

When you thought you’d never find the perfect small form factor notebook for less than $1,000, HP comes to the table with the all new
2133 Mini-Note. This ultra mobile subnotebook features an impressive 8.9-inch screen, a remarkably large keyboard, a full-sized notebook hard drive, and plenty of impressive specs. Is this the perfect road warrior machine? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
HP 2133 Mini-Note features the following specifications:
Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Business, Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32, FreeDOS, or SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
Processor: VIA C7-M ULV Processor (up to 1.6 GHz, 128 KB L2 cache)
Chipset: VIA CN896NB and 8237S SB
Memory: DDR2 SDRAM, 667MHz, one SODIMM memory slot, supports up to 2048MB
Internal Storage: 120GB/160GB 5400 rpm SATA, 120GB/160GB 7200 rpm SATA with HP 3D DriveGuard; or 64GB Solid State Drive; optional 4GB PATA Flash Module with SuSE Linux
Display: 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA (1280 x 768)
Graphics: VIA Chrome 9
Audio: High Definition Audio, stereos speakers, integrated stereo microphones, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in
Wireless support: Broadcom 802.11a/b/g, b/g, optional Bluetooth 2.0, HP Wireless Assistant
Communications Broadcom Ethernet Integrated Controller (10/100/1000)
Expansion slots: (1) ExpressCard/54 slot, Secure Digital (SD) slot
Ports and connectors: (2) USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, optional VGA webcam
Input device: 92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
Software: HP Backup and Recovery Manager, Roxio Creator 9, Microsoft Office Ready 20078
Security Kensington lock, Symantec Norton Internet Security
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.05 (at front) x 10.04 x 6.5 inches
Weight: 2.63 lb (with 3-cell battery and 4 GB Solid State Drive, 3.23 lb with 6-cell battery and 160GB hard drive, 2.86 lb with 3-cell battery and 160GB hard drive.
Power: 6-cell (55 WHr) or 3-cell (28 WHr) Lithium-Ion
HP 2133 Mini-Note PC battery, 65W HP Smart AC Adapter with HP Fast Charge.
The
HP 2133 Mini-Note has a great design. Everyone in our office agreed that it has a solid chassis and attractive look. The brushed aluminum and plastic casing is durable and hides fingerprints well. It also keeps the Mini-Note lightweight, only weighing in around 2.86 lbs as configured. It has that sleek business appeal, but is targeted toward students as well. One look at the Mini-Note and I can see why. I mean who wouldn’t want an inexpensive subnotebook to tote back and forth to class, especially one that pretty much has a full-size keyboard.
HP didn’t go wrong with the design. The 8.9″ WXGA display is beautiful and easy to read. It puts off a glare though because of the protective coating. Nothing about the Mini-Note feels cheap. I didn’t notice any signs of flex and enjoyed its good variety of ports and features. The Mini-Note also comes with different hard drive options, so hopefully this might help in the performance section considering the Mini-Note sports a VIA C7-M ULV processor.
As I mentioned above, the keyboard is almost full size. It is 92% of a full sized keyboard, which is quite impressive for such a small form factor. It is much more comfortable to type on compared to the Asus Eee PC. The touchpad can be awkward though, especially the placement of the right and left click buttons. As you can see from the pictures below it does have a neat power and Wi-Fi switch that lights up and changes from blue when on to orange when off.