The emerging popularity and industry standing of low-cost educationally moulded computer hardware takes another shot in the arm this week with the rollout of HP’s new Mini-Note PC offering.
HP joins the small form factor budget laptop line with its sub-$500 Mini-Note PC. Credit: HP.
Designed specifically to help schools offer affordable computing to every student, the new HP Mini-Note PC is set to arrive as a fully-functioning, mini-notebook PC that will hit the market for as little as $499 USD.
While it is aimed at the education market, Hewlett Packard is also keen to point out that the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC will prove itself flexible enough for its student users to take advantage of its functions from the classroom through to the family room.
“HP listened to our needs and now is delivering a product designed by education for education,” trumpeted Chris Sieger, director of information technology for Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia. “Teachers and technology are the two most important assets in education. HP’s announcement demonstrates that it understands what schools need from industry.”
Like most similar small form ‘subnotebooks’ in the Mini-Note’s class, HP’s computer weighs in at a mere 2.15 pounds (a smidge less than a kilo), and will arrive as both smaller and lighter that a conventional math or science book. It will also deliver a suite of wireless, multimedia and security capabilities so that students can “learn everywhere they go.”
“Education shouldn’t end at the bell,” commented Jeri Callaway, vice president and general manager of HP’s Personal Systems Group. “HP believes providing each student with an affordable, creative multimedia tool like the HP Mini will better prepare them to live, learn and work in an information-rich society.”
Technical specs expected to grace the basic HP Mini-Note PC include the 1.2GHz VIA C7-M processor, 1GB of RAM, 120GB HDD, 3-cell battery and the Linux (SuSE Enterprise) operating system -- a further $50 USD on the $499 USD starting price is likely to secure Windows Vista Home Basic. For a reported $749 USD, users can secure a 1.6GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 7200RPM drive, 6-cell battery, and Vista Business.
Features and function crammed into the HP Mini-Note’s sleek and stylish anodized shell include HP Durakeys, a scratch-resistant 8.9-inch WXGA display screen (1280x768), hard disk drive protection via 3D DriveGuard, an optional integrated VGA Web cam and Bluetooth, Wi-Fi-certified WLAN connectivity and onboard multimedia capabilities.
The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC starts at $499 USD and is expected to be available at retail before the close of April 2008.
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