HP Releases NetBooks
Hewlett-Packard joined the netbook wave with their HP 2133 that was designed to go up against the Asus EeePC, Acer Aspire One, MSI WInd, etc. The 2133 is a great netbook, probably the best in its class. However, the HP 2133 went on sale on Amazon yesterday for $299 shipped. At that price, it only meant one thing, they're phasing it out.
That's alright though. HP is rolling out a replacement for the 2133, the HP Mini 1000. The new Mini 1000 comes in three trims, HP Mini 1000, Mini 1000 MIE, and the Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition. Prices range from $379 - $699. The cheapest model will run Linux and somewhere down the line Windows XP will be preinstalled.
The major difference the new HP Mini 1000 netbooks have over the HP 2133 is the processor and screen size. The previous version sported a C7 CPU from VIA and an 8.9 inch screen. On the other hand, the newer model comes with the Intel Atom processor.
Most of the specs are the same, 92 percent keyboard, built-in Webcam, wireless, and options for solid-state or hard-disk drives.
So is the Mini 1000 really better than the 2133? Well, for one thing that Atom processor is really good. However, for basic office tasks and internet browsing, I'm guessing that the Amazon offer is best at the moment.
Acer Ferrari One Netbook
Want to have a netbook that screams "Status Symbol" and "Luxury" all over? Grab that Acer Ferrari One with a cavallino rampante-emblazoned glossy red finish and automotive-themed details like the metallic-like trackpad buttons, a wrist rest with that carbon fiber feel, and even a boot up greeting that sounds like a passing F1 racer.
But do not let all that fluff fool you, as Acer's Ferrari-inspired netbook is powered with an AMD dual-core Athlon X2 processor 1.2GHz, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics chipset, 240GB of storage, and 4GB of memory, making it proficient in running graphics compared to other netbooks around although it may buff a bit while playing HD movie files. Nevertheless, the multimedia performance is impressive for a netbook.
However, if you find that too slow, you would be delighted to know that this netbook also comes with its own ATI XGP port, connecting the Acer Ferrari One with more powerful external graphics card for faster graphical processing and multitasking powers.
The 11.6-inch Acer Ferrari One also features a LED-backlit display, spacious keyboard, a wide array of audio settings from Dolby Digital Live to Dolby Pro Logic IIx, a multitouch-capable trackpad that allows pinch-zooms and two-finger swipes while navigating websites, USB ports, SD card slot, VGA output, and WiFi connectivity.
The Acer Ferrari One is already available through various resellers in the United Kingdom, starting at ₤400 (US$668). It is expected to become available across the pond in January 2010.
