HP Mini 1000 netbook

Following on from its release of the education focused Mini-Note PC earlier this year, and adding to the burgeoning list of netbook offerings now on the shelves, HP's new HP Mini 1000 manages to retain an (almost) full size laptop keyboard in a unit that's less than 1-inch thick and weighs only 2.25 lb.

The 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (W) x 0.99 in (H) Mini 1000 is powered by an Intel Atom N270 1.6-gigahertz (GHz) processor and is available with either a 8.9" or 10.2" widescreen display (1,024 x 600). System memory is either 512MB or 1GB DDR2 and HDD options include 8GB or 16GB SSD, or a 60GB HDD. There's also an option to boost storage by up to 8GB with a HP Mini Mobile Drive accessory which is housed within the unit.

A built-in webcam and microphone, Wi-Fi, two USB ports and an Ethernet jack are standard, Bluetooth is optional and the Mini 1000 ships with Microsoft XP Home. Versions with 3G capabilities are expected in December. A useful bit of kit for the starting price of USD$399.99.

The expanded HP Mini PC portfolio will be joined by a Vivienne Tam Edition which replaces the standard models' piano black/swirl imprint finish with a vibrant red design based on the fashion designer’s Spring 2009 collection. A MIE (Mobile Internet Experience) model that runs the Linux operating system is also close to release.