Hewlett-Packard is previewing a new netbook designed with mobile professionals in mind. HP, which claimed the number-one spot in U.S. PC sales during the first quarter due to solid demand for its consumer notebook products, is taking its netbook strategy one step further by specifically targeting enterprise customers with the new Mini 5101.
“For HP to introduce such a model, it sees a clear market for such a device, and has had feedback on the demand for such a model,” said Matthew Wilkins, a principal analyst at iSuppli.
An Opening
Though netbooks typically offer fewer computing capabilities than standard notebooks, Wilkins sees an opening for more mini-notebook applications within the enterprise space. “For example, for a traveling sales rep who just needs a simple platform from which to present their materials, there is a viable market,” Wilkins said. “They can connect the netbook to a projector and run their presentation.”
HP’s new machine combines visually pleasing design accents with several structural elements that improve durability, including an anodized aluminum display enclosure, the use of a magnesium alloy in the lower case, and the covering of the keyboard’s individual keys with a wear-resistant clear coating. The HP Mini 5101 also integrates a three-axis digital accelerometer chip that can sense any sudden movement or shock and send a signal to instantly shut down the hard drive.
The 10.1-inch diagonal screen is available in two iterations: a back-lit LED display featuring 1024×600-pixel resolution, and a panoramic, high-definition screen featuring 1,366×768-pixel resolution. The compact machine also has a spill-resistant QWERTY keyboard that scales to 95 percent of the standard size.
HP also hopes to capitalize on the increasing need among mobile professionals to maintain an always-on connection wherever they may go. As an option, the Mini 5101 will offer Gobi — a 3G platform from Qualcomm…