Dell’s long awaited entry into the netbook market has finally been made official, and based on the leaks it seems that it comes with little surprise, both in terms of pricing but also overall specs. The netbook has been officially dubbed the Inspiron Mini 9 and its available today with an estimated shipping date of September 16.
The Mini 9 offers a few configurations and will be available in either Obsidian Black or Alpine White, of course the Alpine White comes as a $25 premium. In addition to the outside coloring, the netbook will also offer a choice between Windows XP or Ubuntu 8.04 with a “custom Dell interface.”
The specs inside the Mini 9 are about the same as what we have been hearing around the Internet and include an 8.9-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950, Wi-Fi 802.11g and a 4-cell battery.
The lower priced Mini 9 starts at $349 and comes with Ubuntu 8.04, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD and leaves off the webcam. However that same model tops out at $494 with an upgrade to 1GB of RAM, a 16GB SSD, built-in Bluetooth 2.1 and an integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam. Other options include a middle of the road 8GB SSD and 0.3-megapixel webcam.
The higher priced, aka Windows XP model of the Mini 9 begins at $449 and features 1GB of RAM, an 8GB SSD, built-in Bluetooth 2.1 and the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam. This model offers an upgrade for the SSD to 16GB and tops out at $489, which comes after a $45 instant savings.
Based on this pricing it seems that the Windows XP model would be the way to go. Also, and in addition to the Mini 9, Dell has announced the partnership with Box.net for your on the go storage needs. Mini 9 users will receive 2GB of free Box.net storage.
Some of the pricing that I have found (via the product links below) seems to go against the press release, however the press release, along with a few more images are below for you to check out…
Product [Dell] [Mini 9 Ubuntu] [Mini 9 Windows XP]
MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND: DELL’S INSPIRON MINI 9
Ideal Internet Buddy For Surfing, Shopping and Chatting
· Light, Highly Mobile Device Built For Easy Online Browsing And Entertainment
· Box.net Web Storage Keeps Your Personal Files Safe And Enables Anytime Access and Sharing
ROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 4, 2008 –Dell today officially unveiled the Inspiron Mini 9. This small, easy-to-carry device stands ready to connect teens, tweens, travelers and “Tweeters” to their online world be it surfing the Web, chatting with friends, blogging, streaming content, uploading photos or enjoying favorite online videos, music and games.
The Inspiron Mini is an affordable Internet companion that can be fine-tuned to fit users’ specific needs and deeds. It is available now on http://www.dell.com/mini in the U.S., Japan and select countries in Europe. Availability elsewhere will be handled on a country-by-country basis.
Solid Construction & Connections
With a starting weight of 2.28 lbs., digital nomads will value the Inspiron Mini’s durable design, with sealed keyboard and reliable solid state drive (SSD) memory storage. A bright 8.9‑inch glossy LED display (1024x600) presents most web pages with no left-right scrolling, and the keypads are large and easy to navigate. Standard built-in Wi-Fi means quick and easy wireless internet access to hotspots in the home, on campus, in a local coffee shop, in the office or at a conference. The Inspiron Mini can be further customized with optional technology like:
· Built-in Webcam, bundled with Dell Video Chat, making it easy to stay in touch using video chat, recording and sending video emails, or even PC-to-PC phone calls around the world. DVC even supports four-way calling, making virtual family reunions a reality.
· Built-in Bluetooth(R) for easy wireless connections to Bluetooth-enabled accessories like a pair of stereo headphones, a mouse, a printer, etc.
Dell has teamed up with Box.net to offer exclusive web-based file storage, access and sharing to Inspiron Mini users, including a free Basic plan with 2GB of remote storage space, expandable to 25GB. Dell’s Inspiron Mini will include a direct link to a Dell-exclusive home page on Box.net (http://www.box.net/dell), providing users with an easy way to add incremental online storage space to easily manage their digital lives. Individuals can safely and securely upload files of any type to their Box, including photos, videos, music, documents and presentations, and then access those files from almost anywhere on any device.
Box.net’s world-class service requires no software to download. With its OpenBox platform, Box.net enables people to edit documents and photos directly from their web-browser and post media to their blog or social networks, further enhancing the mobility and user experience on the Inspiron Mini.
Individual & Intuitive, Simple & Stylish
Individuals can personalize their Inspiron Mini with choice of colors
– Obsidian Black or Alpine White – and interaction experience – optional Windows(R) XP(R) or Ubuntu 8.04 with custom Dell interface (coming soon). For those looking for a more traditional and familiar experience, the Inspiron Mini with Windows XP Home is available immediately starting at $399.Inspiron Mini devices featuring an intuitive Dell-developed custom interface are expected to be available in a few weeks with a starting price of $349. The custom home screen is designed to make it easy to find what people are looking for. Intuitive icons link directly to groups of similar applications, like games, Web and entertainment, and
favorite web links for quick access. Plus, the home screen can be personalized, putting your favorites front and center.This highly mobile and fun device can be carried anywhere in style thanks to a full line of custom “Designed for Dell” backpacks, messenger bags and convertible cases from merchants including Timbuk2. Blending high fashion and superior function, the coordinated bags and accessories incorporate subtle design elements and offer Inspiron Mini
owners a unique way to express a personalized, integrated style. “Designed for Dell” products currently are available in the United States, Canada and Europe.Finishing Touches
Dell provides a variety of service offerings and add-on options to help ensure devices are easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:
· Dell Support Center: Quickly access Dell service and support from an icon on your desktop that provides automated fixes, software upgrades and tools to help keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently.
· DellConnect™ Remote Assistance:[ii] Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection (available only on Windows-based systems).
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