HP 2133-KX868AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 3 Cell Battery

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 10 x 1.1 inches ; 2.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00170IAU4
• Item model number: KX868AT#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (127 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 24, 2008

Product Description

Model: KX868AT#ABA

Amazon.com Product Description

Small but mighty, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (model KX868AT) offers you a full-function laptop that weighs just 2.8 pounds. Designed to go where you go without weighing you down, it's perfect for young students in your home, and robust enough to handle demanding business applications for road warriors. Despite its size, it features an 8.9-inch scratch-resistant display with a WXGA resolution and a nearly full-size keyboard (92 percent). A durable all-aluminum case encompasses the top and bottom of the notebook, while an internal magnesium alloy support structure helps protect sensitive components from damage.

The HP Mini-Note features a simple, refined design and anodized aluminum shell that is sleek and sturdy yet lightweight. See a larger view of all the external ports.

The HP DuraKeys have a clear coating applied over the notebook keyboard to protect the finish and printed letters and characters.

It's powered by the VIA C7-M ULV processor, which provides a 1.2 GHz clock speed and excellent power management capabilities. Other features include a 120 GB hard disk drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), lightning quick Gigabit Ethernet, VGA webcam built into the screen's bezel for video chats, and up to 2.25 hours of battery life. This model comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic operating system.

The Basics

• Processor: The VIA C7-M ULV (ultra-low voltage) processor has a 1.2 GHz speed, 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 128 KB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Operating at an average power of less than 1W, the VIA C7-M ULV processor is the embodiment of cool processing and sets the standard for next generation low power mobile and personal electronics systems. It also features VIA PowerSaver technology that further reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting the frequency and the voltage of the VIA C7-M ULV processor as the system requires. This innovative technology can reduce power consumption by as much as 50 percent while still ensuring seamless mobile operation.

• Hard Drive: The 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 20,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0. It also includes HP's 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock by using a three-axis digital accelerometer chip.

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (1 x 1024 MB, PC2-5300) offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a maximum capacity of 2 GB of RAM.

• DVD/CD Drive: The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC does not include an integrated optical drive, but HP offers optional drives that connect to the Mini-Note using the optional HP External MultiBay II.

• Keyboard & Mouse: The spill-resistant keyboard is 92 percent of full size, 101/102-key compatible with isolated inverted-T cursor control keys, both left and right control and alt keys, 12 function keys, and hotkey combinations for audio volume, power conservation, brightness, and other features. It also features HP DuraKeys, which have a clear coating applied over the keyboard to protects the finish and printed letters and characters. The touchpad includes a scroll zone and two soft-touch buttons.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 8.9-inch display has a 1280 x 768-pixel resolution, for native 720p high-resolution clarity, and the Mini-Note includes a VGA output for connecting to an external monitor or projector. Video is powered by the integrated Via Chrome 9 video/graphics card, and it includes an integrated high-definition audio card for crisp sound via the internal 2-watt stereo speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It's compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity via the Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

The Mini-Note also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. And it offers a Secure Digital memory card slot for downloading pictures and videos from your digital camera, or filling up a card for your MP3 player. It includes the following ports:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 1 Secure Digital memory card slot
• 1 headphone/line-out and 1 microphone
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit) is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Microsoft Office Ready 2007, Norton Internet Security, MS Live Messenger, Adobe Flash Player, Roxio Creator Basic, Intervideo WinDVD, HP Backup and Recovery Manager

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds.

Power
This model is powered by 3-cell high capacity lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which can provide up to 2.25 hours of battery life.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (model KX868AT), rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC - Smart Buy VIA C7-M Processor (1.2GHz) 8.9" diagonal WXGA (1280x768) 120GB 5400 rpm 1024MB 667MHz DDR2 (1D) Broadcom 802.11 a/b/g 10/100/100 nic VIA Chrome 9 UMA Camera 3 Cell Li-ion battery Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 128 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nearly perfect (for its intended purpose), June 21, 2008

By 

R. S. Castledine (Tasmania, Australia.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (Personal Computers)

Firstly, this review is being written on the 1.6Ghz, HP2133 Mini Note with 2Gb RAM and Vista Home Basic (which was installed at the factory). I have also read the myriad comments in the other reviews about poor CPU performance and warm operation. Therefore, I'll avoid similar statements, only to say that I have also noticed these issues under certain circumstances.

Nevertheless, I have turned off most of the useless bells and whistles in Vista and customised the OS to work adequately for the tasks I perform. And what I do isn't necessarily trivial. I have Office 2007 installed and it works fine to write university assignments and work reports, etc. Word, with the screen set to "page width" view is readable and as functional as my desktop. I also installed Adobe CS3. Yes, it can be slow at times, but it performs well enough to get the job done (using InDesign, Photoshop and occasionally, Dreamweaver). However, I understood when I bought the Mini Note, that it was not designed for multimedia production, but more for multimedia presentation and for basic computing. It is NOT a desktop replacement and was never intended to be.

The more I use my 2133, the more I love it. That doesn't mean I haven't noticed some negative issues (other than those highlighted in other reviews). I'll outline these below.

I won't comment on the touchpad, because I rarely use it. Most of the time, I use the Mini Note on a desk or on my briefcase (placed on my lap), so I plug in a laptop mouse. I would do this with ANY laptop or notebook. However, the Mini Note does allow for more space to use a mouse than a conventional laptop. Once I have finished using the Mini Note, it fits in my briefcase with all my other stuff.

Talking of placing the Mini Note in a briefcase; I am astonished that there isn't a case or bag for it. Most laptop bags are too big and would defeat the purpose of buying the Mini Note. As a result, I use a cloth bag I got with a mixer tap (faucet) I bought for a renovation. It is the perfect size to protect against scratches and marks. This is not to say the nice brushed aluminium (aluminum) case is susceptible to scratches; it's not, I just like to protect my equipment.

The Mini Note's screen hinge and battery design prevents any connectors from being located at the back of the unit (where I'd like them). Hence, all the connections are on the left and right sides of the machine. I usually plug the notebook mouse into the left USB port and run the cable around the back of the Mini Note to the right side. This keeps the cable out of the way and gives me more room on the right for the mouse. This is OK if I am working off the battery. But when the Mini Note is connected to mains power, the huge power plug that sticks out the right side is quite annoying and can get in the way of the mouse. HP, take note; please redesign the next series to have an "L" shaped connector to keep it out of the way.

Some other reviewers mentioned the lack of battery life. I agree with this, too. Nevertheless, there are configuration tweaks you can apply to help maximise battery life. In the BIOS I turn off the hardware I don't regularly use, such as Bluetooth, LAN, Express card, web cam, etc. If I need them, I just turn them back on.

Now, the screen; I love it. At 1280x768, it is bright and sharp, therefore, usable. Yes, it presents some text and menus in tiny fonts, but at the distances most people would use this machine, the screen is readable. Most web sites fit within the browser view port without horizontal scrolling. I'd prefer this over the offerings from other UMPC manufacturers.

I know I said I wouldn't mention the temperature issues, but, I feel compelled to state that after an hour or so spent writing this review (I was distracted by a phone call) the Mini Note is hardly warmer than the ambient room temperature. Of course, this is just running Word 2007. But, as far as I am concerned, this is the sort of thing the Mini Note is designed for; simple productivity tasks.

Additionally, one reviewer stated that the CPU fan runs flat-out all the time. He obviously missed the setting in the BIOS that lets you turn this "feature" off. Normally, the Mini Note runs very quietly, as is the case with mine right now. Although, I must admit that twice now, when waking from "sleep" mode, the fan in my Mini Note seemed to get stuck on full speed. A reboot fixed this, which implies it is an OS problem, not the hardware.

What would make the Mini Note perfect? OK, a faster CPU would definitely be welcome. Secondly, the 225mm (8.9") screen is fine; however, the lid has a lot of wasted real estate. After moving the speakers, it could accommodate a screen 50mm (2") larger (275mm or 11"). Even at the same resolution, this would make the Mini Note considerably better.

That seems to sum up all my main thoughts on the Mini Note. But suffice to say, after another hour using it, I love it even more. Highly recommended.

220 of 235 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice computer but changes required for best operation, May 10, 2008

By 

Kathleen Knowles (Port Huron, Mi United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (Personal Computers)

This computer has both pros and cons. The design is attractive with a comfortable key board for typing and the design gives the computer an excellent slant for typing. It is much more comforable than computers that sit flat. The portabilty is excellent. The screen is clear, easy to read (after fonts are changed to a bigger size for people who need a litle help seeing up close)The hard drive is a good size. No complaints there.

The mouse pad took some gettig use to. I found it hard to adjust it so it could be controlled without frustration. The right and left keys being split on both sides of the mouse is inconvient but liveable.

I found it to be a bit slow, which supprised me with the memory it has, and desided to remove Windows Vista Business(which I don't like anyway)I put XP Professional on the computer. It made all the difference in the world. It sped up the computer greatly. The processor may just not be equipped to run Windows Vista well. At any rate the trade off was alright as Vista in my opinion is nothing but problems anyway.

Videos run fine on it. The sound is good. I did not have the issue with videos that another person has complained about in his or her review.

The machine gets a bit warm so be aware that operating it in your lap means being mindful of not blocking the vents on the bottom. It also has a vent on the left side but I would not recommend ignoring those bottom vents with the way the computer becomes warm.

It has Office 2007 on the computer but it is only a trial version which runs out. I simply put my 2003 version on the computer and uninstalled the 2007 version. I don't find this to be a con as hardly any computers come with Office to begin with.

For the manner in which I will be using it for my business travel I find it to be an overall nice computer. It is a travel computer only as I have a 17 inch HP for home use. I am happy with this computer after the change I made in operating systems and will look forward to using it on the road.

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice idea but flawed design, July 19, 2008

By 

Robert Townsend (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (Personal Computers)

I read the reviews on this before I decided to purchase. I am an amateur photographer and wanted something small and light to display my pictures on and also to use browsing the web. It did a good job with both of those things. My pictures displayed beautifully on it. Web browsing was OK, not that it was slow, it is just that on a 8.9" screen the text was a bit small for these 50+ eyes. Keyboard was great and the touch-pad was easy to get use to. I loved the fact that I could pair my PDA with this unit's Bluetooth connectivity to surf the web. The SD slot eliminates the need for a card reader. The speed issue really wasn't that bad provided you turn off all that useless eye candy Vista provides. However the heat issue was a real killer. Not only was it burning hot on the bottom, but even the keys on the top were uncomfortably warm. Only 3 days after I got it, I decided to reboot it. It comes back up to the HP POST screen and freezes. Restarted it again and nothing. Only after it had completely cooled down did it come back on. After a few days of this it just stopped booting all together. HPs online help was no help. I am sure I could get HP to fix this, but even if they do, I think the heat issue will greatly shorten the life span of this unit. Mine is going back.

My advice is to pass on this. I hear there a new processors for these UMPCs that run cooler and better powered.

This is a real shame. This is a good size at a great price point. The eee pc is too junky and the Sony offering is too pricey.

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