HP Mini
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | HP 2133 Mini-Note PC |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Phased out |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Netbook computers |
| Parent | Hewlett-Packard |
HP Mini represented a series of small netbook computers developed by Hewlett-Packard. These devices operated on customized distributions of Ubuntu Linux, Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows 7 Starter, and generally did not include optical drives.
Launched in mid-2007, the HP Mini lineup was sold from 2008 until its phase-out in 2012.
Summary
2140 2009 Palmtop 11 in (28 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 5101 2009 Budget business 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 210 2010 Consumer 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 210 HD 2010 Consumer 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 2102 2010 Budget business 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 5102 2010 Budget business 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 1103 2011 Budget business 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) 5103 2011 Budget business 11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm)| Model | Year | Category | Chassis size | Display size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 2008 | Palmtop | 11 in (28 cm) | 8.9 in (23 cm) |
| 2133 | 2008 | Palmtop | 11 in (28 cm) | 8.9 in (23 cm) |
| 110 | 2009 | Consumer | 11.5 in (29 cm) | 10.1 in (26 cm) |
| 110 (Palmtop) | 2009 | 11 in (28 cm) | 10.1 in (26 cm) | |
| 311 | 2009 | 'Nvidia Ion'-based | 12.5 in (32 cm) | 11.6 in (29 cm) |
| 1151nr | 2009 | 'Budget business' |
11.5 in (29 cm) 10.1 in (26 cm) |
2133
This model was the initial release.
1000 and 700
The HP Mini 1000 is HP’s netbook designed by adapting the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC to appeal to consumers. In some markets, a comparable but more affordable variant known as the HP Compaq Mini 700 is offered, featuring distinct aesthetic differences. A limited edition, the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition, was created in partnership with fashion designer Vivienne Tam. All three share largely identical technical specifications.
Specifications
Processor and memory — The HP Mini 1000 is powered by a 1.60 GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU paired with 1 GB DDR2-533 RAM, which can be expanded up to 2 GB via a single memory slot. Versions running Windows XP were restricted to 1 GB of RAM due to Microsoft limitations, although manual upgrades are possible.
Storage — Storage choices include either a 16 or 32 GB solid-state drive or a 60 or 80 GB 1.8-inch hard disk drive. The Vivienne Tam Edition also offered an 8 GB SSD option. These drives connect through a ZIF SATA interface rather than conventional PATA or SATA cables.
Motherboard — The system is built around Intel’s 945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge chipsets, incorporating integrated Intel GMA950 graphics on the HP361A motherboard.
Display — Two LED-backlit screen sizes were available: an 8.9-inch panel with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels or a 10.1-inch display at 1024x576 pixels resolution. Both variants include stereo speakers, an integrated webcam, and a combined microphone/headphone jack. VGA output functionality is accessible either directly on the device or via the docking connector, with HP offering compatible adapters.
Power — The standard battery configuration includes a three-cell battery delivering up to three hours of usage time; an optional six-cell battery extends this runtime to approximately six hours and can be selected during purchase or added later.
Connectivity — Connectivity options encompass two USB ports, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet jack, a combined audio port, and a proprietary docking connector that supports VGA output, USB connections, RJ-45 Ethernet (through USB), audio, and power input. Wireless features include Broadcom BCM4312-based 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth version 2.0+EDR, and an optional HSDPA modem compatible with Verizon contracts for mobile broadband access.
Software
The Mini initially came equipped with Windows XP and Windows 7 Starter, with the option to upgrade to Windows 10. In January 2009, HP introduced the Mi—a unique operating system based on Ubuntu—named for "mobile Internet." This OS, featuring "HP MediaStyle" derived from Elisa, was launched specifically for the HP Mini 1000 "Mi Edition."
Reception
Early assessments highlighted the keyboard quality, design aesthetics, enhanced battery longevity, overall performance, and a more affordable price point compared to the HP 2133. Nonetheless, its 1.8-inch hard drive operated slower than the standard 2.5-inch drives found in rival devices, and the additional cost for a VGA adapter drew criticism. Despite various enhancements, battery endurance was still regarded as average.
110
The HP Mini 110 line consists of entry-level netbooks produced by HP. The initial models bore resemblance to compact palmtops, whereas subsequent releases adopted a more traditional netbook form factor.
210
- Certain HP Mini 210 variants are incompatible with the most recent Windows 10 release due to issues with display drivers.
311
The HP Mini 311 marked the debut of netbooks utilizing the Nvidia Ion platform, which allowed hardware acceleration for HD video playback and improved gaming capabilities. Released on September 24, 2009, priced at $399.99, it combined Intel Atom processors with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G graphics.
Configurations featured a fixed 1 GB DDR3 RAM module plus an additional SO-DIMM slot supporting up to a total of 3 GB RAM. Storage options ranged from 160 GB to 320 GB HDDs or an 80 GB solid-state drive. Due to physical limitations, optical drives were only available as external peripherals.
The device sports an 11.6" LED-backlit widescreen display at a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and includes a built-in webcam. Wireless connectivity options spanned Wireless G and Wireless N standards, with optional Bluetooth and Mobile Broadband through Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or Sprint.
Available ports include a 5-in-1 card reader, three USB connectors, Fast Ethernet, VGA output, and HDMI. Audio output is provided by Altec Lansing stereo speakers.
Two regional variants were offered: one featuring 1 GB RAM running Windows XP with ION LE support; another equipped with 2 GB RAM running Windows 7 featuring full ION capabilities.
In certain regions such as Europe, this model was marketed under the Compaq brand name.
2140
The HP Mini 2140 represents an upgraded iteration of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC and was announced in early 2009.
Details
It comes with a single-core Intel Atom processor clocked at 1.6 GHz and a 10.2-inch LED-backlit LCD screen available in either standard resolution (1024×576) or high definition (1366×768). Graphics are handled by Intel GMA 950. Storage choices include a 160 GB hard drive spinning at either 5400 or 7200 rpm or an 80 GB solid-state drive. Supported operating systems comprise SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, FreeDOS, Windows Vista (Home Basic or Business), as well as Windows XP Home or Professional via downgrade rights.
While its design, accessories, and overall appearance closely mirror those of the HP 2133, the updated processor and display contribute to battery life extending up to approximately 8.5 hours using the six-cell battery. A docking station was planned to provide expanded connectivity options. Initial pricing began at $499 USD for configurations featuring the standard definition screen, HDD storage, 1 GB RAM, and a three-cell battery—lacking Bluetooth and support for 802.11n wireless—running Windows XP Home edition.
Although HP announced a successor model named Mini 2150, it never reached the market.
Reception
Laptop Magazine commended the HP Mini 2140 (featuring a 1024×576 resolution display, 2 GB of RAM, and Windows XP) for resolving issues found in previous iterations, highlighting its lower heat output and enhanced battery longevity—recording 3 hours and 32 minutes on a 3-cell battery and up to 7 hours and 19 minutes with a 6-cell option. Nevertheless, the publication noted the screen resolution was somewhat inferior compared to rivals offering 1024×600 pixels. Overall, the reviewers’ opinions closely resembled those given to the Mini-Note 2133. This netbook was honored with the magazine’s "Editor's Choice" distinction.
Comparable HP Models
In October 2008, HP launched the Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition, a collaboration blending fashion with technology. This netbook featured a 10-inch display, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB RAM, and an 80 GB hard drive, catering specifically to consumers interested in style. Soon after, HP introduced the black Mini 1000 targeting home users, setting it apart from the business-oriented Mini-Note 2133.
5101
The HP Mini 5101 was equipped with an Intel Atom N280 processor and generally came with 1 GB of RAM.
5102
The HP Mini 5102 incorporated an Intel Atom CPU and offered an optional touchscreen alongside a black keyboard design.
5103
Revealed in 2010, the HP Mini 5103 provided enhancements over the HP Mini 210, including a dual-core Intel Atom N550 processor as well as an optional touchscreen feature.
| Specification | HP Mini 210 | HP Mini 5103 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Atom N455/475 | Intel Atom N550 |
| Number of cores | Single-core | Dual-core |
| Memory type | DDR3 | |
| Hard drive speed | 5400 RPM | |
| Face recognition | Included | |
| Touchscreen availability | No | Optional |
| Weight | Approximately 3 pounds (1.4 kg) | |
| Exterior finish | Metallic appearance with plastic elements | Metallic finish |
| Battery endurance (processor-dependent) | Up to 10 hours | Between 8 and 10 hours |
| Battery configuration | 6-cell battery | |
| Price point | US$329.99 | US$399.99 |
| Design category | Ultraportable | |
| Display size | 10 inches (25 cm) | |