Afraid of Linux? Don’t be. Although the Mini 1000 Mi Series has the same hardware as the XP version we reviewed a few months ago, its OS, which packages a good selection of applications in a clean, innovative interface, enlivens the user experience. While we still have complaints about the Mini 1000’s sluggishness, short battery life, and relatively high price ($459), in a market glutted with identically specced machines running XP, it’s a refreshing change.
Design
The first thing we noticed about the Mini 1000 Mi is how tiny it is. Particularly compared with compact machines like the MSI Wind U120, another 10-inch netbook, it’s 0.3 inches thinner and, at 2.4 pounds, 0.4 ounces lighter. The ASUS 1000HE, by comparison, is 3.2 pounds.
Cosmetically, this system is identical to the Mini 1000 we reviewed with XP. Similar to the full-size HP dv line, it has the company’s glossy Swirl Imprint finish, a white swirly pattern over a black background. While not overtly targeted toward women (like the Sony VAIO P), the pattern struck us as flowery and a bit feminine. Despite its delicate design, however, the lid felt durable and it resisted smudges.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Compared with the U120, which is 10.2 inches wide, the Mini 1000 Mi makes better use of its keyboard deck: the keyboard, 92 percent the size of a mainstream one, stretches from edge to edge with no extra room on the sides, and the keys look larger, too; they had a pleasantly springy feel and soft finish.
As did the Mini 1000, the Mini 1000 Mi loses design points for the touch buttons awkwardly flanking the touchpad. Even after considerable hands-on time, they remained cumbersome. Although imperfect in its own way, even Sony’s decision to forgo the trackpad on the VAIO P for a trackball was more sensible. At least the Mini 1000 Mi’s buttons themselves have a soft finish and give good tactile feedback. A handy scrolling strip is on the touchpad, which was responsive, if a bit too sensitive.
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