CNet: HP 2133 to be VIA-based, starting at $499
See, this is why I read articles to the end! If I had stopped halfway through this CNet article discussing the Palm Foleo and inexpensive sub-notebooks, I would have missed this quote:
“The 2133 from HP will have an entry level model priced at $499, and will have a Via processor, we’re told.”
Of course, I don’t know who told them that, nor what the credibility of the source is, but it coincides with a insider confirmation that Steve suggested the other day. It also works out nicely with this quote from an UltraMobileLife post on the HP 2133 (Note: a VIA-sponsored site written by VIA employees):
“While I can’t make any comments about which platform HP would be using for a UMPC…”
Two thoughts: why else couldn’t a comment be made on a VIA site unless plans to use VIA were already known and why would a VIA-sponsored blog cover a UMPC that wasn’t going to run on a VIA chipset?I think it’s relatively safe to end any speculation on the brand of CPU in at least one model 2133, now it becomes a question of which VIA chip will be on the inside. Since the new 64-bit Isaiah chip is pin-compatible with the VIA C7 and slated to ship in the spring, we could see the older chips inside at first and later see a model with the new ones under the hood. It’s also possible that Digitimes was correct and there will be an Intel-based model at a higher price, especially since I expect several models based on the CNet quote. Either way, if the starting price is $499, HP has a shot a making a dent in the small notebook market and has definitely piqued my interest in this device.
Greetings:
This is excellent news for the UMPC market.
Although I don’t consider the HP 2133 a UMPC but a Mini Laptop, it still is good news.
By the end of 2008 I believe that most UMPC’s in screen sizes between 4.5 inches to 6 inches will have a starting price of $500.00.
Regards Robert
i have to say i have the UX390N..and i have small hands..and i hate typing on the thing and the screen is too small. 7-8 inches is a nice niche
I like HP and their products. But the likelihood that I would buy this product is less likely than I’ll be buying an iPAQ of any sort.
I’m not a fan of the VIA chips, and they’ll have to go very far before I’d be interested in such a device.
Woadan
why are you so against this product?
While the design of the HP looks very nice, I’m wondering why one would want this device over the similarly sized Fujitsu P1610/1620 OTHER than the lower price of the HP?
Assuming that one ignores the price difference wouldn’t you want the Fujitsu convertible tablet design with touchscreen, etc…????
Or is it just about the fact that the price IS so much lower that the feature differences don’t matter at that point???
Hope this makes sense….
This is excellent news.
If this price is true, we may have a new leader in the tiny notebook market. Asus can’t be thrilled about the prospect of going toe-to-toe with HP’s marketing muscle, and Everex may as well just throw in the towel this afternoon.
My Eee isn’t looking so great next to this beauty.
Asus showed us that if the price is sub-$500 the features are far less important to many. That’s what HP is shooting for, I’m sure.
Dave, I’m not sure who you’re asking “why are you so against this product?” I don’t see anyone in the thread that isn’t excited by it and I didn’t say anything negative in my write-up.
ArchiMark, your question makes sense but the long and short of it is that not everyone sees or wants the benefits of having a tablet. However, if this device in notebook form is $500 and it could be offered in a convertible Tablet PC model for another $100 or so, I’d snap one up.
There is something some people fail to remember. For me the issues are:
1) Price. I’m toting this around. If it gets bashed or dropped, I won’t have a heart attack at the lost money.
2) Size. I’m toting this around. It has to be light and small. (MacBook Air is too large and a half-pound heavier.)
3) I’m not yet convinced I’d use inking so I don’t need a touchscreen. I’d plant XP on it, anyway.
$499 probably = Linux, btw.
The most important piece of info is still missing: WHEN!!
Oh, one more thing when it comes to this particular machine versus all the others: It’s from hp. hp doesn’t do fall-apart hardware.
I like HP. But, trust me, when HP wants to go cheap, they can go cheap with the best of them.
They’ve sold me their fair share of lemons, especially on the low end, right where this baby’s going to be.
It’s certainly an interesting niche, but I’m not convinced that this is the right form factor – although I have no complaints about the price.
For the past 4 years or so, I will often sit in bed and while watching TV, cruise the web on some form of a Sony T series. It’s very light and there are times that I enjoy the keyboard. Prior to that, I did the same thing with a TC1100. The weird thing is that I would never consider just sitting on my living room couch with the Sony – it’s sort of strictly a bed lounging machine – not a couch machine.
What I would be really interested in, is an 8″ or 9″ tablet at around a $750 or so price point and a 2.5lb or less weight. Something like the Q, but I had the Q and returned it – I thought it was a dog (sorry Kevin, I know you like(d) yours). Something that I could see using on my couch while watching TV and using at night from bed, or first thing in the morning to check emails and feeds.
That’s sort of what I am looking for. Although the HP has appeal, if I already own a TX, why would I get one?
If you own a TX, there would be no reason to get one. A lot of people aren’t willing to shell out the clams for the TX though.
Cheapskates, like me, are much more willing to blow 500 bones.
Nate: Thanks for the warning. So, you think aluminum will really be tin? (Or, god forbid, from China — lead!)
I’m not interested in a bed or couch computer. This is for when I am out and about and need to get work done too. Bed and couch are for relaxing.
Clams? Bones?
I LOVE my Asus Eee PC 4G, but I’ll admit I’d give it up for a mini-laptop in the same price catagory with a bigger keyboard that I can touch type on & an 8.9″ screen!!!
But I’m a little disappointed that it only supports Windows Vista & Linux. Vista is HORRIBLE! I’d be happier if they made it compatible with Windows XP & provided a disk with drivers like Asus Eee PC does.
Cheers, Garnet