Posted to Notebooks 2009-07-15
In a downturned economy, few can afford to make a large purchase such as a full-size laptop, making products like the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR a huge hit with consumers. This sleek, "miniature" laptop doesn't pack as many features as full-scale notebooks, but for the price, it is an excellent value for those on a tight budget. So if you don't want to shell out more than a few hundred dollars, or you are just looking for something to surf the Web and perform small tasks, then the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR may be for you. At just 10.3 in x 1 in x 6.6 in and 2.25 lbs, this netbook is light, compact, and easy to carry. And while it does lack features such as an internal optical CD/DVD drive, the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR does come with many useful and interesting functions. Thanks to the Intel Atom N270 processor and the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, this model is surprisingly smooth and well-balanced in its performance. Overall, this is a great buy for consumers who want the functionality of an internet tablet but don't want to pay the price of a regular laptop.
ValueWhen taking into consideration all the features that this ultraportable does have, the price is a good deal, regardless if it is "on sale" or not. Although it lacks a CD/DVD drive and great battery life, this model has just enough punch to topple its low price. The 10.1" LED display (1024 x 576 resolutions) is sufficient for your movies and graphics, and the netbook comes ready to connect to the Internet, whether on a free WiFi hotspot or paid wireless service provider. While this is not the best "netbook" on the market, it is a step towards more efficient, more loaded ultraportable laptops. It's great especially for people who need something simple and inexpensive. FeaturesPerhaps the only downside with the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR is the missing optical CD/DVD drive. What good is a computer without one? Never fear, because there is an optional external optical drive that may be connected to one of the netbook's two hi-speed USB ports. Other features include the standard memory card slot, built-in webcam, and Ethernet port. The 16GB solid state drive is sufficient for small usage, but fortunately it can be upgraded to a larger size. Although this model does not have a speedy processor or a large amount of RAM (only 1GB DDR2), the installed Microsoft Windows XP (SP3) operating system eliminates most cases of lag. The most enticing feature is the integrated wireless LAN (802.11b/g) for connecting to your favorite network. For paid internet service providers, this model features HP un2400 Mobile Broadband (WWAN) with Qualcomm's Gobi technology for easy connectivity. SummaryAlthough the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR is more like a compact, barebones version of a standard laptop, the price justifies the features it includes. Not only is it user-friendly and specifically built for Internet surfing, but it is also a stylish and affordable alternative to expensive notebooks. Overall, I have to give this model four stars because of the missing optical drive and lack of other features. But, if you are on a budget, or if you just want a good mobile companion, then the HP Mini Netbook 1153NR may be a good fit for you. Pros
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