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"A warning to potential purchasers!" on by jdt999
Pros: - Sensational build quality for a netbook.
- Beautiful screen.
- Feature-rich for a small machine.Cons: - Fault with the included HP software causes CPU utilisation to be very high (90-100%). HP have known about the issue for at least 2 months and have not rectified it.
- HP Support is woeful.
- A little pricey for a netbook.Summary: Make sure you are sure that HP has rectified the issue with HP Wireless Assistant that causes high CPU utilisation. The software is required to turn the WLAN, WWAN and BT radios on or off, but the machine grinds to a halt when it is running (it runs as a service in the background).
If you're not sure that they have fixed the problem, make sure that you're ok with not being able to turn the radios on or off - otherwise you'll really regret buying this machine (as I did). -
"Very Nice Netbook" on by rbeier1221
Pros: Sturdy construction, nice keyboard, great graphics options for a Netbook, three USB ports.
Cons: Issue with HP Wireless Assistant on Win 7, too much crapware for a Business Line PC, seemingly unresponsive support
Summary: When I first tested the 5102 (I work for an HP partner and had access to the demo pool) I had XP installed and it ran flawlessly. I was so impressed I immediately ordered one for myself. I love the keyboard, which is 95% of a full size keyboard and typing is very easy for me. It runs well, and the sturdy construction is very appealing. Of all the Netbooks I had used this was by far my favorite, and working in IT I had my hands on quite a few models.
Unfortunately, there is an issue when running Windows 7 with the HP Wireless Assistant, which causes the CPU to run really high. This has turned many a user off, but for me it is just not a deal killer. I can very easily disable it and use the native wireless controls for WiFi and Bluetooth. Having used several laptops this feature just isn't a need for me. However, it would make things easier and just the fact that HP has not corrected this after months of complaints knocks this down a point from a near perfect score.
A few more things to note: this is a business class model and with it's higher construction comes a slightly higher price, especially if you add more RAM to the unit. And if you are not already aware, Windows 7 Starter does have some limitations you should be aware of. Some of those would be irrelevent with a netbook in my opinion (XP mode already requires specific processors to run, for instance) and some can be worked around (not changing your background can be accomplished with a free download of Oceanis) but you definitely want to know what you are buying. -
"Looks awesome, acts reasonably, costs a touch much." on by goldbera
Pros: Build quality is outstanding. I have yet to see a netbook with a nicer "feel". Lots of customization options. Keyboard is intuitive and well laid out. 3 USB ports. Extended battery not very obtrusive. Looks professional and stylish.
Cons: Cost is 50-75$ more than comperable machines (50$ for the look - get that straight right off the bat) and customization ADDS up FAST. RAM not upgradable with basic value purchase. Extended battery pretty much necessary. Speakers are horrible.
Summary: I am using the basic model with 1 GB of Ram and no upgrades OTHER than the extended battery. I recommend the battery. The standard one will get under 3 hours of practicle use time. The extended is in the neighborhood of 5 and can be pushed to 7 if you are willing to sacrifice some performance and a brighter screen. The machine handles basic tasks well. I use it for Skype a lot (which stutters on video but manages sound fine on "optimized" power mode. Netflix streams fluidly, with no problem. Movies play fine in many formats. Be prepared to wear headphones in many situations. Its a great quick computer and perfect for my needs. With the extended battery I can drop it in my case for the weekend without the power cable. Plus it really is sharp looking. The squared off aluminum and black matt rubber look is satisfying and the keyboard is really nice. The touch pad could have been larger but overall its as good as it can be with the space offered. If you are not at all sensitive to looks, Id probably suggest going another way. You are paying extra here to have something that will look kinda sweet at either a board meeting or a coffeehouse. That said, if that sounds like something youd be willing to do, I feel safe recommending it. I really love it.
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"Terrific netbook" on by jayo34
Pros: Reliable and solid. Runs well but could use an upgrade to the supported 2GB of RAM.
Cons: Has slowed down on XP with 1GB RAM. Sometimes loses wireless connectivity.
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"Wow...what happened to HP/Compaq?" on by Srqt
Pros: The solid metal case form factor is a positive for a portable netbook/or laptop. Comes equipped with the lastest Microsoft OS in a basic form.
Cons: Straight out of the box I paid the price of a decent desktop for a system that I could not get the network configured to use the unit in a wireless or wired environment.Great customer service not!
Summary: Unless you just left MIT or Stanford, buy something else this is a very disappointing showing from a company I considered a reliable substitute for the old IBM when it was an American company.
Not to mention the outrageous price, the unit comes with only 1GB for multiple apps. 'fuggedabouit", grandma's slow but she's dead! Try the Toshiba NB instead...
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