These days, it’s all about mobility… I traded in my desktop for a laptop years ago. While I love my laptop to bits and pieces.. it’s really difficult to tote around the city, and as I found out at Berlin Fashion Week, it’s near impossible to carry it around all day. And while some people can blog from their phone, I need to be able to edit photos, as with fashion, you can’t really communicate without good pictures.
Last week, I got something lovely in the mail… the Vivienne Tam HP mini to test out (I’m not sure if I can keep it). It’s really a tiny little thing, designed by Vivienne Tam, it has her signature Asian influence. It’s red casing with floral graphics are really nice. And girly enough my boyfriend won’t want to steal it from me. At 2.45lbs, just over a kilo, it’s actually small enough to fit in a clutch. Though with the mouse, camera, wallet and cables, a tight fit, I’ll probably use a regular handbag. So far, I’ve only used it around the house… it’s good for hanging out on the sofa, checking emails, typing documents, and doing webcam chats on Skype. The screen is small, but usable, as is the keyboard.
All in all, as much as I love beauty, looks aren’t going to cut it for me. These next few weeks I’m going to put the VT HPmini to the acid test. I’ll be taking it out and using it for presentations, blogging on the road, as I’m going to Paris on Friday for a Lancome Blogger Event. I’ll be uploading pictures, using GIMP to edit them, and we’ll see how it holds up. I’m really excited, if it works out, it would be a big step for mobility. Here’s some photos of this little computer… I’ll be doing a follow up review next week!
If you want to see more details, there are a few more pictures on my flickr page.
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What a fantastic product to try out! Especially if the computer is any good- you’re right, it will definitely provide changes to mobility and the ability to work on the go.
As for bloggers who do it all from their phones, that baffles me! I can barely check a website on my iPhone… I don’t know how anyone would write a post!
I have an Acer Netbook, which is the same size as the one you’re trying out, and I LOVE it. It easily fits into my handbag, and it’s certainly light enough to tote around all day. In fact, it’s lighter than a big hardcover book!
I do all my work and blogging on it, and I love not having a desk. I think you’ll enjoy yours!
What a beautiful product! I saw it on runway pictures already but didn’t really notice how small it was. Too cute! If I had some spare money, it’ll definitely be mine.
P.S.: I hope you can keep it.
o i soooo want one! did they happen to send you the price when they sent you the computer?
You cannot believe how jealous I am! I am totally in love with the design AND I need a netbook.
That’s so adorable! It’s unfortunate that I don’t have near enough money to get new gadgets like that since I usually spend too much on cameras. As it is, I’m waiting to get a new tablet PC (laptop). The etchings on the cover seems really popular these days too. I’m jealous too
I’m such a Mac girl, and wished Apple would send me something to test out. But I must say I’ve been looking hard at the new HP laptops. I can’t wait to read your follow-up thoughts. I love that it’s tiny.
Oh my @ the mouse case! I’m a mobile girl, but rarely write posts on my iphone or blackberry. This makes me want one now hehe.
Very cute! I’ve tried blogging from my iPhone but it’s near impossible at the best of times, let alone when you want/need to edit pictures. Alas!
That’s so adorable!
❤ashe…i can barely send a text msg, much less write a post! yes, i’m really curious how it’ll work out…we’ll see as it’s tested!
❤amanda…oh not having a desk…that sounds lovely.
❤ sunshine, i provided the link to the site.. it’s about $650 which is cheaper than a full size computer, though i wouldn’t recommend having a small computer like this as your main squeeze.
❤mia…oh thanks love!
❤cy… absolutely agree on investing in cameras… i myself think that better photography makes a better blog, and giving the choice between getting a tiny computer and a dslr, i’d get the camera and stick with a big computer. that said, i bought my dslr last year, so the budget is left for a netbook.
❤ms.shoo… i’m apple to the core… if macbook air cost $650 i wouldn’t even look at this. there is no comparison. that said, for it’s price and it’s function and design, i’m considering.
❤msunreliable…oh my you are brave! i couldn’t imagine typing one key at a time.
❤ edith…it is, actually… i keep calling it “the baby” and my macbook “the mama”
I did a post on that computer here: http://stylesymmetry.com/2008/10/11/post-of-the-day-mahalo-fashion/
Love it so much, I still want one. And it looks like we have the same camera, is that the one you use for outfit shots?
Thanks
oh i saw that post! yeah… it’s lovely in real life too.
you have a canon powershot? i love this little guy. though i only use it nowadays when i’m out and about, mostly for personal reasons. more often than not, my outfit shots are taken by my canon digatl rebel xt. it’s a great prosumer camera… and i still am learning how to use it after a year of using it every day.
Ummm WOW! That is just adorable! I can’t wait to read your fashion week posts x
I have a MacBook Air, which is sooo easy to carry. Not as pretty as these though.
I’ve been wanting one of these for a while, but I held off buying one before I heard some reviews. I’m curious to hear how it works for you. Maybe if it’s good, I’ll save up for one!
I want one really badly! I love it!!!!!!
Although, I’m so used to macs these days!
omg…i need it
I hope you can keep it - that thing is gorgeous - makes my laptop look giant!
Have a great time in Paris!
that thing is cute!
That’s the cutest little thing! I’m definitely a Mac girl, or I’d snag one of those. I’m holding out for Apple to cave and design a tiny notebook for me!
Yours is so cute, though!
So pretty!
I also have the same camera as you.
It’s a beautiful computer. My husband has a little mini computer - the eeepc. It’s not nearly as pretty as yours. I wish it wasn’t so expensive though. I heard it’s hundreds more than the regular mini HP.
It looks really cute AND matches The Coveted blog!
Would you mind linking to my new blog Le noir est une couleur &deleting the old link (plastikherz) from your blogroll? would be great =)
It’s very beautiful…is that the mouse? Cute.
that computer looks as desirable as red lipstick. Im really loving the keyboard <3
Paris, oui cant wait, lucky duck, you!
thanks Jennine, yes I have the powershot but am saving up for a better camera for blogging.
That’s gorgeous. I’d seen it written about in the local paper; but I didn’t realize it was so small. I love the red keys and the adorable mouse. Those are wonderful touches! Hope it works out well for you on the road. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Adorable!
So you are in Berlin at the moment? I’m sure you have a packed schedule already but I’d love to meet you. I’m free all day tomorrow.
cu?
A.
❤wendy… the macbook air is only half a pound more… and a way more expensive. it would be a tough call.
❤iness…so far so good! we’ll see, once i take it on the road!
❤beka… i know, i know, i’ve used apples my entire life, so this is new for me. it’s different…but it’s nice of enough for me not to turn my nose at it.
❤sandra, it’s only $150 more, which i think you get some additional features that aren’t included with the black one….
❤Rowena..yes, it’s the mouse, but i heard that it’s not going to be available to the public…we’ll see, because i really love the mouse!
❤ Fair…oh I’m not in Berlin this week… I’m really sad not to go, but maybe in March, I’ll be out for my friends birthday… so we should get in touch then.
I love that computer. I am breaking my back carrying around a heavy bag all the time. I am excited to see what other new technology will be released.
That size is perfect for carrying around and the computer looks SO cool! Hope you get to keep it
Wow, that’s a gorgeous computer! For once I’m excited about technology.
My boyfriend loves the mini computer I got him for his birthday. It’s not nearly as powerful-but that’s kind of the point-internet and basic functions are what it does best. I hope this works for you!
Hi girl, I wanted to get it yesterday in Paris but I’ve been told that the battery only last 1h30, is that right!!
Aissata
I love the design of the laptop….. trouble is with these netbooks is the pesky battery life…
I’m anxiously awaiting your report on how you found this computer. I’m almost about to take the plunge but want to make sure that you liked it before I do. =)
That’s so great! I love designer collaborations with major companies. And Vivienne Tam used that same print in one of her collections on several gorgeous dresses and tops- even cooler! I would love to find one somewhere, I see them all over blogs and other gadget-review websites, but I can’t actually find out where I could buy one. Do you know where they are available for purchase?????
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