As far as good-looking portables go, the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje sits right on top of the heap. Its beautiful exterior and elegant finish are designed to attract and to inspire. But as attractive as it is, it keeps a secret; a secret revealed only once you hit the power button.
There's no mistaking that the Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje is a designer netbook. It isn't made for road warriors who just need to get on the Web, but for jet-setters who take things nice and easy.
The lid pattern is the most noticeable feature of the Mini 110. Unlike other designer netbooks, the intricate pattern is not a cheap stick-on or paint job. It's made using the proprietary HP Imprint 3D technology which gives the design a three-dimensional look and added depth.
The etches are inspired by endangered wildlife animals – from birds to bears to horses. Keep your eyes peeled, and you'll be able to spot them all. Only 1,000 units of this special-edition Mini 110 are sold in the Philippines, making it an endangered species on its own right, so if you're lucky enough to have caught one, you better hold on to it.
Benchmark results by NovaBench puts the Tord right next to other computers running Windows 7 and older PCs running Windows XP. On the whole, a score of 90 is below average but just right for a netbook.
The Windows Experience Index also tells a similar tale. You definitely can't do much with the Tord except for basic content consumption.
Booting up to Windows takes a full minute, so if you are not patient, you may want to use the pre-installed Splashtop OS.
While on Splashtop mode, everything is zippier than usual. Windows open and close at the click of a button, although it's admittedly not as versatile as using Windows. If you just need to check the latest scores on the big game, however, this should tide you over.
When it comes to battery life, the Tord can't be beaten. It ships with a bulky six-cell battery that also works as a stand and can go for about five hours on a single charge.
For what it's worth, the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje is a real head turner. If you really want one, justifying the extra P8,000 for a netbook that's no better than the average offering might keep you up all night.
Click here to see the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje in the Buyer's Guide.