An HP Vista mini-note, VS an HP Linux mini-note

A while back I posted about the new HP 2133 Mini-Note PC that was coming out. It's now for sale on Amazon.com, along with it's Windows Vista counter part. Here are two samples, with considerable price differences:

HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-inch Mini-Note PC (C7-M 1.6 GHz Processor, 2048 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)

Technical Details

* Full-function laptop with 8.9-inch display, stylish anodized aluminum case, and integrated webcam

* 1.6 GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor, 120 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), Gigabit Ethernet

* Spill-resistant 92 percent full size keyboard; hard drive protected by HP's 3D DriveGuard

* Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 headphone, 1 microphone, ExpressCard 54/34, Secure Digital memory card slot, VGA monitor port

* Pre-installed with Windows Vista Business; trial versions of Microsoft Office 2007 and Norton Internet Security [...]

As of this date, the selling price is $640.98. The Amazon reviews are for ALL the HP 2133 notebooks, all lumped together. Most complaints seem to be about poor performance with Windows Vista.

Here is a model with Linux on it:

HP 2133-KX869AT 8.9-inch Mini-Note PC (C7-M 1.2 GHz Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Linux)

Technical Details

* SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

* It comes equipped with the tools to help you conduct business efficiently on the go with features such as high-resolution, 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display; 92% full-size QWERTY keyboard; and touchpad.

* Stay connected where you need to work with integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLANand optional Bluetooth wireless technologies. Access the Internet, email, IM, or chat at school, at home or at your favorite hotspots.

* The simple, refined design and all-aluminum case make it sleek, sturdy and lightweight. Features such as HP DuraKeys, magnesium alloy support structure, and HP 3D DriveGuard make a durable mini-note PC that can go the distance. [...]

This model with Linux has a slightly slower processor, but more RAM. As of this date it is selling for $393.94. A considerable savings over it's Windows Vista counterpart.

There are other versions available at different prices, with different specs, such as a solid-state memory drive instead of a hard drive.

But the C7-M processor is not very powerful. In a similar price range, you can find full blown HP laptops with better processors, that come with Windows Vista. Why not buy one of them, and install Linux on it? It would cost a bit more than this Linux machine, but it would have a faster processor, built in DVD drive, etc.

As much as I like seeing an HP notebook with Linux, I'm not sure this is really the best way to go.

Not sure, which means I AM thinking about it. ;-)
     

HP to offer UMPC Mini-Notebook with Linux

HP will shortly be offering an UMPC (Ultramobile PC), aimed at the education market. There will be two versions, one offered at the end of April, and another more expensive version in May:

HP releases its first Linux-powered laptop

[...] The HP Mini is another UMPC (Ultramobile PC). Unlike Asustek Computer's Eee PC and Everex's CloudBook, the HP Mini is the first UMPC to arrive from a top-tier system vendor.

Like the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child)'s XO Laptop and Intel's Classmate PC, the HP Mini is designed for the wear and tear of use by children. The 2.5-pound UMPC comes with an anodized aluminum shell that's designed to be sturdy. It also comes with "HP DuraKeys," a clear damage-resistant keyboard coating designed to help prevent chocolate-milk-induced system failures. It also includes the HP 3D DriveGuard, which uses a three-axis digital accelerometer chip to shut down the hard drive if it's dropped (or thrown, or kicked).

Besides the usual array of SLED software goodies, the system also includes educational software. Jim Mann, an HP technology strategist, credited Novell with putting together an excellent collection of educational software.

The PC itself comes in two different versions. Both models are powered by a 1.6GHz Via C7 processor. They also both have 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an 8.9-inch display with 1280 by 768 resolution. They each also include a pair of USB ports and Ethernet port. The cheaper model, the one that's aimed directly at the education market, comes with 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive. This system, which should be available by the end of April, will retail for $499. The higher-end system comes with 2GB, a faster 120GB hard drive and a larger six-cell battery. This system will be available by May and list for $799, HP said.

HP has is going to offer it on it's HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, seen here with Windows Vista on the screen:


The Windows Vista version which is already available, is reviewed here:

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC

It didn't take long for PC makers to realize the gold mine ASUS struck with its Eee PC 4G. The Eee PC is a sleek, 2.2-pound ultraportable that costs less than $400—something the UMPC platform had promised but failed to deliver. Now, manufacturers are mobilizing to create an Eee PC "killer," so to speak. The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC ($749 direct) has the potential to be just that. It sports a sexy, 3-pound design, has features similar to the Eee PC, and offers a variety of operating systems to choose from. Even more compelling, however, is that this miniature device can be used by kindergarteners or top-level executives alike, and is affordable to most families with schoolchildren. My configuration was relatively expensive; others start as low as $499—a price that HP had to nail down in order for the Mini-Note to fly. [...]

Sounds intriguing! Although for that price you could buy a regular notebook computer with Vista, and install Linux over it or dual boot it with Vista. But this particular model of mini notebook is especially rugged and durable, and will have an appeal all it's own. I'll be watching the reviews, that's for certain.