I needed a slim case that still offered plenty of protection for my HP Mini. Netbooks being what they are, I wanted something that would offer me protection whether I was carrying it as a second computer, in a standard backpack, or just on move without a bigger bag. After a quick Google search and browsing a few images on Flickr it was apparent that WaterField Designs products available at sfbags.com were quality products.

When I received the case I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of materials, specifically the density of the foam used to protect the computer. I am pleased with the product and will certainly be returning to sfbags.com.

It has been about 48 hours since I installed Windows 7 on my HP Mini 1000 netbook, and I am blown away. Windows 7 is everything an OS should be: stable, snappy, great hardware support, and great accessibility to programs and settings. Needless to say I am loving my netbook with Windows 7 – it is the internet device I was looking for when I purchased the netbook.

Does this mean I couldn’t have done exactly what I am doing on XP? Nope, not at all, in fact I used my new netbook for are few days with a clean install of XP and it was quick loading, quick booting, stable and generally a joy. So what does this mean for Windows 7? Nothing – Windows 7 does what it does while being incredibly composed doing it. Microsoft has finally figured out that aesthetics matter, accessibility matters, the whole package matters. These issues are what pushed me off a PC platform and onto a Mac a few years ago – I do have a lot of great things to say about this release of Windows, but I would not say I am a total convert just yet.

I am the new owner of a HP Mini netbook. After a lot of thought and research I took a few concessions on features in favor of some intangibles the HP Mini had to offer. What it really came down to was how HP presented a composed netbook – one that not only offered features essential to an ultraportable, but did so in a package that made the machine compelling and desirable. The excellent keyboard, light weight, superior build quality, clean and modern LED indicators, and glossy screen pushed me to purchase the HP Mini. I am still finding my way around the netbook platform and largely holding off on much customization and software until tomorrow, when I have a chance to install Windows 7 on the machine. I think Windows 7 UI improvements will really enhance the netbook experience and provide a crisp, clean OS for my Mini.

First Impressions:

See the gallery below for full unboxing pictures. What I can say in summary, HP is doing a hell of a job, having not owned a personal PC for about 4 years now I can say they are really trying to be a leader and in many categories have caught Apple. The Mini’s product packaging was pretty sharp looking, albeit ruined by inventory control stickers and lawyers with warning labels. When booted up my Mini was 100% free from crapware – whomever at HP was responsible for that policy change deserves a raise and some serious perks. Thus far the 1gig of ram the Mini ships with has been sufficient for running XP SP3, I believe it will run Windows 7 just fine, however it is nice to know I have the option to go to 2 gigs if deemed necessary. So where did I compromise on my purchase criteria? VGA port - in the interest of being slim and light weight HP skipped the VGA port and included a proprietary expansion port. Really I cannot fault them, a VGA port would have unnecessarily increased the thickness of the device. Additionally, I did not buy a machine with an ExpressCard slot – no clue what I would have used it for, but I don’t have it. Also, no Bluetooth – again, I probably wouldn’t have used it as I have a travel mouse with an RF dongle. After a few short hours of light browsing I can say I really like the device and I am glad I joined the netbook ranks. Tomorrow I’ll see what Windows 7 brings to the Mini and really get the device customized.

HP Mini 1030NR Specs:

• Intel Atom N270 1.60 GHz
• 16GB SSD
• 1024MB RAM
• XP Home SP3
• 3 cell battery
• 802.11 b/g
• 10.2” LED backlit screen

Unboxing and device images: