HP's rugged 2140 Mini Note is a 10 inch netbook with the lot, but it's a flawed masterpiece. The tiny 2140 weighs in at 1.2 kg and features a sturdy aluminium shell which feels as if could survive some rough and tumble. Inside is one of the most generous keyboards ever to grace a 10 inch netbook, but it's marred by a horrible trackpad.

The 2140 comes in two configurations; a Windows XP Home model with 1GB of RAM ($799) and a Windows Vista Business model with 2GB of RAM ($1099). You can downgrade the Vista model to XP Pro, sidestepping Microsoft's efforts to limit XP-based netbooks to 1GB of RAM.

Both models feature an Intel Atom N270 1 6GHz processor and 160GB hard drive under the bonnet, with Australians unable to opt for an 80GB solid state drive. Both models also feature Gigabit Ethernet, 802 11b/g, two USB ports, VGA webcam, SD card slot and ExpressCard/54 slot - the latter of which is extremely rare on a netbook. On top of all this, the Vista/XP Pro model adds 802 11a/n and Bluetooth 2.0. The 3 cell battery offers around 2 to 2.5 hours battery life, but you can pick up a 6 cell battery.

Our XP Pro review unit performed admirably, happily running several applications at once, although the trial version of McAfee Internet Security is a resource hog. The Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset is far more responsive under XP Pro than on the Linux-powered Kogan Agora netbook.
      
While the 2140 seems like it's ready for action, there are a few key drawbacks for road warriors. Take it outside, even on an overcast day, and you can check your hair in the highly reflective 10.1 inch screen. Unfortunately the screen's vertical viewing angles are so narrow that text becomes difficult to read unless you tilt it right back - well past 45 degrees so you're faced with glare from the sky or ceiling lights. The 1024x576 resolution is also frustrating compared to the 1024x600 found on most 10 inch netbooks - it doesn't sound like much but you really notice the difference.

The use of a fine black font on the aluminum keys makes the letters difficult to read under glare or low-light conditions The minimal spacing between the keys also means they tend to blur together. This shouldn't bother touch typists, but the horrible tiny trackpad will. The size makes it difficult to be accurate, plus the buttons are awkwardly placed on the sides rather than below.

The high price tag on the Vista/XP Pro model seems justified by the 2410 Mini Note's extra features, but this netbook offers a frustrating user experience This might not bother you if it will spend most of its time in your bag. If you intend to spend hours slaving away on your netbook, or regularly use it outside, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

HP's 2410 Mini Note retails for $799 (XP Home) or $1099 (Vista/XP Pro). For more details call 13 13 47 or visit www.hp.com.au
 

Reprinted from the June 2009 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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