRun are reporting back from their initial tests with upgrading (yes, it’s an upgrade in my opinion) from Windows Vista to XP on the HP 2133 MiniNote. Just how much evidence do OEMs need to convince them that installing the shiny Vista option is going to degrade the quality of their low-end computing product?

I run XP on the WiBrain B1H which has a lower-spec, 1.2Ghz CPU than many of the HP 2133 devices that are being tested out there and its running fine. Using the VGA cable or docking station I am happy using it as my work PC. Yes, I only do browser-based work with a little Livewriter, IM and photo editing (Paint Shop Pro) on the side but it works well. In fact, here’s a list of some of the apps I tested for my review of the WiBrain. All of these should work better than on the WiBrain. [more after the jump.]

  • iTunes – works. CoverFlow works. Video previews were not smooth.
  • Livewriter – works.
  • Firefox 2 – works (including plugins) Very good performance and one of the fastest UMPCs for web browsing, especially at this price point.
  • YouTube – works well.
  • Skype 3.2.0.244 – Works with video at about 5 FPS. (a patch has been released for the camera problem that existed with ealier models)
  • GOM Player – works. (Recommended – its an efficient player)
  • PaintShop Pro 7 – works. Again, a nice efficient version of this program.
  • Google Earth (4.2.0205) worked well in DirectX mode.
  • One thing to be aware of is that the WiBrain has a very fast disk drive which I’m sure is helping boost the user experience. The HP2133 160GB drive is even faster so that’s going to help even more.

    It’s no surprise to see positive results coming back from XP tests on the 2133. I hope both HP and Microsoft listen once more and that it tips the balance in favour of keeping XP alive.

    jkOnTheRun. XP Video demo…and long-term test notes.

    Laptop Magazine – Memory upgrade and XP thoughts.

    More info, specs, links on one HP 2133 summary page.

    7 Comments For This Post

    1. Hanzo says:

      Hi Chippy!

      I got mine 1Ghz Linux Mini, and I have to say, with Linux and XP, they all TOTALLY different machine!!!

      Further more, HP did a really good job, Mini is awsome in almost every part of it. When I received the package today, all my colleagues gathered around my Mini, and jump in the front of their PC to order one! Unfortunatly in Taiwan, there are only 100 Minis that were sent here.

      All I could say is “This is very, very, Nice.(as the way James of the jkOnTheRun said)” !!

    2. chippy says:

      Awesome! Do you have time to do a crystalmark test for me? (Pleeeeease!)

      Steve.

    3. Dan says:

      If only it had decent battery life…

    4. chromedome says:

      I couldn’t agree more with Dan.
      Can they sell at least extra battery for mini?

      And if you like GOM player, you may want to try KMplayer too!

    5. Hanzo says:

      Hi All,

      Here in Taiwan, HP Mini caused a “Mini Storm.” A forum is prepareing to order 100 customized Minis!! Why ordering 100 is because according to HP salesman’s comment, HP can customize the features for us but 100 pcs is minimum.

      The SPEC so far is tend to be:

      1.6Ghz CPU
      2 GB RAM
      Bluetooth
      120G HDD
      3 or 6-cell battery (Not decided)

      BRs,

    6. Ralph Reed says:

      Can you test it with Linux please? Windoze is for retards.

      Linux is worth paying for.

    7. mikey says:

      @Dan the 1.6mhz model comes with 6 cell battery as standard, its such a good deal

      Re Vista, how does any one expect them to show off a shiny Pc that runs the ugly XP. Its all about FAshion over function ;)

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