Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

With new netbook announcements slowing down a bit, it’s a lot easier now to stand out as a new netbook than it was a few months ago.  With these slower releases we’re starting to see more specialized netbooks targeted at particular markets.  The new HP Mini 5101 is a great of example of this.

The 5101 is HP’s new netbook targeted at professionals who want to carry around a small, durable computer.  To make the device more durable the 5101 is made of anodized aluminum with a black brushed finish.  The bottom and palm rest are finished with magnesium alloy with a rubberized feel that keeps it from slipping out of your hands which can happen on the plastic of other netbooks.  The 95 percent sized chiclet-style keyboard is even spill resistant with HP Durakeys to keep them from showing too much wear.

The HP 5101 looks to be a fantastic netbook.  The design look great, and the anodized aluminum making it much sturdier than the netbook standard plastic.  They keyboard is very easy to type on for just about anyone given it’s near standard size.  The 10.1” screen is even available in HD to make it even more desirable. 

It will be available with a variety of OS options including XP, SUSE Enterprise Linux 11 and FreeDOS, with hard drives up to 300 GB or 80 GB of SSD.  There’s also an option to install an EV-DO or HSPA broadband module to connect with wireless broadband if you’re willing to pay the $60 or so a month.  In all the HP MIni 5101 looks to be what we’ve been waiting for in terms of netbook design that doesn’t seem too flimsy.

Product Page: [HP Mini 5101]

Check out the gallery: HP 5101 in real life