SINGAPORE, 6 JANUARY 2009 - Hewlett-Packard completed its shift away from Via Technologies' C7 processor with the release of an updated version of its popular Mini 2130 netbook that offers a larger screen and uses an Atom processor.
The HP Mini 2140, which will be on display this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, offers a larger 10.1-inch screen. Unlike HP's Atom-based Mini 1000, which has a plastic case, the Mini 2140 retains the aluminum case used with the Mini 2130.
Priced starting from US$499 in the U.S., the new netbook model offers a nearly full-size keyboard, a range of storage options that includes an 80GB solid-state drive, and a choice of a three-cell or six-cell battery. Users can also choose to install Microsoft's Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems.
Inside, the Mini 2140 ditches the Via C7-M processor found in the 2140 for an Intel Atom processor. HP didn't say which Atom is used, but it's almost certainly the 1.6GHz Atom N270 that is the workhorse chip behind Intel's netbook platform.
The Mini 2140 will go on sale later this month, HP said.
