HP Mini 311-1025NR 11.6-Inch Black Netbook Review

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I have the HP Mini 311 netbook, custom configured with 3GB memory, Windows 7 and HP's new 80GB solid state disk. Overall, it's a great combination of power and small size, and I never feel like I'm surrendering much versus using my high-powered desktop or conventional laptop.

In terms of construction quality, I give it four stars. It seems fairly solid and doesn't get too hot on the outside (important in a small PC like this). The keyboard is comfortable to use, reminding me somewhat of the feel of the new Apple wireless keyboard. It has adequate USB connectors, although a few are placed rather closer together than I like (a big memory stick blocks one of the ports). It also has slots for a variety of memory cards - I'm a photographer, and I like that I don't need to bring an external reader with me now. I'm not thrilled with the pattern HP etches into the plastic case, but I guess that's a pretty small complaint.

With the 1.66 processor, 3 GB of memory and the SSD, it's fast to boot...maybe about 30 seconds with Windows 7, and faster when resuming from "hibernate". I especially like the SSD. Not only is it fast, it's also cool, nearly half a pound lighter than a conventional disk, quiet and vibration free - you don't know when the disk is being accessed unless you glance at the disk lights. 80GB is more than adequate for me on a small system like this.

I get about about six hours battery life typically. I tend to use a Bluetooth mouse, which seems to drain the battery faster than I expected. It also seems to take a while to recharge, compared to other systems I have. Still, with the small size of the unit, I can easily carry a pair of batteries and work all day without plugging in - very handy.

The wireless networking works well and seems fast. I've used it on open, WEP and WPA2 networks with good results. I don't have the built-in broadband adapter - instead, I use the very good Verizon MiFi card which looks like a standard 802.11g access point to the netbook. I prefer this so I can have my iPod and other devices online all at once, versus just the computer.

The display is small for my aging eyes, but usable. Color, contrast and brightness are good, and while I would prefer to be sitting at a larger screen, it's not as bad as I thought it might have been.

The HDMI port works well, syncing easily with my TV. One feature I wish I could have would be an Apple-style mini displayport output in addition to the HDMI. I have a 27" iMac that provides for MDP input, but so far I can't find a way to connect HDMI to it. Still, this is a fairly minor issue (and frankly more of Apple's problem than HP's).

Overall, a great choice in a small system you can actually do productive work on.


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Product Description

The Internet is at the center of modern life keeping you connected and informed through email, IMs, RSS feeds, social networking sites and Search. Keeping up often requires time shifting with companion devices like netbooks. Powered by energy-efficient Intel Atom processors, the HP Mini 311 is optimized for Web access and can handle standard productivity apps - but is light enough to carry everywhere at just 3.22 lbs. Its 16:9 11.6-Inch diagonal HD LED BrightView display makes viewing HD content and two documents side by side possible. The 92 percentage of full-size keyboard enables much more efficient and comfortable use than texting (or typing on smartphone keyboards) for most. The touchpad has buttons at the bottom for intuitive use. The HP Mini 311 is the perfect device for staying productive, informed, in touch and entertained on the go.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2314 in Personal Computers
• Color: black
• Brand: HP
• Model: VM258UA#ABA
• Dimensions: 1.20" h x 9.00" w x 11.50" l, 3.22 pounds
• CPU: Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 2GB SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 250GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 11.6

Features

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor (512 KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB)
• 2 GB DDR3 RAM (1 Dimm), Max supported: 3 GB
• 250GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
• 11.6" Diagonal HD LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768), NVIDIA ION LE for Windows 7 with up to 895MB total graphics memory
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, Up to 6.25 Hours of Battery Life

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