HP has released a budget-priced netbook for business users, offered with mobile broadband and GPS options. The $300 Mini 1103 runs SuSE Linux or Windows 7 on a 1.66GHz Atom N455 processor or 1.83GHz N475, comes with 160GB or 320GB hard disk drives, and has the usual 10.1-inch screen with 1024 x 768 pixels, the company says.

The Mini 1103 is quite similar to the consumer-focused Mini 210 released in September, but targets the low-end business market. As such, the Mini 1103 does without the Mini 210's five available colors and optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator. (Business users who want the latter can pick the more expensive Mini 5103, also announced in September.)

HP's Mini 1103
(Click to enlarge)

Given that the Mini 1103 is a pared-down, cost-reduced netbook, the only real point of technical interest is that the device is available with two different cellular modems (one based on the Qualcomm Gobi chipset, with GPS, and one described as "HP HSPA") and four different wireless networking options (Atheros 802.11b/g/n, Broadcom 802.11b/g/n, Broadcom 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth 3.0, and Ralink 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth 802.11b/g/n).

HP doesn't state the rationale for the diverse Wi-Fi options, but they're apparently offered to solve esoteric compatibility issues that some customers may have experienced.

Unlike HP's consumer netbooks, the Mini 1103 is also offered with either Windows 7 Starter edition, SuSE Linux Enterprise 11, or FreeDOS. These operating systems are run on the 1.66GHz Atom N455 or, optionally, the 1.83GHz Atom N475, according to HP.

HP says the Mini 210 comes with 160GB or 250GB hard disk drives spinning at 7200rpm, while its 10.1-inch screen has the usual resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. There are three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, an Ethernet port, and a combo microphone/headphone jack, the company adds.

According to HP, the Mini 1103 includes a spill-resistant keyboard and a VGA-resolution webcam. The netbook is also said to have a media card reader, though the formats this accepts were not listed.

Specifications listed by HP for the Mini 1103 include the following:

• Processor — 1.66GHz Atom N455 or 1.83GHz Atom N475
• Chipset — Intel NM10
• Memory — 1GB or 2GB of DDR3 RAM
• Display — 10.1-inch screen with 1024 x 600 pixels
• Camera — VGA-resolution webcam
• Storage — 160GB or 320GB hard disk drive (7200rpm)
• Expansion — memory card reader (formats n/s)
• Networking:
  • LAN — 10/100 Ethernet
  • WWAN — Qualcomm Gobi, with GPS, or HP HSPA (both optional)
  • WLAN — 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN — Bluetooth (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • 3 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x VGA
  • audio I/O (mic in and headphone out)
• Battery — six-cell or three cell; duration n/s
• Dimensions — 10.55 x 7.52 x 0.89 inches
• Weight — 2.78 pounds

Further information

According to HP, the Mini 1103 is available now, with prices starting at approximately $300. More information may be found on the company's website here, respectively.

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