Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 pops official -- Ubuntu starts at $349 (Update: $99 with purchase of 2nd Dell)

Dell doesn't take its site down when it introduces product unlike some laptop peddlers. The result, however, is shots like this of early pre-release gear like the Inspiron Mini 9 netbook as Dell spins the product up for retail. $449 fully spec'd just like we heard with 8GB SSD, 1GB memory, Bluetooth 2.1, Windows XP, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. We still expect to see a lesser spec'd $349 model running Ubuntu. Shipping on the 16th of September in your choice of white or black though white will cost you a $25 premium. Dell hasn't officially announced the product yet but we're sure they'll get that sorted out in a few hours. For now, happy URL hacking as we dig for more details.

Update: Here's the $349 model running Ubuntu -- the Inspiron 910u. The top-end $449 XP configuration pictured after the break.

Update 2: Starts at £299 in UK and €369 in Germany.

Update 3: Oops, looks like someone broke a press release embargo making all the specs and prices listed above extra, super official and in sync with the exclusive we had back in June. In addition, the take home price also includes a free, basic Box.net plan offering 2GB of remote storage. See the full release after the break all you tweens and tweeters.

Update 4: Direct2Dell -- Dell's official blog -- says you can get the Mini for just $99 with the purchase of a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330. Offer ends Tuesday, September 9th. Not bad if you're already gearing up for a back-to-school Dell anyway.
%Gallery-31137%

[Thanks, Shon]

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 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.[i], 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 (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).