New Mini Laptop » Dell

Sprint’s Netbook Deal

Borya K — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:56:36 +0000

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.

Goodbye to the Mini 9?

Borya K — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:38:09 +0000

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)

Dell Introduces the Mini 10V

Borya K — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:42:57 +0000

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 Mini 9 One-Day Sale – $199 after $50 off (again)

Borya K — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:48:05 +0000

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 Inspiron Mini 9

Borya K — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:32:55 +0000

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

Specifications
Model	Inspiron Mini 9
Screen Size	8.9 inches
Weight	2.7 pounds
Battery	4-Cell Li-Ion
Processor	1.6Ghz Intel Atom
Operating System	Windows XP or Linux
Ports	3 USB, 2 SD Readers
Hard Drive	8GB or 16GB Solid State Drive
RAM	512MB DDR2 SDRAM
Networking	Ethernet, 802.11 B/G/N, Bluetooth Option
CD/DVD Drive	None (external only)

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