HP 2133 Mini-Note PC
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founder | Hewlett-Packard |
| Fate | Discontinued, succeeded by HP Mini 2140 |
| Successor | HP Mini 2140 |
Area served | Business and educational sectors |
Key people | Robert Baker (notebook marketing manager) |
| Products | Netbook computers |
| Owner | Hewlett-Packard |
| Parent | Hewlett-Packard |
The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC is a fully featured netbook developed by HP, primarily aimed at the business and educational sectors. It was available with choices of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, Windows Vista, or Windows XP operating systems. The entry-level Linux variant, equipped with 4 GB of flash storage, had a starting price of US$499. Production was reportedly handled by Inventec, although some reports mention Compal Electronics, a manufacturer recognized for the MSI Wind Netbook and the Dell Inspiron Mini 9. In early 2009, HP introduced the successor model, the HP Mini 2140, which maintained its focus on the education and business markets.
Features
This device includes a spill-resistant keyboard at 92% of standard size, treated by Hewlett-Packard with a special coating to minimize key wear. The touchpad features an unconventional design with buttons located on its sides rather than beneath it. A dedicated button above the touchpad allows users to toggle the touchpad and its buttons on or off. The chassis combines an aluminium exterior with an anodized magnesium internal frame, while the display is safeguarded by a protective layer of PMMA ("plexiglass"). Additionally, it incorporates an accelerometer-based hard drive protection system named "HP 3D DriveGuard."
As of October 2008, the HP 2133 was among a limited number of netbooks equipped with an ExpressCard/54 slot, alongside competitors like the Lenovo IdeaPad S9 and Gigabyte M912. Battery options include three-cell and six-cell variants, offering approximately two and four hours of operation respectively on high-end Windows Vista Business setups. The larger battery protrudes from the back of the unit, slightly elevating it and thereby enhancing keyboard ergonomics according to some reviewers.
Multiple configurations were offered in terms of CPU, memory, and mass storage, with Bluetooth connectivity included in higher-end models. A webcam was standard across all versions, although HP’s promotional materials occasionally listed it as optional. Supported operating systems ranged from SuSE Linux to various editions of Microsoft Windows Vista Home and Business. The product qualified for Microsoft's "downgrade program," permitting shipment with Windows XP Professional and subsequent upgrades to Vista Business, provided that at least 25 units were ordered annually.
Reception
Critics commended the notebook for its comfortable keyboard layout, sharp display resolution, attractive design, and solid build quality.
Nevertheless, some users found the side-positioned touchpad buttons awkward to use. The screen’s strong reflectivity posed challenges under bright lighting conditions. Overall performance and battery endurance were regarded as mediocre.
Review samples also experienced heat accumulation on the bottom panel. Certain revisions included a thick plastic grille over the fan exhaust that restricted airflow; removing this grille and applying higher-quality thermal compound helped alleviate overheating concerns. By September 2010, numerous units encountered motherboard failures that prevented startup despite power indicators being active. Some affected users managed to restore operation by briefly heating the motherboard using a heat gun or oven. Extensive discussions about these issues are available on online forums.
Several reviewers expressed hopes for improved performance through CPU upgrades to next-generation VIA Nano or Intel Atom processors. HP’s notebook marketing manager Robert Baker explained that initial use of current-generation CPUs was driven by timing within the education market but mentioned plans for an "interim refresh" featuring new processors approximately six months after launch.
Similar offerings from HP
In October 2008, HP introduced the "Digital Clutch," a notebook similar in design to the Mini-Note, scheduled for release in December. This pink-colored model, developed in partnership with fashion designer Vivienne Tam, came equipped with a 10-inch display, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1 GB of memory, and an 80 GB hard disk. Shortly after this, HP discreetly showcased the black "HP Mini 1000" through an in-store banner before its official announcement on 29 October 2008. Unlike the 2133 series, the Mini 1000 was intended primarily for consumer use.
In January 2009, HP revealed an enhanced version of the 2133 with the launch of the HP Mini 2140.