I’ve just had the opportunity to test out the Asus Eee PC (aka RM Asus miniBook) and the HP MiniNote for a week, courtesy of RM.

I previously had a short play with the Eee PC so I won’t go into the specs of this again. I had the 701 version with the 7″ screen.

Here’s a video review of the Eee PC:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=779987817040415654

I’d definitely say this is suitable for some schools, particularly primaries, where there isn’t a need to install other applications or update what’s on there already. The price tag at under £200 makes it affordable to schools on a tight budget though if they can stretch to a little more then the 901 version with the 8.9″ screen would be better. The small keyboard would be suitable for pupils of that age too whereas older pupils and adult might struggle with it. Battery life lasting 2-3 hours is OK, not quite enough to last an entire morning but if shut down at breaktime it could. Shame it doesn’t work full with Adobe Connect/Breeze due to the lack of plugin for Linux. Hopefully this will be addressed by Adobe as more Linux-based UMPCs come on the market.

The HP MiniNote is a fully spec PC but in UMPC format. It has a larger 8.9″ screen compared to the Eee PC that I had and was running WIndows Vista Business. The full spec is:

  • Operating System     Vista® Business preinstalled
  • Processor     VIA C7 (R)- M ULV Processor 1.2GHz, 128 KB L2 cache
  • Chipset     VIA VN896NB and 8237s SB
  • Memory     DDR2 SDRAM, 667MHz, one SODIMM memory slot, supports up to 2048MB (2GB supplied as standard)
  • Internal Storage     120 GB 5400 rpm SATA
  • Display     8.9-inch diagonal WXGA (1280 x 768)
  • Graphics     VIA Chrome 9
  • Audio     High Definition Audio, stereo speakers, integrated stereo microphones, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in
  • Wireless support     Broadcom 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth (TM) 2.0, HP Wireless Assistant
  • Communications     Broadcom Ethernet Integrated Controller (10/100/1000)
  • Expansion slots     ExpressCard/54 Slot, Secure Digital (SD) slot
  • Ports and connectors     2 x USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo headphones/line out, stereo microphone in, webcam
  • Input devices     92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
  • Software     HP Backup and Recovery Manager, Roxio Creator 9, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (purchased separately)
  • Security     Kensington lock, Symantec Norton Internet Security
  • Dimensions (h×w×d)     33 (at front) x 255 x 165 mm (does not include extra height for extended battery)
  • Weight     1460 g with standard 6-cell battery and 1299g with optional 3-cell battery, 1116g with no battery
  • Power     6-cell battery (55 WHr) or optional 3-cell (28 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery, 65W HP Smart AC Adaptor, HP Fast Charge
  • Warranty     Limited 1-year pick up and return warranty (options to extend available), 1-year limited warranty on primary battery

Here’s a video review of the HP MiniNote:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1956863028424419353

This is an ideal UMPC for schools that want something that resembles a standard laptop but in UMPC format and want the capability of installing other applications. The larger keyboard is more suitable for those who would struggle with the small keyboard on the Eee PC. Also with it being Windows it works perfectly with Adobe Connect/Breeze. The 6-cell battery ensures it lasts at least for a whole morning in school. I have seen it quoted as lasting 4.5 hours though I found when using the optimised power settings and not constantly using it (and therefore it powering down between uses but quickly coming on again when needed) that I got longer than this before recharging was needed. The downside to the HP MiniNote is its cost – currently £385 (ex VAT) from RM. Much more expensive than the Eee PC (though you do get what you pay for) and more than some standard laptops, which you can get for under £300. However the power of this UMPC and its portability may justify the extra expense in buying this.