racoma.com.phJ. Angelo Racoma on technology, economics, writing, problogging, and getting things done

Above: laptops and netbooks stacked for size reference. Asus EeePC 900 12G, HP 2133 Mini Note, HP Compaq Presario B1256TU, Compaq Presario V2617TS

Above: laptops and netbooks rounded up for size reference. Clockwise from left: HP Compaq Presario B1256TU, Compaq Presario V2617TS, Asus EeePC 900 12G, HP 2133 Mini Note

Send me more review units, guys!

(These are for my reviews over at koobten.com and myasuseee.com.)

I picked up an HP 2133 Mini Note review unit last Friday and I’m test driving this little wonder. Well, I have mixed impressions, which mostly agree with other reviews online. I have issues with responsiveness, temperature, and battery life. I’m loving the almost-full-sized keyboard, the screen and the general look and feel of the anodized aluminum casing. It reminds me of the 12″ PowerBook of old, actually.

I’m running a series on koobten.com, so you might want to watch out for that these next few days. This will help me decide whether to ultimately make the jump and acquire one for myself, or stick with the Asus Eee (or perhaps go for other brands).

Looks like HP’s marketing for the Mini Note in the Philippines is in full gear. Check out this commercial clip (via YouTube, posted by makemineamini.com.ph; note that the video is inaccessible from my frontpage, but is embedded after the jump).

Celebrity endorsers include Pat Evangelista, Amanda Griffin, Brad Turvey and Tristan Encarnacion.

You can also win yourself an HP Mini Note by joining their raffle. You can either write an essay or have your pic taken with the HP Mini Note van. Darn, I was driving alongside this van last week, and I didn’t know about the promo!

I’ve been reading reviews, though, that the Mini is slow compared to its contemporaries. So given the cost considerations, people are opting for other brands. Still, those who are style-conscious would probably prefer the Mini Note. I have yet to get my hands on one (possibly a review unit, or one of my own). I want to see for myself if the Mini Note is worth the hype.

I earlier mentioned I was planning to acquire an HP 2133, but was instead holding off due to numerous other hot ultraportables that other computer manufacturers are releasing. Turns out ultraportables are hot these days. Even the NY Times thinks so (and i think Asus paved the way for it with the Eee). Well, I’m definitely holding off for now. After searching high and low for a HP 2133 on sale, I have finally found myself a good deal waiting for.

So it’s still my ol’ reliable Asus Eee 701 for now.