HP MINI 5103

The new Mini 5103 from HP is virtually the same as the previous 5102 with one huge, gigantic, overwhelming difference and that is the dual-core Atom N550 processor from Intel that the 5013 ships with. The new Mini 5103 packs the new 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 Processor, 2GB of RAM, Broadcom's Crystal HD accelerator and runs Windows 7 Professional.




Multitasking feels faster on the 5103 than on other netbooks and then benchmarks are definitely better. Most netbooks score around 1,200 PCMark05 while the 5103 scored an impressive 1,866 PCMark05. Intel is still relying on its GMA 3150 graphics which menas no real change for the 5130. On the flip side, it is said that the processor should be able to handle 720p content with no problem as well as full screen flash videos.



The processor also speeds up video encoding, converting a 27MB .mov file to .mp4 in about 3mins. You already know the 5130 can handle HD playback as it comes with Broadcom's Crystal HD which allows the playing of local 720p and 1080p video in Windows Media Player. One good thing that Intel promised is that the dual-processor wouldn't impact battery life. Surprisingly enough they were telling the truth as the 5130 still has an impressive 6hrs of battery life.



Pricing is what most people are going to be concerned about with this new netbook. While HP has yet to release a final price on upgrading your existing processor to the new dual-core N550 from Intel or to acquiring the new 5130, you can surmise that it will cost no less than $600. For that price, however, you are receiving a netbook with a dual-core processor, higher resolution display, touchscreen, Windows 7 Pro and Broadcom's Crystal HD.