This 2nd generation HP Mini Note (1109TU) has been out as early as December last year (officially launched 2 weeks ago) but we only got to try and test one this week. I actually requested for the HP Mini 2140 but the messenger sent in the wrong model. So here’s a quick review of the HP Mini 1109TU while I await the replacement unit.
HP took notice of a lot of the issues concerning their first mini notebook (HP Mini 2133) and addressed them in the succeeding models. I think was a move in the right direction.
- They jumped ship and joined the Intel bandwagon, for good reason. The new mini notebook has Atom N270 1.6Ghz.
- They ditched Vista in favor of the older OS, Windows XP, which is most favored in the netbook market.
- HP priced their units more competitively. Not calling your mini-notebook a netbook is not a license to charge more than average for them. The Mini Note 1109TU now retails for just Php18,990.
Among the 10″ models, the HP Mini 1100 is one of the lightest and smallest we’ve reviewed here in the 10-inch category. They were able to shave off some pounds by repositioning the trackpad buttons to the sides instead of the bottom and cutting off a couple centimeters on the girth of the mini note. This is what they initially did with the 2133 and was followed by the 9″ Acer Aspire One. This made using the trackpad a little awkward that you’d always end up using both hands instead of one to operate the trackpad and buttons. That, or weeks of getting used to the unusual orientation (I’d recommend an external USB/Bluetooth mouse though).
The biggest advantage of HP’s Mini Notes is the keyboard, the largest we’ve seen of any netbook in its class. It’s practically almost the same as a standard keyboard of regular-sized laptops so if you’re into touch-typing, this one’s the best you can get. That, plus the glossy marble-black finish on the top gives the mini note a classy statement (albeit attracts a lot of fingerprints and smudges).
The screen is bright and glossy but sometimes too glossy to its disadvantage especially when used outsides at daylight. Nevertheless, the screen is crisp and clear. What’s a bit disappointing it the screen resolution — HP dropped the pixels down to 1024×578 when the standard is 1024×600. That’s a mere 22-pixel height difference but still matters as there are softwares that don’t run under 1024×600 or 1024×768. There’s a larger resolution (1024×768 pixels) but I haven’t seen them in stores yet.
Battery life is typical of a 3-cell battery — between 2 – 2.5 hours in my tests. The storage is also smaller with only an 80GB HDD instead of the usual 160GB and higher others are offering. Maybe that’s why HP was able to bring down their suggested retail price to under Php19,000.
Loading ...
Sir could I ask the difference of HP Mini Note (1109TU) from HP Mini note 1000?
it seems from the physical aspect there are not noticable differences. I have a HP Mini Note 1000
just asking…tnx…
@pedro – the 1109TU is just the SKU (stock keeping unit) which is under the 1000 series. Different SKUs would represent some minor differences in the same line — like storage size, ram, or OS.
“There’s a high-end resolution I here but I haven’t seen them in stores yet.”
Typo?
@Unknown Soldier!
STOP DROOLING! your saliva is dripping all over your keyboard! wipe it off immediately! wahaha!
I just got my mom an HP mini 1109tU, I should say that one should check everything within 7 days of replacement as majority of the market has those policy imposed on us “consumers.” Recently, a friend of mine brought a HP mini 2140 at a well-known netbooks distributor and found out that the vent fans of her HP mini 2140 is not working at all and the batteries on the package (3-cell) is not charging upto 100% (only 92%). i’m not sure how the batteries works but i’m pretty sure everyone buying any HP products should check these out:
All keys on the keyboard (all buttons including touchpad)
Maximum battery charging percentage, %
Memorycard reader
VGA output
Especially VENT fans of the left side of the laptop. BIOS configuration has the option to enable the vent fans when plugged to AC power. check if the fans are working if not, you should think twice.
I maybe wrong with these initial checking but please people, it might be a headache for you since HP required 4 days investigation (which you should surrender the unit to them) and 3 to 4 weeks replacement of the parts when you exceed the 7-day replacement period which is really really hassle given you are giving HP almost 1.5months of unused netbook and no guarantee that your netbook will be worth it.
@Alvin, good suggestions; they actually apply to all laptops and netbooks.
the thing about this HP Mini 1000 series is that it is unlikely for you to upgrade you battery into 6cell due to its precarious placement of battery pack.
i think this comes with 3g slot in the battery compartment that can be enabled manually. just need to install something. one of hp mini’s secrets. you can check it for yourself.
abe, typo – Maybe “that” why HP was able to bring down their suggested retail price to under Php19,000.
@unknown soldier
corny mo. and as for the drooling part… you actually (if not figuratively) drool over this device?! babaw mo ha
Abe, a lot of the things you’ve noted about the mini note 1000 (re: screen, keyboard, battery life) are the same as the 2140. Does this updated model still need a special VGA adaptor cable to be able to connect a projector to it?
http://www.liliputing.com/2008/11/how-to-enable-the-hp-mini-1000s-3g-modem.html
According to the above link some of the older mini note 1000’s have a hidden 3G sim slot. Just like the the Vaio’s its not automatically enabled.
@vidar & gene88 – thanks! corrected.
@ani – looks like it. the mini 1000 has a special socket for display output. not sur ethough if it came with the box. the unit i got didn’t come in a box though.
@john ray – you’re right, the battery form factor is going to be a problem for upgrades.
just wow,ok sana kya expensive..
I will never buy an hp notebook or netbook! My friend bought an HP notebook in 2007. The design of HP notebooks are eye catching. But the problem was, he had a harddrive problem, he went to an HP service center(or whatever HP has) to claim for his warranty since its still less than 6months. They kept the notebook for 3months and after that they said to him that they can repair it for the price of 20K! And (another shocker) they charged him during the 3months they kept the notebook! Outrageous. So there folks, Don’t buy HP even if they look classy, sleek or eye-catcher. These people will ruin your life. Better settle with ACER or ASUS.
I will never buy an hp notebook or netbook! My friend bought an HP notebook in 2007. The design of HP notebooks are eye catching. But the problem was, he had a harddrive problem, he went to an HP service center(or whatever HP has) to claim for his warranty since its still less than 6months. They kept the notebook for 3months and after that they said to him that they can repair it for the price of 20K! And (another shocker) they charged him during the 3months they kept the notebook! Outrageous. So there folks, Don’t buy HP even if they look classy, sleek or eye-catcher. These people will ruin your life. Better settle with ACER or ASUS.
This is true people. I felt pity to my friend. He spent $1000+ for a notebook that lasted for 6months less. Don’t bother HP.
P.S. I don’t hold a grudge to HP. I’m just siding what I saw with their “services”.
FOR HP MINI 3G DRIVER.
GO TO THIS LINK AND DOWNLOAD..
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp41001-41500/sp41365.exe
HERE’S HOW TO INSTALL IT.
IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY INSTALLED..
Once you finish download you will see sp41365.exe on your desktop
dont install it, unzip it, you can use winrar to do that
once you unpack double click Swisetup and install the driver.
Viola
-the end
ouch that resolution hurts. malaki na rin yung 22 pixels vertically.
wow sleek and sexy! I hope the price is not that high when it reaches Davao City
you are welcome abe. besides, even the best writers need proofreaders.
ang ganda naman nyan!..
Oh yes, I’ve seen this, they’re even selling it at 0% interest for 6 months! Cool! I love the look but that battery life is disappointing…
tnx for the info…
thanks. good review.
thanks for the review. was thinking of getting a 1000. but they announced the 2140, so i’m currently looking for units in the market. hope you can post a review soon.
@anikins – me too.. still waiting for the 2140 here in the Philippines.
As for me i will never buy that one hindi practical sa ngayon and beside mananakit lang ang mata ko dyan maliit and hindi naman ako na tipong i-bibida ko sa labas at pupunta ng mall para lang mag wi-fi (sakit daming tinamaan dun ah!).
Anyway depende sa tao na lang yon. As for me it is better to become simple. malaya kang makapaglalakad kaysa lagi mong iniisip na baka may ho-hold-up sayo. Just a reminder lang.
… and in other news DAN is an DELL salesman.
This is my 5th HP/Compaq
I had hard drive malfunction long time ago, once, in my old Compaq Armada. This was due me slamming laptop lid, like seriously slamming it couple of times. Weeks passed and HDD failed. My fault, i admit it. It was two days before my warranty would finish, and HP replaced my Armada’s HDD in around, 5 hours? I don’t remember…
So take your childish 20K story and stick it.
ps.: Also data recovery costs around couple K but not 20K, so again kid stick it.
uhh.. someone posted something about activating 3g of HP Mini 1109tu. I tried downloading the driver. uhh.. what’s next?? What if I want to connect for Globe’s 3g? what should I do? sorry im not that technical about HP Minis or any laptop at all. Please..! I need your advice.. thanks
i’ve already downloaded and installed the file from this site:
http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp41001-41500/sp41365.exe
pero parang pang AT&T lang yung software, siguro kelangan din gumawa ng sariling installer/driver ang globe or smart ng sariling version nila para ma access ang 3G network dito sa pinas. gamit ko HPmini 1109tu. Share naman kayo panu ma-access..
We carry HP 1109TU (P18,490) and HP 2140 (P23,390). If interested text/call 0917.8223696 / 215.0949. Thanks
I got an HP 1109TU last month. Been using an Aspire One since last year. All I can say is that It’s an absolute joy to use. It’s slimmer than my Aspire One, and is only 1/2 inch wider… that with a 10.1in screen vs only 8.9 on my Acer. The best keyboard. Crisp screen(infinity type all glass), elegant looks. You won’t look cheap(altho it is) during meetings. 80gb is plenty enough for netbooks. I still have 60gb left after installing my needed apps, including Photoshop CS4. For a 3 cell, this thing lasts up to 3hrs, w/c is above average for a 3 cell netbook. Installed Windows 7, everything works right away. At only P18,990… this is a steal guys.
sir yuga, is there any possible way for me to tweak the vga to 1024 x 768, because it cant run power director. Thanks
if not to my eyesight impairment, the 10-inch screen and the size is truly wonderful and practical too. i had to settle for the acer aspire one 11.6-incher. by the way for those who bought the HP 1100-series there is already an extended battery pack (6-cell). Price: P5,000. look it up at Accent Micro – cyberzone SM north. hasta oigo amigos!
@Richard
I have installed the 3G driver. How do you make it work?
@bernie, don’t think you can. There’s another upcoming model that has higher resolution though.
i hae a hp mini 1109tu.my problem is it has no video out. so i cant connect it to an lcd proector for presentations. here do i buy adapters if theres any hp sm moa dont have it. and is there battery replacement available locally with a longer battery life?
DAN: “he went to an HP service center(or whatever HP has) to claim for his warranty since its still less than 6months. They kept the notebook for 3months and after that they said to him that they can repair it for the price of 20K! And (another shocker) they charged him during the 3months they kept the notebook! Outrageous.”
I ENCOUNTER THAT TOO @ HP CENTER IN ROBINSON’S SUMMIT IN MAKATI, BUT MINE WAS A DESKTOP.
I think HP’s weakpoint are their after-sales service.
o i have this one already haha,, am using it.. and its my buddy!! love it! btw do u sell techy,, coz ur reviews are about it…
Hi. Does anybody here know how to activate the broadband in this laptop (HP mini 1001).. I inserted a SmartBro sim at the sim compartment found near the battery area. I also did what RICHARD stated. to download and i followed the step by step process. but it ddnt seem to work. please help me with a detailed process of how to make it work. My OS is Windows XP. Thanks in advance!
i have compAQ presario notebook and i encounter some problems to, and im planing to buy hp netbook, but now i changed my mind maybe ill go for acer,
Yuga,
where can I find the HP mini110 for only 18K?? checked out a couple of malls and were selling it for 22k. Please reply : ) really want to buy one.
@ OCELUS LAMBER
oviously you’re not the kind of person that has the FUNDS TO BUY ANY laptop. Don’t vent your frustration by posting stupid comments discouraging those who are more capable of buying netbooks.
The purpose of laptops is not to “i-bibida sa mall”. It’s for the convenience of getting your work done, wherever you would go. It’s apparent to me, you feel INSECURE of those actually using laptops in malls with free wifi. And a 10.1 inch screen won’t make your eyes hurt, but then again, you wouldn’t know, you’ve never tried one. Ehem.
the purpose of laptops is not to i-bibida sa mall. its for the convinience of getting your work done, wherever you would go. Its appraent to me, you feel INSECURE of those actually using laptops in malls with free wifi. And a 10.1 inch screen won’t make your eyes hurt, but then again, you wouldn’t know.
I did not get any fault to use hp1109 . It is a movable net-book.
so wala siyang pang cd right?
i go for 16gb ssd this storage has no moving parts because it it faster than i thought. i use my hp mini for checking email, web browsing and social networking like twitter and facebook.