HP Mini 5101 Netbook Stalked on Video
I have only had the HP Mini 5101 netbook for a day and I am already getting some good mobile use out of the little laptop. I am impressed with the metal casing that makes this thing feel like a tank, something that could be important for the road warrior. The keyboard is very nicely done for touch typists; it is 95% of full size and the chiclet keys are perfectly spaced. The only complaint I have so far is the F-key row at the top. HP made the poor decision to make the F-keys, F1 – F12, to not be the default keypress. That means you must use the Fn key in conjunction with them to hit an F-key, and that bites.
This short video shows off the construction of the Mini 5101 and all of the ports and connectors. You can also see how little bulk the 6-cell battery adds to the small size of the netbook. The full specs of the 5101 as reviewed are after the jump.
HP Mini 5101 specs:
- CPU: Intel Atom N280, 1.66 GHz (533 MHz FSB)
- RAM: 1 GB (2 max.)
- HDD: 160 GB
- DISPLAY: 10.1-inch, 1024×600
- WEBCAM: 2 MP
- COMMUNICATION: 802.11 a/b/g draft n; Optional Gobi 3G; Bluetooth
- PORTS: 3- USB, VGA out, audio in, audio out, Ethernet, A/C, Multi-format card reader
- DIMENSIONS: 10.30 x 7.09 x 0.91 in (262.0 x 180 x 23.2 mm)
- WEIGHT: 2.64 lbs.
- BATTERY: 6-cell, 55 WHr
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As usual James, great video!
Is it possible you could run down with that to your nearest Staples/BB and snap a picture of it next to a Toshiba NB205? I’d love to see a size comparison of the two, especially the keyboard and trackpad.
Maybe, when I’m not playing with the grandkids. :)
Thanks.
What software does HP put on the system? Can I uninstall it or should I just plan on formatting the drive?
Nice video. Thanks for showing how the 6 cell battery looks from the bottom, that’s helpful.
I’d like to know… are the speakers any good? How is access to the hard drive accomplished? Have you looked at the higher rez screen options for a 10″ display and what do you think about them?
good video…. but i dont no if it was just me but is there air vents at the fount/bottom of the device?
Yes, there are vents on the side and the bottom of the unit.
Thanks. Nice video. I just wanted to let any early adopters who, like me, have been waiting for a pre-config model with HD screen know that if they don’t want or need Windows, they can get this for about what the cost of a preconfigured model would be.
There is a discount coupon on their site that knocked the Linux version with HD screen and 2GB ram down to about 462 (still high for a netbook). It says 12 percent off, but that is a significantly higher discount. I have an unused version of XP and had planned to install Windows 7 RC until the full upgrade comes out (let’s ).
Just wanted to let you all know … it pushed me over the edge. Now here’s keeping my fingers crossed that the 4-cell battery will get me about 4+ hours of real-life usage (I don’t know why, but that seems like a target I think I could live with).
duh.. I can’t find the coupon. Have they taken it down?
Here’s the page:
http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/psg_041408_nb1/index.asp?jumpid=re_R2910-R295_store/special/computing-notebook/have-it-your-way-and-save&psn=notebooks_tablet_pcs/notebook_pcs
The code for the 5101 is: CTO5101
It’s still there. I started back at the beginning and found it. :)
Thanks for the video. Any chance there is or will be a BIOS setting to disable the backwards fn key mappings.
Yes, I found the BIOS setting, something like “Switch Fn”, that swaps the two functions. The Fn key is now no longer needed to use the F-keys.
oh cool on the mapping of the FN keys. I don’t have my 5101 yet. you had me worried.
while the full review is still in progress, may these questions be included in it:
1) have you checked the bottom of the unit if it get too hot? it’s enclosed inn a metal chassis(aluminum and magnesium alloy) and both of them have a high specific heat ration, that means the material can easily heat up especially in a warm environment. the goodsidew is that, it cools faster too in a cold surroundings. have you checked on this part?
2) Toshiba NB205 was initially the first that comes to my mind and the first in my to-buy list. but givcen the flex issue and weak crasftmanship(weak plastic build), i am becoming apprehensive. you think the HP Mini 5101 doesn’t have the flex issue? even if the frame that holds they keypad is a plastic material?
3) the brimming pride that Toshiba NB205 is the longer battery life. at a fully charged 6cell battery7, how long can the HP endure when surfing the web. or how long can the battery last when you’re playing dvd(although i don’t intend to watch dvd’s on a netbook). and speaking of battery, how does the 6cell look like when mounted. i noticed that some netbooks look very odd when a 6cell variant is installed.
No flex issue, the bottom gets a little warm but not alarmingly so. I am getting about 5 hours of standard usage on the 6-cell battery.
Hmmmm — a thinner chassis and a better webcam on one end, versus an extra 1-1.5 hours of battery life on the other…
…A very difficult decision. If I’m not mistaken, I think the hard drive on the Toshiba is much easier to access (as long as you have the right Torx head).
We’re definitely interested in your final verdict, JK!
Looks nice.
Whats the max res of the screen?
Thanks
The res of this screen is 1024×600, but a hi-res option will soon be available (1366×768).
@John Ray Cabrera:
Look the video, there are 6 cell battery.
Thank you. Does someone know the release date on this one in the retail stores?