New Mini Laptop

Sprint has a new deal out for a $199.99 Dell Mini. But, as this PC World article points out, the deal has some definite drawbacks: you pay $60 a month, price is after a $100 rebate, and the broadband modem is in the minilaptop (you can’t use the service on other computers).

Seems like it’d be easier to just get a Mini 10/10V directly from Dell. Thanks to PCW for the heads up.

(Dell Mini 10v photos from Dell.com)

Dell is selling Dell Mini 10’s starting at $300. You can get a Mini 10v that can show TV for just $430. You can get a 10v with a GPS for just $470. It’s a bit pricey for a netbook, but it’s one cool minilaptop if it lets you watch TV or gives you directions.

The Mini 10 and Mini 10v are perfect on-the-go notbooks. They come with 10 inch screens, but weigh only about 2.5 pounds. They come with Windows XP (Ubuntu also available) so you can use the system you’re used to, Intel Atom processors so you can get your tasks done fast, and 92% full size keyboards to keep your wrists and fingers happy.

Here’s the official link (links to four mini offers): Save over 25%! Watch TV on the go. Get a Mini netbook with TV tuner for only $429 after discount!

 
Specifications:

Click here for more details and options.

Dell Home is offering Dell Inspiron Mini models starting at $299.

Mini 10V for $299, Mini 10 for $349, and Mini 12 for $399.

They come in black, but white, red (helps fight AIDS in Africa), pink (helps Susan G. Komen for the Cure), blue, green, and purple are available. The Mini 10v comes with an Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz / 533 Mhz FSB / 512K cache), but you can upgrade to a N280 (1.66 GHz / 667 MHz FSB) for just $25. The standard hard drive is 120 GB, but can upgrade to 160 GB or a 30GB SSD. There’s a 802.11g card standard, but again upgrades are available, including for n. This Dell netbook comes with Windows XP SP3. There’s a 1 year limited warranty with a mail-in service included, but if you want at-home repair it’s only $19 more.

Official link: Great deals on Inspiron Minis starting at only $299

Deal valid through July 2nd. Visit this Dell Mini Deal Page for more details and options.

Just learned via email that “the Mini 9 has reached the end of the line at Dell Home.”

Does this mean no more Mini 9’s or just no more Mini 9’s at Dell Home Store’s Netbook Section?

The message had a link to the Mini 10v. I’m guess that’s the Mini 9’s replacement.

 
 
Update: It’s official: Bidding Adieu to the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.
(Hat tip: @lohhw3)

 
 

The Dell Mini 10V is a more affordable version of Dell’s Inspiron Min 10. It features a 10.1 inch screen, an Intel Atom N270 Processor (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache–faster than the standard Mini 10’s 1.33GHz), a 120GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, and comes with Windows XP or Ubuntu. It’s as thin as 1.1 inches and weighs as little as 2.5 pounds. The Mini 10V netbook comes with a 92% size keyboard and a 16:9 aspect ratio. There’s a webcam included as well and the minilaptop comes with a one year warranty. It’s comparable to Dell’s Mini 10’s but does so at a $50-$150 discount.

See the Dell Mini 10V at Dell.com

As with all Dell’s there are plenty of upgrade options, for example you can switch the 120GB HD for an 8GB SSD with Ubuntu systems, or upgrade to a 160GB HD for $25 or 16GB for $30. 6-cell battery upgrade is also available. You can also choose from quite a few colors: Obsidian Black (default), Alpine White, Ice Blue, Jade Green, New Cherry Red, Passion Purple, and Promise Pink, which includes a donation to Komen for the Cure. Bluetooth is also available. As is a Wireless H upgrade (though I am not sure who would need that–802.11g is standard).

Here’s the official link: Introducing the new Inspiron Mini 10v! A great value, starting at only $299.

Update: Use coupon code “ZL8GCRDBC$F3BH” to cut price to $284. (Expires May 29) (Source: dealspl.us)

Dell is having another sale on Mini 9’s. New Dell netbooks at only $199! Here’s the deal link: One Day Only! Inspiron Mini 9 only $199 after $50 off. While supplies last.

This is a great deal on a great minilaptop.

Here are the Mini 9 Specs:
OS: Ubuntu or Win XP
CPU: Intel Atom (1.6GHz 533 MH FSB 512K cache)
RAM: 512MB / 1GB / 2GB
Hard Drive: 4 / 8 / 16 / 32 / 64 GB SSD
Display: 8.9″ 1024×600 LCD (Glossy)
Wireless: 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth: Optional
Inputs: Headphone and Microphone Jacks, 3 USB Ports, 4-in-1 Flash / SD Card Reader
More: Built-in Webcam / Microphone, VGA Output
Weight: 2.28 lb
Size: 1.2″ x 9.2″ x 6.8″

Here’s the link again: One Day Only! Inspiron Mini 9 only $199 after $50 off. While supplies last.

Dell is having a huge sale on their Mini 9 minilaptops. Starting at only $199. Great deal for a Dell netbook that normally starts at $34!

Here’s the link: One Day Only! Inspiron Mini 9 for only $199 after $50 off. Offer ends 2/27/08 11:59 PM CT

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is Dell’s flagship minilaptop / netbook / subnotebook. It’s Dell’s first and most tried netbook.

Here’s a quick recap of the options/features:
OS: Ubuntu (netbook Remix) or Windows XP
CPU: Intel Atom (1.6GHz with a 533 MH FSB and 512K cache)
RAM: 512MB, 1GB, 2GB
Hard Drive: 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB SSD
Display: 8.9″ 1024×600 LCD (Glossy)
Wireless: 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth: Optional
Inputs: headphone and mic jacks, 3 USB ports, 4-in-1 flash/SD card reader
Other: built-in webcam, microphone, VGA output
Weight: 2.28 lb
Size: 1.2″ x 9.2″ x 6.8″

It’s standard base price is $349, but they’re currently available for only $199: One Day Only! Inspiron Mini 9 for only $199 after $50 off. Offer ends 2/27/08 11:59 PM CT

If you’ve been holding off your netbook purchase for a more mainstream laptop manufacturer to enter the minilaptop field, now’s your chance. After spending a long time in development, the Inspiron Mini has finally hit the streets. This miniature laptop delivers much in the same way of its competition, but where it really shines its long list of configurable options.

Summary
++ Lots of Configuration Options
++ 1024X600 Resolution
+- Average Battery Life
+- Keyboard Size / Functions

Build/Design
Perhaps one of the best reasons to purchase a Dell machine is the company’s reputation for offering a wide range of configurations. They’ve made no exception when it comes to the Mini 9 as they offer many hardware configurations and even several colors or designs to choose from. Design-wise, the Mini is similar to other netbooks of comparable size, such as the Eee PC. The most notable differences is a relatively smaller bezel around the screen, which still manages to house a webcam and two speakers!

Keyboard/Touchpad
You may find yourself in a love/hate relationship with the keyboard. While anyone is sure to appreciate its attempt to be as close to a full sized keyboard as possible, its easy to loathe the compromises Dell made to get it there. For example, some of the everyday keys that are usually available in extra width at the sides (tab, caps lock, shift) have been reduced to slivers of what they should be. Only the most dexterous pinkies will be able to strike them with consistent accuracy.

Display
The 8.9 inch screen offers a 1024×600 resolution which is a suitable mix of portability and usability. You’ll still have to do a fair bit of vertical scrolling, but all of your favorite web pages should be viewable without running off either horizontal edge of the screen.

Audio
The Mini has several audio features that make it a little better than its competition. For one, the speakers are on the lid, facing toward the user instead of below the laptop and pointed at the surface. This can make a world of difference when the Mini is on your lap, where most laptop speakers are muffled. The Mini’s speakers also support stereo sound.

Performance
Overall, Dell Mini 9 performance is comparable to most other laptops in this category. While the 1.6GHz atom processor does a fair job of light web-browsing and word-processing tasks, it will struggle with heavy applications. For example, the Mini will load reasonably sized pictures quickly, but it will take a little longer to view the raw captures from your 10 mega-pixel camera. The battery life on the Mini is average, clocking in at about 3 hours of video playback time.

Additional Information
Full product details and ordering information is available at the company’s website: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-9?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Deal Update: Get a Dell Mini 9 at Amazon.com for under $330 (2/15/09): Dell Mini 9 on Amazon.com