Lowest Price

: 379.99

Brand

: Hewlett-Packard

Model

: VM139UA#ABA

Reviewer: RJL| Date:2009-11-22

I picked up an HP Mini 110 to use as a companion to my laptop when I didn't want to lug the larger/heavier machine around. I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised at the performance. Other than for casual travel and personal use, I originally just intended to use it for note taking, light word processing, basic e-mail and web surfing, but I found it to be so useful I am using it throughout the day at work. It has completely replaced all of my manual paper note taking in meetings. It is small and light enough to carry around throughout the office just like you would carry a note pad.

Original out-of-the-box configuration with Windows 7 Starter, 1 Gig RAM and MS Works was a little disappointing. After upgrading the memory to 2 Gigs, I was very surprised and pleased with the difference in performance. So much so that I went ahead and upgraded the OS to Windows 7 Professional and installed the full version of Office 2007. The battery life has been great, I'm averaging about 6 to 7 hours with heavy usage throughout the day, longer with lighter usage.

From the work perspective, this little machine has given me a huge increase in productivity. Having the most critical business functionality of a full laptop in something small enough to carry around casually all day has been incredibly helpful.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: D. Knowlton| Date:2009-11-02

This computer comes with a built-in instant operating system (IOS) that is independent of Windows. You can start the computer and quickly bring up a simplified web browser and email tool. The WI-FI capable IOS launches quickly so email or favorite web sites are easy to check. For more operating features and printing, Windows can be launched with the usual longer boot-up time.

The IOS is mentioned briefly in HP's official product specs, but I think they could make a strong case for the value of it.

I did not know the IOS existed when I bought this, but now I find it to be my favorite feature of the machine.

My review would be five star if the operating system were a full Windows 7 instead of the somewhat crippled starter edition.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: Alexander M. Schmitt| Date:2009-11-01

Its a great computer however I cannot find out how to change the desktop wallpaper. I have a different version on windows 7 on a different laptop and change my wallpaper works fine on that one. but This hp mini has no option to change the wallpaper. Ive look online and other people are having the same problems with hp mini and windows 7 starter.

--update
Did some research and found out this wallpaper issue is because of windows 7 starter, With windows 7 starter you are not allowed to change the desktop wallpaper... I give this laptop a 4/5, and i give windows 7 starter a 2/5. I will be installing windows xp home on this hp mini.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: J. L. Holloway| Date:2009-10-28

Small and compact, fits perfectly in my book bag and weighs less than 3lbs. The battery life that I have experienced has been awesome, mine came with a 6-cell battery so I am looking at around 8 hours of battery life, but I haven't timed nor tested this. I read another comment that was posted regarding the size of the netbook with the 6-cell battery in place. I agree that the pictures do not illustrate this, however, we're talking an extra inch...maybe...in height on the backside. A plus to this extra inch is that the netbook now tilts forward which makes it easier for typing, kind of like the little "stilts" underneath a desktop keyboard. FYI, with the 6-cell battery in place it still fits in my caselogic 10.3in case/sleeve that I bought for it.

I have had my netbook for about a week now and I am really enjoying it. It gives me everything I need for school and now I don't have to move around a cumbersome laptop, not to mention the battery life is about 2.5 times longer than most laptops.

Perfect for taking notes in class, working through excel, viewing PowerPoint, and checking email. I plan on putting it in the kitchen when I am done with grad school so my wife and I can store recipes or anything else we may need. With the wireless hook up and the compact size for $350 this netbook is a great addition to your home network.

One thing to remember, most netbooks (if not all) do not have CD/DVD Drives, so loading software such as MS Office will require you to purchase an external Disc Drive, about $100, or you will have to borrow a friend's to load your software. The other option is downloading the desired software program off of the internet and loading the software that way.

*UPDATE* I've had my netbook for a few weeks now and it has proven to be one of the best electronic purchases I have ever made. The ability to type and organize my notes while in class is amazing, I will never go back to taking notes by hand. Also, the independent operating system that you can access without booting up the full windows 7 is phenomenal. It allows me to turn on my computer and be up in running in less than 8 seconds. I can access music, email, pictures, skype, chat, and the internet all from this quick boot-up feature. I simply can't say enough good about this netbook. Pure and simple - A Great Buy!

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: J. Hedding| Date:2009-10-28

1st I want to say I love this netbook. Description says up to 3.75 hrs battery life??? If you go to HP website the battery life is up to 8 hrs(without wireless on). So far I have gotten 5 hrs of constant use with wireless on, brightest screen display and running multiple programs, before having to recharge battery.

Now as for battery size, pics are deceiving as is shown without battery. You can see exactly what it looks like with this battery attached if you look at the customer pics for the HP Mini 110-1030NR on this site. I happen to like the way this battery acts as a foot on the back for 2 reasons: more comfortable angle for typing and allows air circulation under the netbook so it doesn't get so hot. But, if you need it to be completely flat for carrying, then this may not work for you. Fits just fine in my purse with battery, so works for me.

As for performance, I have had it for 1 week and so far am extremely impressed. The Windows 7 starter program works fine, but I opted to upgrade to the Home edition, which I love(was only $79 to upgrade). Windows 7 runs perfectly and has a lot of cool new features and is definetely the best Windows OS so far. I also appreciated that the media card reader will take my XD cards, as a lot do not. I have added a wireless laser mouse and am going to upgrade the memory to 2gb. By far, my favorite thing is the portability of this fully functioning computer. I am so excited about Amazon's Kindle for PC program coming out next month, which will allow my netbook to be a book reader also.

Couldn't be happier unless anyone can tell me how to keep my teenage daughter away from it!!! LOL

Review from Review from Amazon