HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition with Synaptic Package Manager

Good news on the HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition front. After I asked myself a few questions about the netbook’s functionality this morning, I decided to check out the HP booth on the CES show floor. And wouldn’t you know it, the thing really is just running a modified version of Ubuntu Linux.

You can pull up Ubuntu’s program manager by navigating through HP’s custom interface. But what’s even better, you can pull up the full Synaptic package manager, a terminal, or anything else just by hitting Fn+ F2.

So while HP has done a nice job of creating an easy to use interface for this $330 netbook, you can also use the Mi Edition software to do anything you could do with Ubuntu.

On a side note, for some reason HP renamed the web browser as “web browser,” even though it’s clearly Firefox. When I brought up the browser and hit the about button, I was told that I was looking at “web browser 3.0.4.”

Check out more photos after the break.

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14 replies on “HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition photo gallery”

  1. Regarding the command line interface; a user at Engadget says the following:

    Harry @ Feb 5th 2009 1:24PM

    The command line is there, the “disabled” thing HP had on their product page was misleading and probably cost them sales.

    Not only can you activate a “root terminal” in the add/remove apps control panel, you can Alt-F2 to a standard gnome launcher and run gnome-terminal from there.

  2. It would be nice that someone would compare this nice little machine with the asus eee pc 1000.
    I know they differ in storage capacity, OS and I think batteries as well. Still it would be nice to see some benchmarks on both.

    1. I mean both have ssd type storage, run different distros of Gnu/Linux and similar overall specs.

      1. they are both OEM ASUS
        its just an HP branded EEEPC built to HP’s specs like all of HP’s home equipment. just like IBM’s stuff was made by Lenovo for years.

        1. More then Likley The HP mini are built by Asus or Most of the parts are Asus. Asus Is Huge, Period. Love ther Products, Own the First eee701 4G version and it runs well with XP @ 630mhz. Crazy Small machine, with Great 5hr Battery life.

  3. It is probably just a branding issue.
    In Gentoo (build from source distro) there is a ‘branding’ option to
    turn off the FireFox branding when you build it. 😉

  4. The rename of the browser just means they diddled some of the defaults from where Ubuntu had them. Moz Corp says you must have written permission to make ANY alteration to a binary package and retain the Firefox trademark. Which is why Debian calls it Iceweasel. They had no intention of seeking permission to apply a security patch. Ubuntu and RedHat have people willing to jump through the hoops. HP apparently found it simpler to just call it web browser, probably less flack from Microsoft that way anyhow.

  5. I’m sorry, but I can not get over the fact that these are called “Mini Mi”.

    Doctor Evil: This is my notebook-style personal computing machine, only it is 1/3rd the size of the original. I shall call it … Mini Mi.

  6. The HP website says:

    Please note: the Linux command line interface is disabled on this edition.

    1. Hmm… I pulled up Synaptic but I’ll be honest, I didn’t try a
      terminal. I’ll head back over in a few minutes and try again.

      It’s also worth noting that this was a demo unit, so I wasn’t able to
      actually install any software since I don’t have a superuser password.

  7. probably a silly question that’s been answered before, but is there any real discernible difference between the 8.9″ and 10.1″ versions? Basically is that extra inch worth 50 bucks is what i’m asking.

    1. No difference 8.9 vs 10.1 besides size. You dont gain REZ meaning you dont gain any more space within the LCD screen because it has the same amount of DOTS. Bummer. You lose battery life for the same Area LCD. The 10in is just bigger but not better. Rather have the 8.9 same rez 1024×600 and more battery life. IMO Unless someone has a hacked 10.2 in driver to bump up the rez or unlock the 10.1 Hidden /locked , “Never know with HP” Rez..
      When you get yours, make sure the Keyboard isnt wavy and it doesnt hit the screen when closed. Also check your Ram Door Locks. Make sure they arnt broken. My new mini had one broken Lock for the mem door. They are sending me a Replacement fedex. The keyboard is a bit wavy on mine too, and I added foam Feet for the LCD lid Close height so it dont hit the keys closed.

      1. There is some aesthetics differences too. The HP Mini 10.2 incher has a glossy “glass” layer that covers the entire thing, down to the bezel, (like many high end Sony’s or the new Macbooks) while the 8.9″ doesn’t (like the Asus EEE’s).

        Aesthetics, and the readibility wise, I’d spend the extra $50 for the 10″Er.

        Many stores still carry the HP Mini 10″er with bluetooth and more for just $450, much cheaper than getting it off the HP site.

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