Netbook Review: HP Mini 1000

I did a lot of research before I purchased my mini laptop, and it all came down to a close tie, but the HP Mini is what won the tie. Personally, I haven't had any problems with the HP netbook. For me, it's exactly what I needed and wanted in a netbook, and to tell you the truth, I've never been a big HP fan. I've always had Dell and Toshiba laptops and computers. HP was different, but I don't regret my purchase by any means, as I'd have to say this is one of the best netbooks out there.

I'll admit that the main thing that shot my attention to the HP Mini is the Verizon deal with $199.99 if you purchase a 2 year broadband service with Verizon. Well, that sounds great, but then you're paying $39.99 a month for 2 years which equals 959.76, plus the initial $199.99, meaning in the end you'll end up paying $1,159.75. But, you can still purchase the HP mini without having to purchase the Verizon broadband contract, although you'll pay more than the $199.99 for the netbook, it's still a much better deal.

I'm not the only one who says so. It's one of the most purchased netbooks, and it's one of the most reviewed.

Check out the features, so that you can decide whether or not the HP Mini netbook is the mini laptop that you need.

Battery Life

The main problem that most people initially see with the HP, is the short battery life when not plugged into the AC adapter. Well, even though it's estimated at about 3-4 hours of usage out of the 3 cell lithium polymer battery, I've gotten up to 5, give or take.

Intel Atom Processor

The HP Mini 1000 runs using a an Intel Atom Processor N270, running with 1.60 GHz. The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 helps the N270 Atom processor provide optimal usage and battery maximization.

Storage

Another thing most people see as a downside is just looking at the storage, it doesn't seem like a lot, but the 1GB DDR3 system memory and the 60GB, 4200RPM hard drive is ideal considering that mini laptops are meant to be a secondary laptop, mainly used for internet usage, but if you plan on using the netbook for more than that, you may want to consider a portable external hard drive.

Operation System

The HP Mini is pre-installed with Windows XP, which is perfect for those who are just used to Microsoft programs.

Screen and Keyboard

The HP Mini 1000 actually comes with a choice of 8.9", 10.1", or 10.2" screen, measuring diagonally. The overall size of the computer doesn't change, only the viewing screen. The HP screen is a WSVGA Led Brightview Infinity Display screen that offers a 1024 x 600 resolution for a clear and crisp image and viewing pleasure.

The keyboard is nearly the size of a standard keyboard, which means less adjustment. Where the smaller keyboard typically call for you to slow down typing, this keyboard will not hinder your typing speed at all.

Touchpad

The touchpad is pretty simple and easy to use. You can tap the touchpad in order to click on-screen, or you can use the right and left clickable buttons on either side of the touchpad. The one problem that I came across when first adjusting to the keyboard and touchpad was that my left hand kept clicking the left button, but after a few usages, I adjusted.

Other Features

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Wireless-G Card
• Bluetooth V2.0
• Ports: 2 USB, 1 HDMI, analog video output, 10/100 ethernet network port, 1 headphone
• 3-in-1 memory card reader that is compatible with Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Card (MMC), and Memory Stick
• Built-in webcam with HP Imprint Finish
• Microphone for clear and crisp VOIP and video conferencing conversations
• Speaker nearly the length of the netbook.
• Microsoft Works 9, Windows Internet Explorer 7, and Windows Media Player 11 pre-installed