HP Mini 5101 (Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, XP Home Basic)
Manufacturer: HP Part number: FM978UT#ABA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- HP's biz-minded Mini 5101 is a successor to the Mini 2140 (one of our all-time favorite Netbooks). It looks and feels great, but for a premium-price Netbook, we expect to get more features, not fewer.
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CNET editors' review
HP Mini 5101 (Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, XP Home Basic) price range: $416.25 - $449.99
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Reviewed on: 07/29/2009
- Released on: 08/04/2009
The good: Revamped version of one of our favorite Netbooks; excellent keyboard and touch pad; sturdy and durable; includes accelerometer; optional higher-resolution display.
The bad: Loses its ExpressCard slot; standard Netbook components at a premium price.
The bottom line: HP's biz-minded Mini 5101 is a successor to the Mini 2140 (one of our all-time favorite Netbooks). It looks and feels great, but for a premium-price Netbook, we expect to get more features, not fewer.
When we heard that HP was making some big changes to its small business Netbook, we were worried. After all, the current version--the Mini 2140--is probably our all-time favorite Netbook, thanks to an innovative keyboard (since adopted by HP's consumer Netbooks), full ExpressCard slot, and solid metal construction.
This new version, the Mini 5101, is indeed a stylistic departure from the 2140, trading the gently rounded silvery metal look for a sharp-edged black brushed-metal chassis. It's a little bigger than its predecessor, and also a little less expensive, at $425.
But since the start of 2009, we've seen a radical shift in Netbook prices, with entry-level models coming in under $299, for essentially the same combo of an Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP, and a 160GB hard drive (in this case, you get the slightly faster N280 version of the Atom). The Mini 5101 offers some noteworthy extras, including a higher-resolution screen and a Gobi-powered mobile broadband module--but those cost extra, and are not included in the $425 base configuration. This new model also loses the ExpressCard slot found in the older Mini 2140.
Still, if you can spend a little more for your Netbook, you'll find that the Mini 5101's keyboard and touch pad are hard to beat, and the rugged metal construction screams quality. Battery life is also excellent, and the six-cell battery pokes out only slightly from the bottom of the system.
| Price as reviewed | $425 |
| Processor | 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 |
| Memory | 1GB, 800MHz DDR2 |
| Hard drive | 160GB 5,400rpm |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel 945GM Express |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 (integrated) |
| Operating System | Windows XP |
| Dimensions (WD) | 10.2x7.1 inches |
| Height | .95-1.1 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 10.1 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 2.9/3.7 pounds |
| Category | Netbook |
With a black brushed-metal lid and matte black keyboard and keyboard tray (the screen bezel is glossy black), the Mini 5101 looks every bit the business system, as opposed to the subtle patterns and more mod designs of HP's consumer Netbooks. It's not the thinnest or lightest Netbook ever, but it feels solid and durable, without being a brick.
The biggest selling point for HP's Netbooks has always been the fantastic keyboard, and the Mini 5101 somewhat shockingly ditches the large, edge-to-edge look of the Mini 2140 and Mini 1000/110 models. This new design adds some space between the keys, which are still flat and wide; the end result reminds us of Sony's Vaio keyboards. We were wary at first, having been big fans of the original HP Netbook keyboard design, but the new version works well without forcing too many compromises; the Shift keys, for example, are large and easy to hit. While we're not quite ready to say we like the new keyboard better than the 2140's, it's certainly just as good.
On smart move was taking the alternate uses for the Function keys (F1-F12), and swapping them with the original F-key duties. For example, hitting the volume mute button just requires hitting F8, rather the FN+F8 combination. The only headache: using ALT+F4 to close a window now requires ALT+FN+F4.
The Mini 5101's touch pad is a more traditional type, with the mouse buttons located under it, rather than the side mouse buttons and elongated touch pad found on previous HP Netbooks. We prefer this new style, and the slick, resistance-free touch-pad surface made mousing a breeze.
The end result of all this keyboard/touch-pad/chassis engineering is as good a user experience as can be found on a 10-inch laptop, and propels to the Mini 5101 to the upper end of the Netbook usability chart.
The 10.1-inch wide-screen display offers a 1,024x600-pixel native resolution, which is the Netbook norm. That's generally fine for most Web surfing, but long, vertical pages and Word documents can require a lot of scrolling to read. The inset panel is not as nice-looking as the edge-to-edge glass on the Mini 2140, but it does allow for a matte screen, which we generally prefer. A higher-resolution display, at 1,366x768 pixels, will be available as a $25 option, but we haven't had a chance to check that out in person yet.
| HP Mini 5101 | Average for category [Netbook] | |
| Video | VGA | VGA |
| Audio | headphone/microphone jacks | headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | 3 USB 2.0, SD card reader | 2 USB 2.0, SD card reader |
| Expansion | None | None |
| Networking | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Optical drive | None | None |
Even tough we lose the ExpressCard slot of the Mini 2140, the inclusion of 802.11n Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth is a plus. A $125 optional Gobi mobile broadband module works with Sprint, Verzion, or AT&T. HP takes pains to point out the inclusion of the Corel Home Office software suite (a $69 value!), but we'd be perfectly happy with the free Open Office suite as a Microsoft alternative. HP also includes a fairly standard feature from full-size business laptops, a hard-drive accelerometer called, in this case, HP 3D DriveGuard.
Intel's single-core 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU is found in a handful of higher-end Netbooks, including Asus' 1005HA. The performance difference between that and Netbooks with the older N270 Atom CPU is minimal, but with Netbook performance generally pokey under the best of circumstances, we'll take whatever extra horsepower we can get. Our standard Netbook admonitions apply: they're great, as long as one keeps expectations modest, and sticks mostly to Web surfing, e-mail, and working on office docs.
 Juice box | |||
| HP Mini 5101 | |
| Off (watts) | 0.53 |
| Sleep (watts) | 0.57 |
| Idle (watts) | 9.66 |
| Load (watts) | 15.17 |
| Raw (annual kWh) | 31.08 |
| Energy Star compliant | Yes |
| Annual operating cost (@$0.1135/kWh) | $3.53 |
The HP Mini 5101 ran for 5 hours and 56 minutes on our video playback battery drain test. While not the longest-lasting Netbook ever, that's a well above-average score, and doesn't require a huge, ugly battery pack sticking out from the back. A smaller four-cell battery is also available.
The system includes a one-year parts-and-labor warranty from HP, although we generally expect business systems to include longer default warranty terms. Upgrading to three years of mail-in service is an extra $169, but three years of next business-day on-site service is only $189. Support is accessible through a 24-7 toll-free phone line, an online knowledge base, and driver downloads.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test laptops.
System configurations:
HP Mini 5101
Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 224MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Seagate 7,200rpm
Toshiba Mini NB205
Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 128MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Toshiba 5,400rpm
Lenovo Ideapad S10-2
Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 128MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Western Digital 5,400rpm
Asus Eee PC 1005HA
Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 224MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Hitachi 5,400rpm
Acer Aspire One AOD250
Windows XP Home Edition SP3; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 224MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 950; 160GB Seagate 5,400rpm
User reviews
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More than I expected
by mmeskill on August 20, 2009
Pros: Small, lightweight, easy to use on a plane.
Cons: Does not come with MS Office (installed with 60day trial) but found out my companies contract with MS meant I could get Office for $10!! The (95% keyboard takes some getting used to but a lot easier then my Smartphone.
Summary: I have been using it as a second laptop in lieu of my massive DELL laptop. It seems that the N280 is giving better speed then the N270. I have ...
Summary: I have been using it as a second laptop in lieu of my massive DELL laptop. It seems that the N280 is giving better speed then the N270. I have had no performance issue since getting the unit over a week ago. Have been running Office, iTunes (video), and lots of wireless web surfing with no problem running video.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I'm cool with this machine
by geoff11b on August 14, 2009
Pros: Small - lite as a feather - nice looking. Solid performance. This is a net-book - I use it for the internet and Microsoft Office. I would not use it for music or photos or anything sizable.
Cons: Its a windows machine and as a mac user - its just a far inferior interface and usability.
Summary: Happy with it for what it is. I would not want it to be my primary pc - but its a very nice tool.
Summary: Happy with it for what it is. I would not want it to be my primary pc - but its a very nice tool.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Companion for an On-The-Go Student
by willacomb on October 22, 2009
Pros: Average weight for a netbook (so, pretty damn light). Keyboard large enough that you don't misplace your fingers. Very fast when on 802.11n. SD Card slot is great. Fast enough to run Office '07 Professional while surfing the web and playing iTunes.
Cons: Fans can be loud at times. Should definitely be a supplement to your more powerful desktop/laptop. External CD drive is an extra $100. Battery isn't as good as advertised (about 3.5 hours with Office & Firefox & iTunes going at once. Price is high
Summary: If you're going to be carrying this baby all around town (or to all your classes), its great. The processor is strong enough to let you multitask without losing ...
Summary: If you're going to be carrying this baby all around town (or to all your classes), its great. The processor is strong enough to let you multitask without losing too much speed. The wireless 802.11n card is super-fast. Bluetooth built in (though I never have used it) and built-in camera to skype. Microphone is dismal but video looks good without sputtering. Casing is made well and can take a beating in a backpack without showing scratches-but does show fingerprints. It's more expensive than many other models, but I have has nothing buy good luck with my 2 previous HP laptops.
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Fast and good looking.
by RapsonGT on October 15, 2009
Pros: Very stylish, almost beautiful. Feels as fast as an ordinary laptop, full screen videos play flawless. MS Office trial included. Hd ready screen is matt and very sharp.
Cons: The aluminium lid is allways covered with fingerprints.
Summary: Feels and functions like a normal laptop, only small and easy to carry around. If you don't need video editing and newest games then this qualifies as your only ...
Summary: Feels and functions like a normal laptop, only small and easy to carry around. If you don't need video editing and newest games then this qualifies as your only laptop.
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great little machine
by mrooksb on September 17, 2009
Pros: having been a long time hp user, I find this machine as a great travel companion, works great in any environment, wifi connectivity in any airport, office appliances work fine (2003) movies on the pendrive what else can you ask for, no autocad
Cons: more information on upgrading ram
Summary: I traded my laptop for this machine, it's lightweight and internet access work great, I bought this machine in Hong Kong and used it there, the US, Europe and ...
Summary: I traded my laptop for this machine, it's lightweight and internet access work great, I bought this machine in Hong Kong and used it there, the US, Europe and Latin America, took a while to get used to the 10.2 display, after the big screen, but the tradeoff is that you can work all day with a single battery charge. If I would have a request would be for it to come with a synchronization option with the desktop or primary laptop and the smartphone since we are getting clobbered with information in too many places
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Great business netbook
by srinivasvaradaraj on September 4, 2009
Pros: 1) Very sturdy feel
2) Excellent keyboard and display
3) Long battery life( 7 hours)
4) Very light like a true netbook
5) RAM upgrade is very easy, no case mods or keyboard removal required
6) 7200 RPM drive def makes a difference.Cons: None really, the battery doesn't sit in snug, feels like it moves around a bit.
Summary: Great companion laptop. I get a lot of work done with this little thing. The long battery life helps a lot when taking it to meetings and presentations. I recently ...
Summary: Great companion laptop. I get a lot of work done with this little thing. The long battery life helps a lot when taking it to meetings and presentations. I recently saw the DELL latitude 2100 , seemed bulky and awkward compared to this.
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Piece of junk
by avilanews on August 12, 2009
Pros: Nothing...
Cons: Cheap components of low quality. HP Technical Service stinks. They never honor the warranty.
Summary: HP must change their quality control. Their products don't last more than a year and sometimes least than a year. Specially this line. Does not worth the money you'...
Summary: HP must change their quality control. Their products don't last more than a year and sometimes least than a year. Specially this line. Does not worth the money you're going to spend in it.
1 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Please, take this off your list!
by sleeperawake22 on August 12, 2009
Pros: If I found it I'll tell you.
Cons: The slower laptop EVER. Worst battery life. Problem with keyboard and sound. Technical service does not care about you.
Summary: Shopping an HP product it's a risk that I'd never gonna take again.
Summary: Shopping an HP product it's a risk that I'd never gonna take again.
1 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: FM978UT#ABA
- Description: The HP Mini 5101 features mini executive and maximize mobility. It is designed for mobile professionals who want a lightweight mini PC, with a 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit display.
General
- Recommended Use Home use
- Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
- Width 10.3 in
- Depth 7.1 in
- Height 0.9 in
- Weight 2.9 lbs
- Localization English / United States
- Notebook type Netbook, Budget
- Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth
Processor
- Processor Intel Atom N280 / 1.66 GHz
- Data bus speed 533 MHz
- Chipset type Mobile Intel 945GSE Express
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Cache size 512 KB
RAM
- Installed Size 1 GB / 2 GB (max)
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 533 MHz
- RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
- RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
- Shock Tolerance 125 g @ 2ms half-sine pulse (operating) / 200 g @ 2ms half-sine pulse (non-operating)
- Vibration Tolerance 0.75 g @ RMS (random) (operating) / 1.5 g @ RMS (random) (non-operating)
Storage Controller
- Storage controller type Serial ATA
- Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm
- Storage Removable None
- Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- 2nd optical storage type None
Card Reader
- Card reader type Card reader
- Supported flash memory cards MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
Display
- Display Type 10.1 in TFT active matrix
- Max Resolution 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Features LED-backlit
- Screen type Widescreen
Video
- Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 950 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Audio
- Audio output type Sound card
- Audio codec AD1984JCPZ
- Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
- Audio Input Microphone
Notebook Camera
- Camera Type Integrated
- Sensor Resolution 2 Megapixel
Input Device(s)
- Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking Network adapter
- Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Wireless NIC Broadcom 4322AGN
- Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
- Networking / Bluetooth Class Class 2
- Remote management protocol SNMP
- Networking standards IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3i, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.3ab, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
- Interfaces 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Microphone - Line-out - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Line-out/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Features System password, HP Disk Sanitizer, Power-on password, Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
- Compliant Standards CE, UL, CCC, CSA, FCC, MIC, BSMI, GOST, ICES, SABS, VCCI, A-Tick
- Manufacturer Selling Program HP Smart Buy
Power
- Power device form factor External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
- Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
- Installed Qty 1 / 1 (max)
- Battery capacity 55 Wh
- Mfr estimated battery life 9 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Software Adobe Flash Player, Windows Live Messenger, HP Help and Support Center, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial), McAfee Total Protection for Small Business (60 days trial)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.5
Accessories
- HP USB Docking Station - USB docking station (33541722)91.88
- HP Essential USB - port replicator (33764794)59.67 - 65.50
- HP USB Docking Station - USB docking station (33540538)74.99 - 99.99
- Mobile Edge UltraPortable Computer Sleeve - notebook sleeve (33442639)15.81 - 32.45
- HP Basic Notebook Case - carrying bag for camera and notebook (33485279)17.04 - 34.94
- Toshiba Dual Function Hardshell Case - notebook carrying case (33749584)19.51 - 24.99
- HP Professional Series 10.1 Notebook Sleeve - notebook sleeve (33783095)16.66 - 36.66
- Toshiba Neoprene Sleeve notebook sleeve (33782731)28.29
- SanDisk Cruzer USB flash drive - 32 GB (33544914)58.74 - 139.99
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 8 GB (32631690)18.69 - 29.55
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 16 GB (33032681)27.45 - 79.99
- HP Bluetooth Laser Mobile Mouse - HDX Series - mouse (33438799)45.90
- HP Bluetooth PC Card Mouse - mouse (32160381)29.95 - 56.64
- Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks (32481206)22.95 - 29.48
- HP Wireless Elite Keyboard - keyboard (33401272)24.99 - 53.33
Manufacturer info
- HP
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.hp.com
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
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