HP Stream 200-010 Mini :There was a time when laptops used to be the cutting edge of chic design in computing. Now it would be fair to say...
HP Stream 200-010 Mini :There was a time when laptops used to be the cutting edge of chic design
in computing. Now it would be fair to say that desktops have firmly
dislodged them, and, the new HP Stream 200-010 Mini resoundingly
confirms this view. But is there more to this machine beyond its eye
candy of a design? A cursory glance at its specs makes it abundantly
clear that HP Stream 200-010 Mini was not designed with the needs of
power users or high end gamers.
2) Attractive design packaged in a compact and lightweight chassis
3) The box comes with peripherals like keyboard and mouse
In terms of dimension, at 5.73X5.7X2.3 inches, the HP Stream 200-010 Mini would neatly fit on most people's hands. Weighing 1.43 pounds, it's not the lightest mini PC in the market but feels comfortable and sturdy to hold.
2) Connectivity options: A proliferation of small and portable devices means that a lot of people pay extra attention to connectivity options. HP Stream Mini features a 3 in one media card reader, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11bgn Wi-Fi standard. In addition, HP Stream Mini offers HDMI and DisplayPort options, enabling two monitors to stay connected.
3) Performance: This is where the specs on this machine would likely draw out a groan from a lot of you. Featuring an Intel Celeron 2957U processor and 2 GB RAM, the HP Stream Mini is sufficient only for browsing web, basic multimedia entertainment and light multitasking activities. This is certainly not a machine designed for power gamers or people who love to multitask on their machines. Infact, during out test run, HP Stream Mini decidedly lagged after a couple of hours of light multitasking activities.
However, the mini PC performs admirably well, and without any noticeable lag when you stick to light tasks as enumerated above. Another let down comes in the form of HP Stream Mini's storage option, a 32 GB SSD hard drive. Not only is the local storage option on the meager side, but the speed is also on the slower side.
4) Graphics: Once again, and consistent with its basic specs, the graphics are only good enough to deliver rudimentary requirements. The mini PC comes with an integrated Intel HD graphics card that does not have enough memory to support even less demanding games.
5) Software: Happily, the mini PC is free of unnecessary bloatware to sap the already basic specs of this system. The PC comes pre-loaded with a bouquet of apps along with standard software that come bundled with Windows 8.1. The mini PC also comes with security programs like Recovery Manager and McAfee Central.
2) The processor and graphics card could have been slightly uprated, even if at a slight increase in price
Answer: Yes.
2) Is the power adapter automatic?
Answer: Yes
3) Can I connect it to Transcend 256 GB SATA III?
Answer: Yes
Pros
1) Affordable, value for money machine2) Attractive design packaged in a compact and lightweight chassis
3) The box comes with peripherals like keyboard and mouse
Features, specs, and performance
1) Design: As mentioned above, HP Stream 200-010 Mini has taken a few design liberties compared to the competition. The chassis is essentially a compact, bowl shaped apparatus, with a fluorescent lid. It catches your eye from a distance without being distracting. It is a fine line to walk, and, thankfully, HP seems to have pulled it off. While a lot of people are more fond of the understated, sleek looks of an Apple of Lenovo, I believe HP Stream 200-010 Mini would earn its own set of fans.In terms of dimension, at 5.73X5.7X2.3 inches, the HP Stream 200-010 Mini would neatly fit on most people's hands. Weighing 1.43 pounds, it's not the lightest mini PC in the market but feels comfortable and sturdy to hold.
2) Connectivity options: A proliferation of small and portable devices means that a lot of people pay extra attention to connectivity options. HP Stream Mini features a 3 in one media card reader, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11bgn Wi-Fi standard. In addition, HP Stream Mini offers HDMI and DisplayPort options, enabling two monitors to stay connected.
3) Performance: This is where the specs on this machine would likely draw out a groan from a lot of you. Featuring an Intel Celeron 2957U processor and 2 GB RAM, the HP Stream Mini is sufficient only for browsing web, basic multimedia entertainment and light multitasking activities. This is certainly not a machine designed for power gamers or people who love to multitask on their machines. Infact, during out test run, HP Stream Mini decidedly lagged after a couple of hours of light multitasking activities.
However, the mini PC performs admirably well, and without any noticeable lag when you stick to light tasks as enumerated above. Another let down comes in the form of HP Stream Mini's storage option, a 32 GB SSD hard drive. Not only is the local storage option on the meager side, but the speed is also on the slower side.
4) Graphics: Once again, and consistent with its basic specs, the graphics are only good enough to deliver rudimentary requirements. The mini PC comes with an integrated Intel HD graphics card that does not have enough memory to support even less demanding games.
5) Software: Happily, the mini PC is free of unnecessary bloatware to sap the already basic specs of this system. The PC comes pre-loaded with a bouquet of apps along with standard software that come bundled with Windows 8.1. The mini PC also comes with security programs like Recovery Manager and McAfee Central.
Customer ratings
Not surprisingly, this offering from HP has generated a lot of positive review on sites like Amazon. The buyers, without a doubt, look beyond the pure specs, and judge on the basis of value for money. In that sense, there can be no two opinion that HP has launched a highly competitive product in an extremely attractive package.Cons
1) A little on the bulkier size compared to some of the competitive products in this same class2) The processor and graphics card could have been slightly uprated, even if at a slight increase in price
FAQs
1) Is the latest Windows 10 compatible on this machine?Answer: Yes.
2) Is the power adapter automatic?
Answer: Yes
3) Can I connect it to Transcend 256 GB SATA III?
Answer: Yes
