HP Mini 1000 and 700 netbooks confirmed - Intel Atoms inside

Back in July we were reporting on plans for a " low-cost HP Mini-Note" and today HP has come good on that prediction. It's launched two "Consumer" netbooks - the HP Mini 1000 and the Compaq Mini 700. And the good news is, they both use Intel Atom processors, rather than the VIA C7-M chip that bogged down their business-centric predecessor. Click through for the details, press release and more pics.

The Mini 700 (pictured top left) becomes HP/Compaq's cheapest netbook with a £299 price tag aimed directly at prospective Eee and Wind buyers. It gets 10.2in 1024x600 pixel widescreen complete with flush glass panel ( very MacBook). The processor is a now standard 1.6GHz Atom, with an 8GB or 16GB SSD. A webcam, Bluetooth, SD card slot and WI-Fi complete the oh-so-familiar picture.

More interesting is the 92% full-size keyboard, which will hopefully live up to the high standards set by the 2133 Mini-Note's keyboard we purred over in May.

The HP Mini 1000 above is the "premium" option but offers surprisingly little extra over its Compaq buddy. For £399 you get "exquisite onyx casing" in place of the 700's "Unity" checked design and HP's new customisable MediaStyle dashboard for organising media and quick-booting into the Mini's web browser, email client, online video and messaging tools. You also get a "smaller" 10.1in screen, although that has more to do with the media friendly 16:9 aspect ratio vs the 700's cheaper to produce 16:10 screen.

If you want that little bit more there's also this special Vivienne Tam Edition of the 1000. An unashamedly feminine looking netbook sporting a, "gleaming red finish, bursting with peony flowers." It'll actually be available a month earlier than the standard 1000 - for exactly the same price.

The Compaq Mini 700 launches in time for Christmas in "mid-December", while the HP Mini 1000 inexplicably won't hit stores till mid-February. At £100 less for the 700, we know which we'd be more likely to lay down cash for.

HP Introduces Its First Consumer Mini PCs

Ultra-portable and lightweight HP Mini PCs stand out with cosmopolitan designs and innovative features

BRACKNELL, UK, October 29, 2008 – HP today introduced two new ultra-light, stylish mini PCs and new Mobile Internet Experience software that will redefine consumer expectations for mobile Internet entertainment. In addition, HP unveiled further details on the world’s first digital clutch.

Building on the popularity of the HP 2133 Mini-Note, whose elegant design and durable structure is popular with mobile professionals and educational establishments, HP is now offering consumers a portfolio of mini PCs. The new HP Mini 1000, Compaq Mini 700 and HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition offer consumers striking designs and rich mobile Internet experiences.

“The new HP Mini PC portfolio offers a full range of designs and software features - from the Compaq Mini 700 for consumers looking for an affordable secondary PC to the Vivienne Tam Edition for fashionistas looking to make a statement,” said Achim Kuttler, vice president and general manager, consumer products, Personal Systems Group, HP EMEA.” The HP Mini PCs boast one of the largest keyboards in this category, yet the compact design allows them to be carried in a purse, small carrying bag or simply in your hand.”

The HP Mini 1000 featuring HP Mobile Experience Software and HP MediaStyle

The HP Mini 1000 has an exquisite onyx casing featuring a compact swirl design and a 10.2-inch widescreen display. At 25.2mm thin and weighing just 1.1kg, the sleek HP Mini 1000 melds striking form and function. With the Intel® Atom™ N270 processor, a choice of 8/16GB Solid State Drive (SSD), as well as a wealth of connectivity options including a built-in webcam, microphone, WLAN and Bluetooth, the HP Mini 1000 is feature-rich as well as stylish.

HP is debuting a new Mobile Internet Experience software and HP MediaStyle on the HP Mini 1000, which enable one-stop entertainment through a single interface that lets you easily watch video, view photos, listen to music and more. The all-you-need dashboard interface allows you to split your desktop into your favourite categories such as Internet applications, websites, video, music, email and other content at your fingertips. The web section can be customised with your four favourite websites. All dashboard applications are always on, minimising start-up time with immediate access to Internet browsing, email, online video and video chat. Local storage conveniently lets you take your content with you offline.

An optional USB-based HP Mini Mobile Drive enables up to 8GB of additional storage capacity and allows you to transport and retrieve personal documents, pictures and audio/video files.

Black is back with the Compaq Mini 700

Featuring a sleek casing adorned with the new ‘Unity’ checked design, the Compaq Mini 700 is an eye-catching digital companion at an affordable price. The Compaq Mini PC offers an entertaining mobile Internet experience with a built-in webcam and microphone, WLAN , Bluetooth and optional WWAN, extending your social networking opportunities and taking video chat and video conferencing from the home to places like the park, pool or airport.

With a 10.2-inch diagonal BrightView display and a large keyboard, you can comfortably access the web for information, communication and entertainment from anywhere. The ease of use and light weight of the Compaq Mini 700 make it an excellent choice for students or professionals looking for a second PC.

The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition: "China Chic" digital clutch

The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition was the inspiration for Tam’s Spring runway collection. Based on Vivienne Tam’s “China Chic” style, the HP Mini 1000 Edition features a gleaming red finish, bursting with peony flowers. The cosmopolitan design complements spring outfits beautifully, while its light weight and small size enable you to carry it as a clutch.

The Vivienne Tam Edition is HP’s first computer created by a fashion designer and it provides a full couture experience with coordinated wallpaper graphics and accessories, including a matching protective sleeve, resulting in a bold fashion statement for cosmopolitan women.

Weighing just 1.1kg and featuring a10.1-inch BrightView Infinity display, this stylish HP Mini PC has beauty and brains with a webcam, WLAN, Bluetooth connectivity and optional WWAN, Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz) processor and 60GB HDD.

Pricing and availability

The HP Mini 1000 is available as of mid-February at an estimated starting price of £399 inc. VAT.

The Compaq Mini 700 is available as of mid-December at an estimated starting price of £299 inc. VAT.

The HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition will be available from January 2009 at an estimated starting price of £399 inc. VAT.