After a week of taking the HP Mini Note 2140 for a spin, I’d say HP has finally made a comeback in the fight for netbook market share (and HP doesn’t even want to call the mini a netbook).
The HP Mini 2100 series is the only netbook line I’ve seen that’s wrapped in aluminum all around. This is what separates the HP Mini 2140 from the rest of the netbooks — a body that is made up of sleek aluminum in silver, brushed finish.This also protects the surface from smudges and greasy fingerprints.
Compared to the usual plastic construction of other netbooks, this gives the HP Mini 2140 a classic look that leaves a lasting impression.
The review unit I got has an Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz), 1GB of RAM and 160GB hard disk drive. It also comes with Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11 b/g for connectivity plus a webcam to boot.
Another big plus point for the HP Mini is the upsized keyboard – that’s a 92% full-sized keyboard of a regular notebook. HP did not spare a single centimeter in the keyboard and squeezed them into the 10-inch frame, an effort that attracted a lot of buyers even int he first generation Mini 2133. By far, the most comfortable keyboard especially when touch-typing and helps avoid that dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome.
On the other hand, the 10.1-inch display panel only has a resolution of 1024×578 pixels. That’s a couple dozen pixels short of the normal screen resolution of most netbooks (i.e. 1024×600 pixels) but not really a serious deal-breaker (apparently, there is a hig-res screen on a different model but hasn’t been seen in stores).
Another consequence of HP’s efforts to maximize on the Mini Note’s reduced size was the re-positioning of the left and right buttons of the trackpad. This odd orientation could turn off others but it is an issue that an external USB or Bluetooth mouse can remedy. The trackpad is a but narrow but the buttons works nicely.
The default configuration of the HP Mini only includes a 3-cell battery which lasts under 2 hours although you can upgrade to the higher-capacity 6-cell battery (sold separately and could set you back about 4 or 5 grand). That should help bump the battery life to around 5 hours but add a couple hundred grams to its weight.
There were some mixed reports that the netbook becomes too hot on prolonged use. My 24-hour burn-in test didn’t show that — the internal temperature hovered between 48 to 53 degrees centigrade.
With a retail price of Php23,990, HP Mini 2140 isn’t the cheapest in the 10-inch category but it makes up all that with a great build and design.
@ann, nope didn’t notice any grounding problems. Maybe you should have yours checked as it could be the wiring or something.
if only asus made laptops made out of metal… ummmm….
then this guy would be extinct…
2140 or 1109TU?
hi im a user of hp2140, apparently, my bluetooth doesn’t work for months now. can someone help me with this. thanks in advance.
I bought mine last year (Aug, 2008) and everyone in the office goes oohh and aahh. But I gave it to my mom last May. I can’t work on it for more than 2 hours-eye strain. I guess netbook is not for me. Now
I wonder, why it has taken you so late to blog about this one. I thought this sight would give me reviews on the latest tech. Just a thought…
This netbook is extremely hard to find in malls. I went to Megamall and SM North and the stores there only sell the inferior Mini 2133 and 1109. I even asked the storekeepers about it and they said that their suppliers doesn’t seem to support this model anymore. So I went to tipidpc and (surprise) I found one.
Im really interested in buying a mini laptop right now because of its weight, is it the best laptop as of now? I have a budget of 24,000 thanks.
I just bought a 2140 from a store in Megamall (one of the last two units, since it was announced that the model is “phased out”). It looks and feels great.
My one negative comment about the unit I got is that the left side of the screen’s frame shows the backlights/sidelights of the monitor. You can clearly see it if you look at an angle from the right facing the screen. I already asked in one of the notebook forums around the net if this is an issue that I should attend to. It was suggested that I leave it at that since it’s ok when I face the monitor properly. But still, I think I ought to have it replaced or fixed at least.
Is this the HD Version of HP 2140 sir Abe or the standard? because i’m planning to buy this one and i want it HD.
Fair review and nice gadget to have this at your desk.
sir Abe, im not familiar sa RAM upgrade. ano po ba ang compatible na memory upgrade sa mga HP mini? if they have one.. 2gb na ddr2 pwede kaya? thanx..
im planning to buy laptop this coming nov. can u suggest any for me???mahirap po b or masakit sa mata ung mini laptop??? tnx in advance po…
Intriguing post. My friends and I were just discussing this the other day. Also your blog looks great on my old laptop. Now thats uncommon. Keep it up.
this HP Mini 2140 is still available in the market?
anybody knows the current price of this mini laptop? and where to buy it in manila? appreciate any helpful online store from philippines. thanks!
[...] from that, the laptop is in very very good condition. Windows XP ni cya. RFS: pay sa school. HP Mini Note 2140 Review | YugaTech | Philippines, Technology News & Reviews text me at 0915 535 3476. last price na na 17k. palit nako ani is 20k kapin. . ch_client = [...]
Also looking for somewhere to buy it in manila, anybody know!?
hi yuga! can you make a review about HP mini 110 3547TU? cant find a comprehensive and meaty review about this model. thanks!
The ideas you provided here are very precious. Rrt had been such a pleasurable surprise to have that waiting for me after i woke up this very day. They are usually to the point and easy to interpret. Thank you so much for the innovative ideas you have shared right here.
how much?