Great Geek Accessory: Verizon’s HP Mini netbook

I’ve been coveting itty bitty netbooks for a while now, and thanks to Verizon’s PR folks, I finally got to drool on the HP Mini 1151NR. (Guess they weren’t too upset the backhanded complement I gave the Blackberry Storm last year?)

When the netbook arrived at my door, I tore it open with glee – I mean, it fits in my PURSE! However, I was instantly saddened by how HUGE the power cord is. Seriously, guys? It’s the same size as the computer; I’m not putting that in my purse.

Anywho, first impressions: the Mini is super light and booted up quickly; the screen is tiny, but the resolution and color are quite nice. If you are a Windows person, you’ll recognize everything about it: it comes with 30 applications including Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, AOL, Microsoft Works (not Office), etc.

But here’s where the similarities between your laptop and the HP Mini - or any netbook, for that matter - end.

The HP Mini is a fantastic companion for coffee shop surfing, traveling, long rides in cars, etc. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll do any real work on it.

It has a tiny keyboard and an even tinier memory; the mouse is so cumbersome that I actually had to plug in my travel mouse to keep from losing my mind, and the size of the screen means that a good deal of browsing time is spent scrolling back and forth, up and down.

BUT when you are stuck in a hotel room without wireless, you will laugh at that blue Ethernet cord staring at you from across the room as you check email and read Her Nashville via the speedy Verizon 3G network. I know I did.

The bottom line: for keeping up with news, blogs, email and Facbook, you really can’t beat this precious little thing. For heavier lifting such as filing columns, creating Power Point slides or storing digital pictures, you will still need a “real" laptop.

Before you buy this fabulous geek accessory, set appropriate expectations: the HP Mini is your cute and sexy going-out clutch, not your it-can-hold-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink work tote.

Where and how much? Purchase the HP Mini 1151NR online and in Verizon Wireless Stores for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate (and new two- year activation on a Mobile Broadband plan). Chose from $39.99 monthly access for 250 MB monthly allowance and 10 cents per megabyte overage; or $59.99 monthly access with a 5 GB monthly allowance and 5 cents per megabyte overage.

Chic Geek note: this photo is of the HP Mini sitting on top of my Mac Book; yes, that is my husband acting like a goober in the background (sigh).