The new HP Mini 5101 – a truly Premium Business netbook

It has got lots of features that sets it apart from the crowd

 The Mini 5101 uses a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 processor which has been paired with 2GB of DDR2 RAM and 320GB HDD or an 80GB SSD. The users get a choice between a 10.1-inch standard 1024 x 600 display and a 10.1-inch HD-capable 1366 x 768 16:9 display. There is no dedicated GPU on this machine and the graphics are provided by the Intel GMA 950 chipset.

The HP Mini 5101 is a business class netbook with premium features. HP throws in a 2MP webcam, a magnesium alloy chassis, and an accelerometer that shuts off the hard drive to prevent damage in the event of a fall.

Liliputing got their hands on a sample to review, and their unit features a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a 6-cell 55WHr battery, 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth, and runs Windows XP Home Edition.

As far as the design is concerned, the HP Mini 5101 sure look like a professional machine with the magnesium alloy case, the large keyboard, and overall sleek feeling that is without any unnecessary stuff. The keyboard is well laid out which is achieved by stretching it to the borders of both the sides. The Ctrl button is thankfully on the extreme left bottom, and not the Fn button (situated right beside it) as so many netbooks do, and which at times feels so away from what we are used to. It is also now incredibly easy to replace the memory, the slots of which are now located at the bottom, unlike before. Overall the only problem Liliputing found is the noisy fan.

Although the HP Mini 5101 has the Intel Atom N280 CPU that gives you a clocking speed of only 1.66GHz, but a speedy 7200rpm hard drive. The 6-cell battery gave a moderate 5.5 hours of run time with WiFi on and the display brightness set to about 40% in Liliputing testing.

The netbook comes for a good $399. Overall the netbook was found one of the fastest around with 10” and Atom, and with good looks. The problem is it is actually targeted at an Enterprise level and if you want to order it personally, the price shoots up to over $500. Also there is lots of customization available which com at price.