May 25, 2008

Mini PCs: New HP 2133 versus ASUS Eee Series

Battle of the Mini PCs - ASUS Eee vs HP Mini

If you have $499 laying around and you want to buy a little (very very small footprint) computer, the ASUS Eee series has been the best option.

You could have your very own ASUS Eee with either a Linux operating system and a 20GB hard drive, or a Windows XP operating system and a 12 or 15 GB hard drive.

But don't part with your money just yet! HP has now stepped into the fray with the Hewlet Packard Mini PD.

The reaction I seem to get from most people when I mention ASUS is "Who are they?". Not so with Hewlett Packard. In the years since Mr. Hewlett and Mr. Packard started making high quality electrical test equipment in a commercial garage, the company has grown and grown and continues to grow. They still manufacture the world's best electrical test equipment. But they also are major computer manufacturers both in the mini/server and desktop/notebook arenas. You cannot go to many major computer stores without seeing something from HP, even if it is only a printer.

HP now has a new little machine (PC) with an 8.9” screen. Sounds good so far.

These 'little' HP PCs have been marketed as Vista machines with an option to downgrade some versions to Windows XP. I was in a local electronics store looking for a tiny PC recently. They were offering an ASUS Eee for sale And next to it was a display for this little HP 2133 with a price tag that was exactly the same as the ASUS. So for $499 you get the little HP 2133 machine - WITH a 120GB hard drive (6 times larger than the ASUS Eee entry).

So what's missing on the HP 2133? The webcam is an optional extra, and you will have to research the webcam price. I am also finding out if there is a microphone and speakers integrated into the HP 2133. I'll have ALL that info in my upcoming review of features and specs.

The Linux operating system on the HP2133 is from Novell. The difference between this and the majority of other Linux-based operating systems is that they offer commercial support. This will be very helpful to anyone who gets into problems with Linux.

You should note that the specifications for these HP2133 sub notebooks seem to be varying dramatically from one country to another. So check on www.hp.com and select your own country from the dropdown list where you see “United States – English” and see what is on offer to you. That way you won't get angry with me or HP if the specifications I outline in my upcoming full review of the HP 2133. It may be that US specification does not match what is on offer locally for you.

So look at the specifications and make your choice. I will wait to find out if the HP 2133 has a microphone and speakers and how much the webcam is. These may be decisive factors. I suspect we'll get both the HP 2133 and an ASUS Eee model to test them out.