HP adds to its netbook range

HP has indicated that it's not willing to let smaller manufacturers take all of the netbook limelight, with the release of two new machines, the HP Mini 1000 and the Mini 700.

These appear to be aimed at consumers, rather than its first machine, the business and education orientated Mini-note 2133.

The 25.2mm thin Mini 1000 offers a 10.2in display, housed in what HP calls an "onyx casing featuring a compact swirl design". The machine is powered by an Atom N270 work processor and comes with a choice of eight or 16GB solid state discs. Connectivity comes from a built-in webcam, Wi-FI, and Bluetooth. It all weighs in at 1.1Kg.

Accompanying this HP is introducing Mobile Internet Experience and HP MediaStyle software that it describes as an easy-to-use dashboard for accessing content.

The Mini 700 however is Compaq branded and sports a checked design, which HP dubs Unity'.

It features a built-in webcam, microphone Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as an optional mobile broadband module for accessing the internet from a dongle wherever you have network connectivity.

The HP Mini 1000 will be available mid-February for 399 including VAT, while the Compaq Mini 700 will arrive mid-December for 299 including VAT.

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.