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HP's biggest surprise, its smallest notebook by far, is set to be seen everywhere from conference room to cafe. Aimed at a new generation of mobile users who want to bring their PC everywhere they go, the HP 2133 was tailor-made to be seen... and used, because it is not just a good-looking machine.
The first target group are the mobile young. When I tested out the tiny notebook on the 'younger crowd', many were drawn to the size of it.
Surprisingly though, they didn't entertain the next step - that of going out and buying one for themselves despite the attractive price. "I'd rather pay a little more and get something with a DVD/CD built in," was the comment I often heard.
Never mind the USB ports or 126 GB HDD. The longer battery-life of the Mini-Note coupled with WLAN for hours of downloads also didn't hold an appeal.
On the other hand, the executives who are the other target group, were smitten just looking at the HP 2133, and didn't even need the specs read out to them. This was the notebook of their dreams, small and sturdy, light and with a screen that's neither too big nor too small.
The full QWERTY keyboard also scored top marks and they didn't even know about the DuraKeys finish, a clear coating which prevents the keys from becoming faded and worn through constant use.
Being so small it's likely that the HP 2133 would be the second or third PC for the executive who wants something to use comfortably when out and about, instead of a smart-phone.
As a main PC, constant use could invite carpal tunnel syndrome as a chiropractor observed, except he didn't know that the HP 2133 has in fact been built ergonomically, so users will not abuse their wrists.
The keyboard and notebook have been designed with a gentle curve so users will instinctively type with the correct wrist posture. In addition, each key is also gently curved to give a comfortable type with fewer errors.
The touchpad is generously proportioned and offers a comfortable glide. It is finished with the same anodised aluminium that cases the entire notebook giving it a beautiful, sleek finish.
The feel of the silvery body is sensuous and aesthetically, it is almost a work of art with its seamless finish with no visible screws in place.
It has a pair of USB ports (enough but I prefer more), a video monitor point for presentations, built-in web camera and microphone and a built-in card reader.
The fact that the HP 2133 does not have a CD-DVD reader/writer, meant I had to either load the PC with my media of choice or play off a flash drive.
Although the thought of having to load up the PC seems a hassle, it really wasn't since we all rip our favourite tunes anyway, and having had to pack a good number of DVDs on numerous trips abroad to provide junior entertainment, it's liberating (not to add lighter) to pack a flash-drive instead.
Playing back video clips, I found no compromise in terms of quality. The sound from the HP's built-in speakers were rich because of the clever position of the speakers.
As for viewing, pictures were clear with a little bit of lag and some jagged edges. This could be due to the fact that the system is running on the graphics-hungry Windows Vista OS and has a shared graphics card.
What makes this a winner is the size of the WXGA screen, 8.9 inch diagonally across.
That means the HP does not fall into the UMPC category, which by definition is only for devices with a 7 inch screen and the reason why the HP 2133 is called a Mini-Note.
But call it what you want, for me the HP 2133 is a close contender for the title of best mini amongst those I've tried out so far.
This is a reliable HP, that's sturdy yet just only a little over 1kg. It looks and feels good, packs ample storage (120-160 GB SATA HD or 12 GB SSD) and comes in priced at S$999.
Don't look for it in stores though. The HP 2133 can only be purchased by calling HP or going to the HP online store.
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