This new HP Mini 5101 laptop is indeed a stylistic departure from the Hp 2140 series laptop, trading the gently rounded silvery metal look for a sharp-edged black brushed-metal chassis.

Bottom Line:

Can get very expensive once you start adding extras. The HP Mini 5101 is much improved version over HP’s previous netbooks, but you’ll have to pay extra for many of its fringe benefits—if they become available.

Pros:

Very attractive metallic chassis. 95-percent keyboard is right up there with those on the top netbooks. Mouse buttons are quiet. Bevy of options, including an “HD” resolution, 3G, SSDs and 7,200 rpm HDDs. Good performance scores. 802.11n wireless capability.

Cons:

Options can bring up the cost significantly and aren’t available for purchase yet.

The 6cells HP 5101 battery life and slightly improved performance, which puts it on the top of the netbook heap.

Sponsors:

HP 5101 Battery

HP pavilion dv9000 Battery