Michael Knutson
11-10-2010, 09:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://notebooks.com/2010/11/09/hp-mini-5103-review-business-class-netbook-continues-tradition/' target='_blank'>http://notebooks.com/2010/11/09/hp-...nues-tradition/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The HP Mini 5103 netbook is the latest business class netbook from HP, continuing on the style and design of the HP Mini 5102 (review), offering users a very portable package with more durability and extra features than we typically see in a netbook. The price is a bit higher for these extra features, but well worth it for netbook purchasers who plan to use the small device for business."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1289374889.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>HP has a great looking successor to the Mini 5102 here, with an optional capacitive touchscreen that can be greatly enhanced by Mirabyte Frontface, an optional carrying handle ($29), an all-metal chasis, a very excellent spill-resistant keyboard, an option ($25) for a 1366x768 screen (1024x600 is standard) that is viewable outdoors, an option for a dual-core Intel Atom N550 processor, lots of ports, and an option for a 6-cell battery ($25) that HP rates at 10 hours of usage. Negatives reported include a small touchpad, and a fan that runs quite a bit.</p><p>Pricing starts at $399, but expect the price to jump as options are added. I built a test configuration for what I'd typically order (no touch screen), and the Atom N550-equipped model starts at $542, with a few upgrades went to $702, and swapping the hard drive for an 128GB SSD (+ $325) brought the price to $1027. All things considered, not a bad price for what you get. </p><p> </p><p> </p>