Mini-Laptop: HP Mini 5101

• TARGET. The HP Mini 5101 is aimed at businesses and high-demand users.
• SPECS. The Mini 5101 is powered by Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz processor with 1GB of RAM and runs Windows XP. The hard disk has capacity of 160GB, while it is typical for mini-laptops, but it spins at a faster 7,200 rpm. There are a standard VGA out (the Mini 1000 didn't have one), a radio on/off switch, an SD card reader, HP display option, and three USB slots. The 2-mega pixel webcam offers excellent images.
• DESIGN. Compared to budget Mini 110, the Mini 5101 features HP's 3D Drive guard - an on-board accelerometer that protects the hard drive when falling or shocking. DESIGN. Its design is much like a higher-end ultra portable: the metal chassis and aluminum lid are downright solid. Measuring 10.3x7.1x0.9 inches, the 5101 is more boxy and brawny than its predecessors: the 2133 and 2140. The keyboard is large and spacious. The track pad is smaller but workable. The keys, palm rests, track pad buttons, and underside of the chassis get a soft-touch rubber coating which fell good on your hands (called SoftTouch). But the metal covering LCD lid picks up fingerprints. At 2.8 pounds, the 5101is about average when it comes to mini-laptop weight.
• DISPLAY. The 10.2-inch display has 1024x600 pixel resolution - typical for a mini-laptop. It has good viewing angles both vertically and horizontally.
• PERFORMANCE. On PCMark05, the 5101 scored 1,626. It is better than average of 1,383. The 5101's graphics performance also above the average, notching 782 in 3DMark03, and 127 in 3DMark06.
• BATTERY LIFE. Its six-cell battery lasted 7 hours and 52 minutes.