The age of the mini notebooks is here. As a result, there are a lot of mini notebook options to look at. However, this review will consider only two of the stronger competitors in the market: the ASUS EEE PC 1000HE or the HP 2133 Mini-Note. Which of these would be suited to most users’ needs?
The HP 2133 Mini-Note signals the debut of Hewlett-Packard’s mini notebook division. Compared to its competitor, the ASUS EEE PC 1000HE, HP deviates from the norm and installs a Via C7 processor instead of the Intel-branded processors found not only in the 1000HE but also in a majority of the notebooks out in the market.
HP has equipped its debut offering with a relatively small screen at 8.9 inches, but it nonetheless is able to sustain a resolution of 1200×800. The display is powered by an integrated Via Chrome9 graphics card.
Hard drive capacities vary. There is an option for a 4GB Flash module that runs on a Linux OS or a 64GB solid state drive. You can also choose from 120GB or 160GB hard drives with options of 5400 or 7200 RPM’s. With the exception of the Flash module, all hard drive options run on Genuine Windows Vista operating software.
From the forerunner of the mini netbook comes the 1000HE, the latest in Asus’ offerings. It boasts of an improved chicklet style keyboard, which blends in nicely with the aesthetics of the interior.
AS a netbook, the Asus EEE PC 1000HE is limited to a 10-inch liquid crystal display but this is better compared to previous models, which had smaller screens. It has a resolution of only 1024×78. As for processing power, it is spurred on by an Intel Atom N280 processor running at a speed of 1.66 gigahertz. For hard drive capacity, the Asus EEE PC is an improvement over previous models as it is now armed with a 160-gigabyte hard drive coupled with a 1-Gigabyte DDR2 memory.
Compare this with the Asus 900, for example, which has only a 20-gigabyte solid state hard drive, 900 MHz Intel Mobile processor and an 8.9-inch LCD. It does, however, match up with the 1000HE in terms of memory.
PROS AND CONS of HP MINI 2133
PROS
Since the Mini 2133 comes from computer giant HP, it’s surprising that it’s quite inexpensive. Its aesthetics are impressive. It has a nearly full-sized keyboard as well. The display screen has excellent contrast and backlighting so they are easy on the eyes despite prolonged use.
CONS
While the display resolution is a plus for the HP Mini 2133, its downside is that it is powered by a Via chipset and not a more powerful graphics card. In fact, it is the CPU and chipset that puts it at a disadvantage when placed head-on with the ASUS EEE PC 1000HE, which despite its lower resolution performs better because of its Intel Atom chipset. Battery life is unimpressive with the Mini 2133 as well.
PROS and CONS of ASUS EEE PC 1000HE
PROS
One of the pros in purchasing the ASUS EEE PC is its display screen. Horizontal angles don’t introduce distortions so more than one people can view it side-by-side. As for vertical angles, the 1000HE’s screen does not invert colors as much as the screens of full-sized notebooks do. Display is friendly to the eyes as well.
The 1000HE boasts of a very sensitive and comfortable keyboard. The keys are decently spaced and are comfortable to use. The new keyboard layout also allows for one-handed scrolling without having to resort to the touchpad.
CONS
The touchpad is one of the weak points that the 1000HE has. While it does allow for dual finger control, it is not as responsive as other laptops.
Another complaint one is likely to make using while using the 1000HE is the limited resolution of only 1024×768 that may cause problems in the display when using certain software.
SPECS
|
SPECS |
AVAILABLE OPTIONS |
|
| HP 2133 MINI | ASUS EEE PC 1000HE | |
| CPU | VIA C7-M 1.6 GHz | Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz processor |
| RAM | 512MB-2GB DDR2 | 1GB DDR2 |
| SCREEN SIZE | 8.9 inches 1280×800 WXVGA | 10 inches, 1024×768 |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Windows Vista Business, Linux | Windows XP Home operating system with SP3 |
| BATTERY LIFE | 3 hours | Extended 9.5 hours |
| GRAPHICS CARD | VIA Chrome9 128MB | Integrated with Intel Atom N280 chipset |
CONCLUSION
Compared side by side, it is easy to conclude the ASUS EEE PC 1000HE is better. It has superior battery life, a more powerful CPU and greater performance. The only downside is its limited resolution, but it more than makes up for it with a lot of other useful features.
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