Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 pops official -- Ubuntu starts at $349 (Update: $99 with purchase of 2nd Dell)
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.
[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).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
gabe @ Sep 4th 2008 1:18AM
BOOOO!!!! HISSSS!~!!!!
too much $$$$$!!!
ROAR!!!! GRRR!!!!
:)
Mike Cerm @ Sep 4th 2008 1:57AM
I was thinking the same thing, except un-sarcastically. I expected them to, at minimum, undercut Asus, which they didn't. For what you pay for the minimally spec'd Dell, you can get a better-equipped Acer Aspire One, and you can run down to Best Buy and pick it up today. (Also, the Aspire One has a far superior keyboard.)
I really don't with Dell's pricing here, unless they're over-pricing now so they can offer the 25% coupon codes in a month (as they've done with the Studio Hybrid).
Nathan Dbb @ Sep 4th 2008 2:04AM
Yes, we in the USA all feel poor these days. Unfortunately that is what happens when a country ship all value-adding jobs overseas. It didn't really hit home until we funded a 500 billion dollar war deficit by borrowing money from other countries. Now our dollar is worth a lot less.
That said, I was hoping for a lower price on the low end. I really wanted to be able to pick one up for 300 USD and then upgrade it if I could stand the keyboard. I just wonder if you can buy a larger disk from Dell later.
512MB DDR2 at 533MHz [Included in Price]
1GB DDR2 at 533MHz [add $25]
4GB Solid State Drive [Included in Price]
8GB Solid State Drive [add $35]
16GB Solid State Drive [add $75]
No Camera Option [Included in Price]
Integrated 0.3M Pixel Webcam [add $15]
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam [add $25]
Dell Optimized Keyboard [Included in Price]
Regular Keyboard [add $you wish]
ShadowMaker @ Sep 4th 2008 4:39AM
Why do you feel poor when all prices are high in dollars, usually they are at the same price in Euro, which currently is about 1.4 dollars.
So you pay $300 for a laptop, Europeans pay € 300 (= $450) for the same laptop.
HP TX2500 is available for $ 700-800, European price € 1000 (=$1400).
Software is even worse.
Microsoft Onenote is available for $ 75 if you look for it (that would be € 50) but is only available in Europe for € 125, which would be about $ 175 when converted. And we're talking about a downloadable piece of software in the English language. So there are no additional distribution costs, no additional translation costs...well you get the idea. So I understand how difficult it must be to have a currency that has devaluated quite a lot, but it's not as bad as it may seem.
LondonConsultant @ Sep 4th 2008 5:27AM
From my perspective, it looks like not many $$$$$, but lots of £££££...
kccboy2004 @ Sep 4th 2008 7:06AM
Dell,
i am going to put you on notice now.
you gotta get with the program; "splashtop" is here and current technology. you have similar functionality in "Latitude-ON".
if you don't put this in your laptops then I ain't buyin'.
seriously, i have been waiting for this nettop for sometime. but you know what, i would go out and buy the Voodoo Envy 133 anyday instead, I could care less about the price difference or the fact that I am not getting a nettop, I WANT SPEEDBOOT software.
Get it ?
Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Sep 4th 2008 9:13AM
"I could care less about the price difference or the fact that I am not getting a nettop"
So WTF are you complaining about? Buy something else.
David @ Sep 4th 2008 2:11PM
Ha ha!
I knew it would suck. All these "just wait for the Dell" people: not knowing even what they were waiting for.
For $449, you get no wireless b, a 4-cell battery, and a small screen. Oh joy!
I had an Eee 701, and now I have an MSI WIND 6-cell.
The only two winners in this netbook race:
1) MSI WIND 6-CELL/ASUS EEE 1000H (Tied)
2) Acer Aspire One (but loses for having an MSI WIND/ASUS Eee 1000H-sized case, with only an 8.9" screen)
So, my experience with these things is this: for the happiest netbook experience, you want the MSI WIND 6-cell or the ASUS 1000H. Period! The End!
If you are on a budget and can't afford the above, the Acer Aspire One is a pretty good compromise.
The others (ALL of them) all fall short on price and features and fail to compete.
I reserve judgment on the on Lenovo S10, because 1) it's not out yet 2) ships with the 4-cell 3) has no confirmed price [still vaporware]. I predict it will be as good as, and as expensive as the MSI WIND/Asus Eee 1000H, for a similarly configured model.
High Ranks make you sterile @ Sep 4th 2008 6:21PM
Considering I JUST bought a Studio 15.... I'm pretty pissed
Zinger314 @ Sep 4th 2008 1:19AM
$449 fully specced?
That's what she said.
Zinger314 @ Sep 4th 2008 1:32AM
So, she said it's small, cheap, and minimalistic?
LOL
kccboy2004 @ Sep 4th 2008 6:37AM
If it ain't got ExpressGate or some form of speedboot it ain't worth havin'.
tehsu @ Sep 4th 2008 1:19AM
Lenovo S10 FTW
gabe @ Sep 4th 2008 2:25AM
im leaning that way too - is there anything better?
Zeth Ethereal @ Sep 4th 2008 1:21AM
Man I thought it was going to be cheaper....I guess I'm gonna have to start saving those pennies >_>
Robert Linderman @ Sep 4th 2008 1:27AM
Save your money...get an AspireOne. You will be much happier...and a bit wealthier, too!
Zeth Ethereal @ Sep 4th 2008 1:39AM
But.....I like the Dell... >_> ......
Mika Kitty @ Sep 4th 2008 1:46AM
Need money! too! like Dell Must have Dell No else will Do!
Hotrod @ Sep 4th 2008 1:59AM
Dell should have offered a HDD option. Even a 40 GB hard disk would have been great.
Kris @ Sep 4th 2008 11:46AM
Where can you even get an Aspire One? Everyone's sold out! My girlfriend wants the pink one but as far as I can tell, no one actually carries it.
Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Sep 4th 2008 11:56AM
I just pulled the trigger. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT TWO DAMN WEEKS. And the reason you go Dell is because their website is fast and easy to use for drivers (the best of any site in my opinion), their hardware has been top notch the last couple of years, and they're obviously coming to the party late for a reason: they've done their research. You can count on a good product.
Uchiha Sasuke @ Sep 4th 2008 1:22AM
After all the wait, these is what they came up with? "Dude, you got a dud!"
Gunn @ Sep 4th 2008 1:32AM
This is going to be Dell's fiasco of the year.
For those who have been waiting for this for too long, the price is OFFENSIVE no doubt.
Damn you, DELL.
Stephen @ Sep 4th 2008 1:22AM
I think the HP Mini Note is better value.
Robert Linderman @ Sep 4th 2008 1:23AM
Wow, what a disappointment! I paid $349 for a blue Acer AspireOne with a 120GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM and function keys...along with a keyboard I can type over 100 WPM on. I am so glad I made the decision. Hey Dell, Acer beats you on this one...big time...in product, quality and price. Time to get it right before you are faced with a bunch of dusty 2.2 pound computers sitting on your shelves. Acer stated they will sell 7 million on the AspireOne computers. Well, after using mine since Friday, I can state that I cannot put mine down. I have been using a Dell Inspiron 700m for over four years and I absolutely love my AspireOne. As soon as I can get them in pink, I will purchase one for my girlfriend and I will donate one to my local Susan G Komen breast cancer team where I live here in California.
Great job Acer...and better luck next time Dell!
Kevin @ Sep 4th 2008 1:39AM
Too bad Acer sucks! I literally had a laptop from them for one week untill it decided it didn't want to work. Replacement did the same thing. Watch out for the quality of product when you buy something from the cheapest company. You get exactly what you pay for. nothing more.
idontcare666 @ Sep 4th 2008 2:01AM
Kevin...
A defective laptop doesn't necessarily mean that the entire stock of Acer Aspire One's are defective. It only proves the point that technology does break, and your always faced with the risk of getting a bad laptop. Infact, what makes you so sure that none of Dell's Inspiron Mini's aren't defective? Your bound to find one, guaranteed.
And the chances of receiving a defective netbook shouldn't be a deciding factor, as it stands, your eventually going to return your Aspire One and get a functioning one anyway. The deciding factor should be the specifications, and the price point, where in this case, Acer wins.
j.d.ripper @ Sep 4th 2008 4:08AM
I actually held off on buying an Aspire One, just to see what Dell would have to offer.
It's settled now, I'm going to pick up my Aspire One this afternoon.
clearThumbtack @ Sep 4th 2008 9:43AM
Same, I'll be picking up an Aspire One too. I've been following netbooks for awhile now, and in my mind the A1 has won the battle. I think it is the most stylish, and certainly very affordable starting at $309 here in the states. I keep going into stores to make an impulse purchase but they are always out of stock :P
Francisco @ Sep 4th 2008 1:24AM
Check out the pics... http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/inspnnb/topics/en/us/laptop-inspiron-meetthemini9?c=us&l=en&s=dhs
d00b @ Sep 4th 2008 1:53AM
Thanks for the link.
Giroro @ Sep 4th 2008 2:28AM
Lawl "kid's edition"
Zeth Ethereal @ Sep 4th 2008 1:25AM
Wait....isnt there going to be a linux version?
Jeff @ Sep 4th 2008 10:22AM
Ubuntu is made of Linux ... and with love.
ethana2 @ Sep 12th 2008 2:04PM
And, just to piss off all the Fedora and SuSE users, I'd like to remind everyone that we ARE linux ;)
Twoje @ Sep 4th 2008 1:26AM
http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dellsucksut8.png
Ryan @ Sep 4th 2008 2:01AM
Why would you waste your time MS Painting that?
andres @ Sep 4th 2008 5:19AM
less than 9000 hours in mspaint
modifiedbears @ Sep 4th 2008 1:26AM
After the waiting this is a huge disappointment. I hope the 12" versions are still coming with better specs and pricing.
megaton @ Sep 4th 2008 2:08AM
Where is the 12" version Dell? WHERE IS IT? I guess I will be getting myself a Lenovo S10 and giving my Aspire One to my kids.....
phiothou@guerrillamail.com @ Sep 10th 2008 1:03AM
12" ? this is not a laptop
u want a 12" buy a laptop
this is a NET BOOK or NET TOP . . .7 to 10" ONLY
charlie @ Sep 4th 2008 1:31AM
Here is a link to the linux 4GB model
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=6f961&oc=dnpcxw1&x=7&y=8
(just replaced the "w3" with "w1"... from the evalue code..... yep..)
Zeth Ethereal @ Sep 4th 2008 1:38AM
woah crazy....like hidden options?
denny @ Sep 4th 2008 1:32AM
Wow, Dell just pissed a lot of people of even more after making them wait so long for this very, very OFF price
brickwood @ Sep 4th 2008 1:34AM
hey.. can anyone help me out here?.. i think i might be interested in getting an aspire one shipped from the US to here in Australia because of the price diff. but i cant find anywhere that ships internationally for the new reduced prices.
Does anyone know a place that can offer this for me?
quasi @ Sep 4th 2008 3:30AM
Dude - Get the Aspire One from shoppingsquare.com.au - will cost ya $399 after cashback of $99 from Acer
Knives_Out @ Sep 4th 2008 1:37AM
1024 x 600 ..... damn. :(
charlie @ Sep 4th 2008 1:37AM
It also appears that the linux version is called the "inspiron 910u" not "inspiron mini"... odd..
k2001 @ Sep 4th 2008 1:40AM
dell is officially dead to me, just like asus.
gabe @ Sep 4th 2008 1:46AM
"i see dead people"