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Hardware provider Hewlett-Packard has released a Linux version for its mini-laptop. HP wants to be clear from the outset that disabling the Linux command line interface in the product is not an act of heresy.

End of October 2008 HP began confirming rumors about their own Linux netbook variant, and have now followed up with release of their Mini Mi 1000 series. The netbook has 2 GByte system memory and an Intel Atom CPU, with the choice of an 8.9 or 10.1 inch display, and costs around $330. HP describes the mobile internet software as “a user-friendly, all-inclusive interface built on Linux.” In fact, “Mi” stands for mobile internet, a clear message that HP wants to put the mini-laptop square into the netbook market.

With a homegrown Linux based on Ubuntu, HP promises that the Mini Mi “offers everything you want with just one click” for e-mail, Internet, photos, music and video. Basic configuration includes wireless-G, webcam and microphone for social networking.

A caveat for CLI aficionados: “Please note, the Linux command line interface is disabled on this edition.” Having stumbled across this in the HP announcement, developer and author Erica Sadun wanted to know why in her blog. Jonathan Kaye, HP’s director of consumer notebooks promptly responded: “HP is focused on the user experience and developed the HP Mini 1000 with Mi for the mass consumer market that wants a complete mobile Internet experience and not just a Linux computer.” He continues, “As this is HP’s first product with a custom user interface built on Linux, HP is very open to customer feedback that could help improve the experience.”

For those concerned with making a fashion statement, a Vivienne Tam Windows XP edition of the HP Mini 1000 is available for about $700. It’s touted as the “world’s first digital clutch,” although currently clutchable in Windows XP only.

Source: http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/online/news/hp_mini_mi_linux_netbook_released