I response to your comments on which is the most popular “netbook”.

I have just taken delivery of, and finished setting up an HP Mini Note laptop! This isn’t my first venture into the “Netbook” space, I have had previously, a number of small Sony Vaio machines, but this is the first one that can really support my current technology set.

This is also my first post from the coffee shop round the corner from where I live, as one of the main reason for choosing the HP, apart from its super solid build quality, was the ability to use an Express Card modem, as I already had one of these available to me.

My first impressions are much like everyone else’s, great build quality and keyboard, I also did the “so how much do you think this cost question?” and without fail, everyone who didn’t already know the price, thought that this small HP was at least double, if not more the actual price.

Performance, not really sure at the moment, I bought the Linux version (1.2Ghz) to install Windows XP on it, and with XP and 1Gb Ram, all is running fine, though a few $$ for the upgrade to 2Gb won’t be too far behind. Battery life, about 2 hours for the 3 cell, I’ll be looking to get a 6 cell to keep in the mobile bag for extended use.

One of the other very attractive features of the HP is really how “corporate” it looks. I know this might sound odd in the new world of computing freedom, but I will be using this machine a lot in my consulting job, and everything about this machine says smart professional, I was tempted by the MSI wind et al, but I couldn’t get passed their plastic cases and economy look and feel. The other bonus with this machine, was that I managed to grab an “open box” deal from an online reseller, saving over $160 from the list price, so it cost me exactly the same price at the MSI Wind in the UK.

I’m definitely enjoying “being more mobile”, and looking forward to the Waterfield case that’s on its way over the Atlantic to the UK, a lovely birthday present from my wife.

Keep up the good work chaps, really enjoying your work from across the pond.

A note to anyone trying out Opera Mobile 9.5: It is going to be excellent, but the beta disables all sounds and notifications on your windows mobile phone. Text message notifications for example will be disabled, and you have to go back into the settings to enable it. jkontherun, maybe you should include that. A lot of users trying out the beta haven’t actually read the known bugs!

MSI Wind U100 is not $599. Its MSRPs are $479 (3-cell) and $499 (6-cell), although some retailers are selling at a higher price. Just go to MSI’s online shop or Amazon.com.