Hewlett-Packard's HP Compaq 2133 UMPC Revealed

[malware]

Engadget has obtained pictures from Hewlett-Packard's first ultra-mobile try, the HP Compaq 2133 UMPC. The HP Compaq 2133 features 8.9-inch scratch resistant 1366x766 (WXGA) display, ExpressCard/54 slot, Wireless LAN, integrated webcam, and optional SSD running Windows Vista or Linux. Price and availability are still to be finalized.

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-02-19/hp-2133picture-319feb08_thm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-02-19/hp-2133picture-319feb08.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-02-19/hp-2133picture-419feb08_thm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-02-19/hp-2133picture-419feb08.jpg)

Source: Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/hps-umpc-2133-revealed/)

[basblplayr]

I want this. Finally a major company embraces the concept of choice between Windows and Linux. Not to mention that this seems like an almost perfect compromise between size, efficiency, and function. Almost full-size keyboard much appreciated. Just hope it's affordable. (Especially with Linux)

[wickerman]

Well the ultra portable laptops with the 13.3" LCDs retail around $1000. The ultra portable sub laptops like the fujitsu lifebook with the 5.6" LCD range from about $900-$1000. So to make a splash they would really have to come in under these prices. If I we see this thing for less than $600 I will be very impressed and would likely want to buy one, but realistically I still think these major brand names want to keep prices in the $1000 range.

But with all these new UMPC/Ultraportable/sub notebook and what not coming on the scene, the Asus EEE pc still seems to be the most innovative, at least with the prices ranging from $299-$399 you get something very small, very powerful (in retrospect), and very affordable. And with EEE pc mods like this (http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index.php/Eee_PC_Internal_Upgrades) throwing bluetooth, 802.11n, GPS, USB hubs, secondary SDHC card reader, additional 4-16gb flash drive(s), modem, FM transmitter, and so forth...it really appeals to the geek in all of us with a soldering iron and a bit of know how. Some of the modders out there have even thrown in 1.8" hard drives. So its not like you cant fit all these features in a small package without throwing the price all to hell :p

The specs released thus far for the 2133 UMPC are nice, but if its gunna end up in the same price range as the rest of the UMPCs I doubt it's gunna make much of a splash. People would probably just wait for Asus to release a newer EEE for $499-$599 with all those features.

[mdm-adph]

Aye, it's real nice -- so nice it can't possibly be cheap. (But it's nice.)