HP's Linux sub-notebook spied on web
Compaq two-one-three-three to challenge Eee
HP's going after the Eee PC with a compact laptop that sports an 8.9in display and more connectivity options than the elfin Asus machine currently offers.
So says Engadget, which has posted some pics and a very basic spec.
HP's Compaq 2133: like the Eee, only more shiny
Image courtesy Engadget
The Compaq 2133 looks like a cross between the Eee and Apple's old 12in PowerBook G4. The 8.9in screen has a resolution of 1366 x 768, and judging by the pics the machine offers a two USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet and what looks like a four-pin Firewire port.
There's an ExpressCard slot too and a webcam above the display. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It weighs from 1.13kg.
The 2133 is down as running a choice of Linux or Windows Vista.
Alas, the story doesn't provide any indication of what's under the hood, but the next generation of Intel's Ultra Mobile Plaform, codenamed 'Menlow', seems the most likely candidate. And there's the now obligatory solid-state disk option for those with the cash, and a regular hard drive for those without.
Today, it emerged UK PC maker Elonex is preparing a sub-£100 Linux laptop for schools.
Check out the best prices for the HP Compaq 2133 here
COMMENTS
Anthony Green
Try ctrl + + and you might just notice a difference.
I do agree that the fonts are poor!
Libretto 30
Hmmm, I can remember - way back - having a secondhand Libretto 30 with Jap Keyboard & a mere 20MB of RAM, wouldn't run with WinME, had to use W98. It was a slow, but useful, travelling companion. It was a place to store my digi-pix with a back-up to an external "Viagra" Disk.
I just wish that ""reghardware.co.uk"" used **DECENT** sized fonts - I'm ancient & am appalled at the huge difference in font size here compared with other sections of this e'Zine. Why do we have to strain our eyes when {say} this column takes up less than **50%** of my screen's display area !!!!
RE: The beauty lies in the evolution
Not so much evolution as Microsoft shooting themselves in the foot I think.
The sudden arrival of low cost low spec machines that do most if not all of what the casual computer user wants are being supplied with Linux because XP is on the way out, and Vista has too high a set of specifications to run anything near the level that any rational person would expect on these. Microsoft must be furious. (hehe)
Come June, Microsoft will have to think very carefully. Do they..
A) Discontinue as planned and hope people buy lots of nice powerful systems that will run Vista?
B) Keep XP, as they need a low end OS for the low end systems that do all people really want. Not because they dare not risk Linux getting a foothold, but "because they have been listening to their customers and want to give them the opportunity to use a high quality operating system and associated software"...
C) Release "XP ultra mobile" for the ultra portable and low cost market with some means of keeping it from infecting the Vista market by hobbling it on more powerful machines, or removing services that would make it an attractive option for all us Vista don't wannabes.
Personally, my money is on B, but I'm hoping for A. Anything that gets Linux on more desktops is good in my books. If only the makers of these computers could have waited another six months.
toshiba r500 FTW
I have a sony tx2, a colleagues has a Sony TZ, and two others have Toshiba R500s which has become our ultraportable of choice. the R500 is definitely the best - the Sonys are light but feel fragile, and the R500 also wins because there's a docking station for it!
paris? because we're talking about skinny lighweights!
Still waiting for a 10in screen
Nice work HP, but I have to wonder why so much of the upper lid is wasted. You could have sealed my purchase by using for a larger screen..
FWIW, I'm still using an old Sony NV505VE, with a 10.5in diagonal and 13/16in height. The form factor is idea, and the weight is also under 3lbs. Had to replace the battery of course, and install Ubuntu to work with only 200MB RAM, but other than that, and the speed (333MHz), it works for everything a road warrior needs.
I will say that even at 2.8lbs it was difficult to carry through India due only to the external power adapter. I've never needed speakers, CD/DVD, or any peripherials other than the VGA port, 802.11, ethernet, and Bluetooth (pccards).
I'll continue to wait for that sweet spot in the sublaptop market, with a 10in screen and <3lb weight since I know it'll be here in the next year or two. If not from ASUS or HP then possibly Casio or Sony.
