HP was one of the first big companies to launch a small netbook and the Compaq Mini 700EA is a second generation netbook, aimed at the buyer looking for a stylish and lightweight machine hat is incredibly easy to use.
The Compaq Mini 700EA is a 10.1-inch netbook that has a nice curved shape to the body design. The shape is based on the older 2133 MiniNote but this latest model uses tough plastic instead of brushed aluminium. This helps keep the price down but still manages to keep portability high.
With an overall weight of juts 1.2kg, this is one of the lighter 10-inch netbooks on the market. HP has managed to incorporate a good-sized keyboard that is close to being full-sized and proved extremely comfortable to use.
The size of the keys does mean that space is pinched from the touchpad, so mouse buttons have been pushed to either side of it, which can be a little confusing until you’re accustomed to it.
The specification is very much what we’ve come to expect from a netbook, with Windows XP and 1024MB of memory in place. We were a little disappointed to find the hard drive only offers 60GB of storage space but this can easily be updated at a later date.
When it comes to extra features you’ll find 802.11g and Bluetooth are both installed, so hooking up to wireless networks is easy. There is a neat button on the front of the unit allowing you to switch Bluetooth Off/On. Then there is a webcam, two USB ports and Ethernet.
Verdict
The HP Compaq Mini 700EA is a good all-round netbook that manages to balance portability and price exceedingly well. With a battery life of a little over three hours in normal use, this is the only feature that fails on the 700EA.
Best features
Good screen
Great keyboard
Nice and light
Not so good
Poor battery life
Awkward mouse buttons
Check out the HP Compaq 700EA gallery:
Closest rivals
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