Introduction
The HP Mini 5102 may redefine what netbooks will be visually and features wise. While the standard processing power and specifications under the keyboard are nothing to write home about, this is a very capable machine. Although, the price tag may seem very high at $415 when many netbooks are selling for around $200, the HP Mini 5102 has certain features may save time and stress, making it that well worth the extra cash.
The Outside
Starting from the outside in, the standard black metal case will hold up against pretty much any wear and tear traveling across the country could throw at it. I like the simple — not flashy — design on the front that will not attract unwanted attention.I hate having to buy a plastic cover for a laptop, but that is often a necessity with laptops that have flashier covers; not a problem here. The 5102 has an optional carrying handle for $30 that poses a unique way to carry it. This, in combination with the magnesium alloy, gives the possibility of just carrying this Mini by the handle like a case-less briefcase, or as I would put it, lunchbox style to work.
HP did not skimp at all on ports, which a very nice thing to see on such a small laptop. It has three USB ports, which is astounding considering my own 15-inch Macbook Pro only has two, and the Macbook Air only has one. Although the average user is not likely to be plugging in three peripherals on an airplane, this would allow the definite possibility of using this as your only computer since all necessary external components could easily be plugged in. The 95% full size keyboard would cramp my hands after an hour or two or typing, but an external keyboard could easily be connected to the USB ports or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
The Inside
What makes me feel more secure about carrying this laptop around by a handle is HP’s 3D DriveGuard protection. The HP Mini 5102′s hard drive is bolted to the frame of the computer so the frame, not the drive, absorbs most of the impact from a fall. It also has a built in accelerometer that stops all the moving parts in the drive when it detects excessive motion such as a fall that could cause a scratch in the drive causing a loss in data.
With these included features, it is obvious that HP wants to protect your data, but it does not stop there. HP includes a subscription to its Quick-Sync software, which is a simple but ingenious idea. It automatically syncs files between computers and drives, including documents. This is great because netbooks are rarely someone’s primary computer: for example, I would have a full desktop setup at home to work on. When working on the same document on both computers, it keeps track of the most recent version. This simplifies the ridiculous process of putting documents on flash drives or emailing back and forth between computers.
The standard hard drive is a speedy 7200 rpm 160GB drive. It’s a relief to have this, compared to the usual 4500 or 5400 rpm drives that come standard to the usual group of laptops. If price was not an issue, I would opt for the 128GB solid state drive; but it’s a $325 upgrade. Solid state drives are much faster and much less likely to fail because of less moving parts that traditional hard drives.
I like that the 5102 includes facial recognition with its video camera since it adds another level of security for those who need it, or a “keyless entry” for those wanting a convenient way to log in without typing a password. One thing that I would worry about is how sensitive the software is, and if it would still work with a new haircut, or colored contacts. Personally I’d stick with password protection until this kind of software is more widespread. A touch screen is optional for $50, which is not bad. And although a touch screen may not improve workflow or efficiency, it would definitely be more fun. Considering most of the appeal of netbooks is the mobility aspect, I’d opt for the $25 upgrade to the six-cell battery that doubles battery life to about 10 hours.
Bottom Line
This is a netbook, but because of its many ports and optional hard drive sizes, this could potentially be someone’s only computer. The processor would not be enough for me because of my heavy photo and video editing, but the processor should provide plenty of processing power for any internet and office usage. For any business user, the starting price of the mini is a drop in the bucket compared to the files that would be kept on it. If you think it’s possible this may be a laptop for you, you’re probably right.
