HP unveils the Mini 5101 netbook

Posted by David Walker on Wed 24 Jun 2009

The netbook gets all grown up

Until Intel and Nokia re-invent the mobile computer, we're stuck with the humble netbook for browsing and working on the go. Saying that, if they come with as much style as the newly-launched HP Mini 5101 netbook, we're not complaining.

It's the netbook for a grown-up audience, referred to by HP as 'mobile professionals' and occupying the middle ground between the typical Atom-powered netbook and the designer end of the notebook market. Whether that's a space that actually needs filling will become clear when the Mini 5101 hits the shelves in July.

For your money, you still get an Atom-powered machine, but one that comes in a rather stylish aluminium and magnesium case plus a very touchy set of raised keys and a clutch of features and options that you would ordinarily expect on a standard notebook. That includes a 7200 RPM hard drive, Bluetooth 2.0, a 2-megapixel webcam, the option of WSVGA or HD for your 10.1-inch LED screen and a battery that offers up to eight hours of life per charge. There's also the option of 80GB or 128GB SSD drives if you want something a little nippier.

The HP Mini 5101 netbook will hit US shelves in July, with the UK probably seeing it late summer for a price that's likely to be top-end for a netbook. Throw in extras like the optional USB-powered external disc drive or external speakers and it just might cost the same as an altogether better (but probably less stylish) notebook.

Link: HP (via Engadget)