HP Mini 311 11.6-Inch Netbook Review

One of the drawbacks of netbooks has always been its inability to play HD videos due to the limited capability of Intel integrated graphics. This is about change thanks to nVidia ION graphics processing unit (GPU) which integrates an Intel Atom CPU with a GeForce 9400M GPU to output 720p video. This is the first significant performance innovation since ASUS introduced the Eee PC netbook in 2007. It will shift the netbook from internet and email machine to a gaming and movie device.

HP Mini 311 netbook is one of the first few netbooks to boast this video capability. The 11.6-inch display on the HP Mini 311 has a resolution of 1366 x 768, which makes it easier to view Web pages and documents without having to scroll. It is Nvidia Ion LE graphics powered and delivers high-definition video playback, better gameplay, and faster video editing.

Measuring 11.4 x 8.0 x 1.2 inches and weighing 3.2 lbs, the HP Mini 311 isn’t much heavier than other 12-inch netbooks. The 6-cell lithium ion battery is well-integrated with the chassis and has a life of about 6.25 hours. The keyboard is 92% of full size and is quite easy to type on.

The standard configuration comes with Windows XP, Intel Atom N270, NVIDIA ION LE graphics, 160 GB hard drive, 1GB DDR3 RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, 6 cell battery and a 5-in-1 card reader. You can even hook it up to your HDTV with its HDMI port. This base configuration can upgraded to include Atom N280, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth and unlike prior netbooks, the HP Mini 311 maxes out at 3 gigs of RAM rather than 1 or 2.

A customized configuration comes with additional specs of Windows 7 Home Premium, Atom N280, 3GB DDR3 RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11/n with Bluetooth, HP Personalized Mini Webcam, , HP Color Matching Keyboard, Microsoft Works 9.0.

The HP Mini 311 netbook is a very complete and functional little system and does everything you could ask for from a netbook and with new features coming with Windows 7 the HP Mini 311 may actually be a netbook with enough power to be the primary PC for average users.

However, if you’re looking for a netbook with some serious gaming like that on a high-end desktop with nVidia’s latest graphics hardware, you’re going to be disappointed no matter what netbook you buy.

HP Mini 311 Key Features

11.6” HD LED BrightView display makes viewing HD content and two documents side by side
Stream video or playback files loaded from your primary PC
1080p HDMI Compatability
Pandora Internet Radio help you intelligently explore new stations and artists
Enjoy casual gaming by Wild Tangent online or off
Connect to a larger display via the VGA port or to your HD TV with the HDMI port
Chat or record yourself on video with the webcam
Perfect device for staying productive,informed, in touch and entertained on the go

HP Mini 311 Specifications

Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium (32 bit)
Display : 11.6″ Diagonal HD LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768)
Processor: Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz
Graphics : NVIDIA ION LE for Windows 7 with up to 895MB total graphics memory
Memory : 2 GB DDR2 RAM (1 Dimm), Max supported: 3 GB
Storage : 250GB hard drive
Wireless Data Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
Input/Output: Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports,HDMI
Flash Media Slot : 5-in-1 Digital Media Reader
Keyboard : HP Color Matching 92 percentage of full-size keyboard
Webcam : HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone
Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
6-cell Lithium-Ion Battery(Up to 6.25 Hours of Battery Life)
Dimensions: 11.4″ x 8.03″ x 0.78″/1.20″
Weight: 3.22lbs
Optional Wireless-G/N Card with Bluetooth
Optional HP Mobile Broadband (Choose either Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or Sprint)

The cheaper HP Mini 311-1000NR (Windows XP) Model has the following variation to the above specification,

Operating System : Windows XP Home with SP3
NVIDIA ION LE for Windows XP with up to 319MB total graphics memory
Memory : 1 GB DDR2 RAM (1 Dimm), Max supported 2 GB
Storage : 160GB hard drive

Upgrading HP Mini 311 Netbook Memory from 1GB to 2GB

Take note of the following;

The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)

Color Options

Available in 2 colors;

HP Black Swirl Imprint finish
HP White Swirl Imprint finish

Software Included with HP Mini 311 Netbook

Microsoft Works 9.0
Norton Internet Security 2010
HP QuickSync software -synch files, photos, and videos with your primary notebook or desktop PC when connected to the same network
HP QuickWeb -a fast and simple way to connect to the Internet, e-mail, and your favorite apps in seconds
An HP Cloud Drive for storing files online (accessible from any Internet-connected computer)
MS Office Home & Student Edition 2007 – 60 Day Trial
CyberLink Power2Go
HP Games Powered by Wild Tangent
Pandora Internet Radio
Arcsoft WebCam Companion

User Reviews

When purchasing a new computer you really need to sit back and think about what you are going to be using it for. Gamers need a high performance dual core machine while others who do no more than take notes in class and surf the web just need a basic netbook. The HP Mini 311 combines the functionality of both into one device which allows it to not only be portable, but powerful. Overall, a great choice in a small system you can actually do productive work on. With a price tag not exceeding $450, the HP Mini 311 is a good buy.

Pros

Delivers better-than-average graphics speed
Sleek, great performance
Amazing display
Great keyboard, with easy to use keys
Great battery life

Cons

Touchpad can get a little annoying
Suffers from a lag when booting up due to single core processor

Where to Buy HP Mini 311 Netbook

We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the HP Mini 311. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.

HP Mini 311-1025NR 11.6-Inch Black Netbook (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $646.00
Amazon Price: View Sale Price Buy From Amazon
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HP Mini 311-1000NR 11.6-Inch Black Netbook (Windows XP Home with SP3)

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $449.99
Amazon Price: View Sale Price Buy From Amazon
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Optional Upgrades

Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module for HP Mini 210 Netbook

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $31.99
Amazon Price: $22.95 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $79.95
Amazon Price: $65.48 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 [Disc Version]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $149.99
Amazon Price: $141.00 Buy From Amazon
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