HP 2133 Mini-Note PC Reviews

May.26, 2008 in HP

While the Asus Eee PC and Intel’s Classmate and Netbook platforms have convinced us that low-cost, low-power laptops can be genuinely useful, we still long for something a little more upscale than the plastic construction of those systems. HP’s bold entry into the mininotebook market comes in the form of the 2133 Mini-Note PC, a 9-inch laptop with a tailored look and magnesium alloy chassis that starts at $599 for Windows (or $499 for Linux) and tops out at $749 with extras including Bluetooth, a Webcam, a 7,200rpm hard drive, and 2GB of RAM.The 2133’s greatest asset is its unique keyboard, which manages to fit in full-size keys by eliminating dead space on the keyboard tray, but we’re less enamored of the pokey Via processor, especially when Intel’s Atom CPUs, seemingly designed specifically for systems like this, are right around the corner. Still, the HP 2133 Mini-Note works well enough for basic Web surfing and office productivity tasks, and it’s quickly become our new favorite pick-up-and-go laptop.

The HP 2133 Mini-Note is one of the most impressive subnotebooks we’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, the amazing design and solid range of features are diminished by a sub-par processor and a price tag that places this notebook dangerously close to far superior 12-inch notebooks such as the HP tx2000.

HP managed to create the single most impressive ultraportable notebook on the market … and then decided to put a lackluster processor inside.

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC Reviews From trustedreviews
Design 9/10
Features 8/10
Performance 5/10
Value 7/10
Overall 7/10

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC Reviews From notebookreview

Pros:
* The most attractive 8.9-inch notebook we’ve ever seen
* Excellent build quality
* Great keyboard
* ExpressCard slot offers fantastic expansion possibilities
* Multiple configuration options

Cons:
* VIA processor just doesn’t perform well
* Windows Vista might be too much for the VIA processor and graphics
* Strange location for touchpad buttons
* Screen is too reflective due to second glossy protective layer
* Aluminum and plastic casing gets a little too hot
* Price is a little too much for what you get

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC Reviews From cnet

The good: Inexpensive; solid construction; stylish design belies its budget price; nearly full-size keyboard.

The bad: Weak performance; unimpressive battery life; tiny touch pad; misses out on new Intel Atom CPUs.

The bottom line: Despite an underpowered CPU, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC offers the best balance of small size, comfort, and functionality we’ve seen in a mininotebook, making it fast a favorite for on-the-go use.