Comments on: This week at Mobile Tech Manor #11

By: Pam T.

Pam T. — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:26:11 +0000

I have the HP Mini too (downgraded to XP), and like Luscious have found it perfect for my use. The VIA chipsets perform all my tasks just fine.

The only real reason I downgraded to XP wasn’t because of Vista’s performance, it was because my Blackjack I cell phone couldn’t properly establish a bluetooth connection with Vista.

My only complaint – and it’s minor – is that I’ve done some tweaking to apps because my 47 year old eyes argue sometimes about the small screen. It’s the only reason I’m considering upgrading to a 10″ netbook.

By: Willy

Willy — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:14:08 +0000

One thing I like about the Nano is the ability to run a 64bit OS which kinda future-proofs it. Was looking at a test that was done between a Nano (1.8 GHz), Atom 230 (1.6 GHZ Hyperthreaded), Atom 330 (dual core 1.6 GHZ Hyperthreaded), Celeron 420 & E120 (Intel Core 1.6GHz and the E120 Hyperthreaded), where the Nano basically held it’s own, generally beating the A230 and biting at the heels of the A330. Now, since the Atoms had the advantage of Hyperthreading, wht would happen if a full 64 bit OS were used instead of 32 bit? Extending that ‘logic’ to the 1.3 GHz Nano, it just might be a real beast running Vista/XP 64. This and low power draw. ..Willy.

By: John

John — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:31:43 +0000

One alternative to LogMein is an appliance based solution from RHUB (http://www.rhubcom.com), which bundles four collaboration tools in one delivery: web conferencing (like WebEx), remote access (like LogMeIn free edition), remote support (like LogMeIn rescue), and webinar (like GotoWebinar).

By: Luscious

Luscious — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:21:33 +0000

@Willy
I haven’t gotten my hands yet on a service manual, but you’re gonna need a torx driver to get to the guts of the mininote. Taking it apart is no trivial task.

I’m quite happy with the performance of the VIA C7 so far. I’m using my mininote to run Cool Edit Pro under XP and I can process large WAV files effortlessly. I can play back 720p HD WMV video using windows media player with no problem. The bundled WinDVD software plays back VOB files off the hard drive easily. There’s really not much I can see an Atom doing that the C7 wouldn’t be capable of, but heavy multitasking is not something I would do with either option. My specific needs required a small, mobile unit for simple multimedia audio/video tasks as well as standard office/web work, and the mininote fits those needs very well. Yes, the price is high, but you get the best keyboard in the category, best screen in the category, pc card slot, driveguard technology and solid HP build quality.

I’m not your average user, and it took me a lot of nerve to hold off so long on my purchase of the mininote, but I am glad I finally made the jump as I am happy with my purchase. The unit works as expected, it does exactly what I need it to do, and while others may wait for something slightly better, I get to finally enjoy my toy that I’ve had my eye on for all those months.

By: Willy

Willy — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:43:06 +0000

I’ve been looking at netbooks and UMPC’s on the net (and in stores) for a few months now and, so far, have yet to get excited about any one model. The HP Mininote comes the closest save for the gutless CPU and high price. If they’d stick a Nano in there and lower the price to around $450 I’d be sold. Right now I’m using an (almost new.. bought in Aug for $750) HP TX2500 convertible tablet PC. I look at how much some of these netbooks are going for and compare it to my TX2500 and.. I just can’t lay out the cash. The Acer Aspire1 comes the closest to pushing my BUY” button, but I really like the looks and quality of the Mininote. I’m also trying to find out how difficult it would be to swap out the C7 for a 1.3 GHz Nano. ..Willy.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:26:06 +0000

Luscious, I was one of the first people lucky enough to use the HP Mini-note and I did enjoy it. The only thing keeping me from buying one is the price at this point plus I’m hoping HP will release a refreshed model soon.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:24:49 +0000

Jim, my concern is the ability to access older items that were archived in Outlook. I don’t need to bring the stuff into GMail, rather I need the ability to find particular items in very old archives if need be.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:23:29 +0000

Nick, I do use the keyboard a lot. I even use it to type emails holding the whole thing in my hands. The keyboard is the key thing that sets the Advantage apart from most other devices.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:03:19 +0000

Hi James.

Quick Question – do you use the magnetic keyboard with your Advantage?

I’ve had it (the 16GB version) for around 4 months and I think I’ve used the keyboard 3 or 4 times over that period. Every so often I see the keyboard bit on my desk and figure I should try it again, but then use it once and remember why I prefer tapping on the on-screen keyboard!

Would be interested in your thoughts on this…

By: Luscious

Luscious — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:37:17 +0000

Hi James,

Just letting you know I got my 2133 mininote a few days ago. This device is a blast to use (purchased the XP model). I’m very impressed with the sturdy build quality, and especially the active 3D driveguard technology – I’ve accidentally knocked it about a few times (2 foot drop off the couch) and the driveguard has saved my back for certain. This in one feature no other netbook has and is not highlighted enough.

I’m using the 6-cell battery and find I can get 3.5-4.5 hours of work use, or 1 hour of work and watch a 2-hour movie on a full charge (720p movies look GREAT on this). You know this also has the express card slot and great keyboard. With a second 6-cell battery I’m hoping I can last a full work day sans wires.

If you haven’t purchased a netbook yet, please consider the mini. The driveguard feature alone, as I quickly learned, is worth the investment. I find the VIA CPU quite capable.

Keep up the great work!