http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/ Engadget Comments for Doing the math on that $99 Inspiron Mini deal http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 4:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 4:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
OH SHIT]]>Sep 5th 2008 4:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
So, if you're buying a new big laptop from Dell, you can get a small one for $99.

Of course no one is forcing you to buy an extra laptop for $99.]]>Sep 5th 2008 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
I use an HP tx2000, an Eee 701, and two Nokia N800s...

While there's some overlap (tasks that I would do on either of two machines, whichever was closest to reach), mainly I do different things with them. It's not that uncommon to have 3 of them on my desk, going back and forth between them and my desktop.

The N800s, naturally, do have some serious overlap, at least when the "hacking" one is booted into the standard OS, but you might be surprised how different tasks sort themselves out once you have the hardware.

How I wound up acquiring 4 laptop-like devices (5, if you count the old K6-2+ that I'm keeping around to convert to a carputer) is a tale of it's own, and not, I'm afraid, one reflecting too well on my intelligence; but now that I've got them, I do use them all.]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
I think you missed the point of this article.

Endgadget is saying you can get that full featured notebook with $300 wort of discounts from Dell but if you want that full featured laptop and the "$99" mini 9 you will have to pay full price for the laptop and miss out on the $300 worth of discounts.

So one way or another you end up paying full price for that "$99" mimi 9

Looks like you also have to add a 3year Dell warranty to the first laptop to be eligible for the $99 deal - so Dell probably comes out winning on this deal vs customers buying the two desperately will all applicable deals.

bottom line it kinda feels like a trick from Dell to sell you two computers. ]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 7th 2008 7:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
You'll have people buying 10 of these then selling them on ebay for regular price or $40 cheaper to make a profit !!]]>Sep 5th 2008 1:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
BE_RR_Rep_Wesley: Welcome to Dell's Sales Chat! My name is Wes. Just in case we get disconnected, my e-mail address is wesley_vaske@dell.com. How may I assist you with your purchase today?
Me: Hey.
Me: I was interested in this "buy a Studio 15 get a $99 Mini" deal.
Me: But how the heck do I activate that deal?
BE_RR_Rep_Wesley pushes page, http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=6f659&oc=dndoum3&x=0&y=0
1:40:43 PM BE_RR_Rep_Wesley And the mini is included in that price ($1098). It's under the second tab on the top.
1:40:49 PM Jason Haneman Got it.
1:40:58 PM Jason Haneman So I can make my own build and add the mini at the end?
1:41:07 PM Jason Haneman Or do I need to use your link?
1:41:28 PM BE_RR_Rep_Wesley You need to use that link, and the Mini is already there.
1:42:03 PM Jason Haneman Alrighty.
1:42:06 PM Jason Haneman Well thanks very much for the help.
1:43:28 PM BE_RR_Rep_Wesley If you think of anything else—questions or concerns—feel free to e-mail me at wesley_vaske@dell.com.
1:43:33 PM BE_RR_Rep_Wesley Have a Great Day!
1:43:33 PM BE_RR_Rep_Wesley :-)
1:43:38 PM Jason Haneman thanks ditto
1:44:22 PM System BE_RR_Rep_Wesley has left this session!
1:44:22 PM System Thank you. Your Dell Chat session has ended.
1:44:22 PM System Thank you. Your Dell Chat session has ended.


http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=6f659&oc=dndoum3&x=0&y=0

AND ONLY that link, according to him (I'm serious). So... not much of a deal. At all.]]>Sep 5th 2008 1:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 6:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 7:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/.... rape....sister....lure her into ....she can relinquish.....as I dug .....offered ....money.]]>Sep 5th 2008 8:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 1:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
But then I look and see that it's a 128MB video card...oh my, that is shameful.]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 4:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Faildell]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
By the way, Joshua, don't forget to factor in tax. That's another $50 for nothing]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
Or if you configure the Studio 15 properly does the mini for 99 pop up on page 2 (Accessories?)

If I too can get it around that price my employee purchase program discount is currently 21% on studio laptops, which would make this a really good deal in the end.]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/]]>Sep 5th 2008 4:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/$1000 total, but it does actually appear to be a deal, unless there's some fine print that I didn't feel like reading.]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/I would not release the $99 on my Blog but "accidentally" made it appear on the Studio 15 option for 5hrs and surely accept all orders]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 2:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
The reason everyone is seeing this huge markup is that the mini deal includes extended warranty and extraneous anti-virus software being included standard, with no option to downgrade. Both the main page link and promo link are indeed cheaper by $300-$400 when you configure them without the extended warranty and software, but then it's not really comparing apples to apples with the pricing you come out with.

So when they're all configured with the EXACT SAME options, at least with the Studio 15, they come out to the EXACT SAME PRICE, before applying any discounts. After applying discounts, the one that comes with a mini-inspiron is only $79-$89 more expensive.]]>Sep 5th 2008 2:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
What I'm saying that if you buy a laptop with the SAME FEATURES as the one from the Mini-Inspiron deal, then it's only $79-$89 dollars cheaper and you don't get a mini-inspiron.

]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
2:04:25 PM pete what is the cheapest studio 15 option with 99 mini?
2:04:34 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna it's $949
2:12:22 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna midnight blue is the color
2:12:32 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna intel pentium dual core T2390 processor
2:12:37 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna hi res 1440x900 screen
2:12:42 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna 256mb video card
2:12:47 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna 3gb ram
2:12:52 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna 250gb hdd
2:12:57 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna cd/dvd reader/writer
2:12:57 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna dell wireless g
2:13:02 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna integrated webcam
2:13:06 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna 6 cell battery
2:13:06 PM pete potos nice
2:13:12 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna high def audio
2:13:21 PM pete fingerprint reader?
2:13:27 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna mcafee for 36 months
2:13:32 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna 3 year in home warranty
2:13:52 PM XPS_RR_Rep_Joanna no fingerprint reader but you can add one for $25 ]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
http://thepickaxe.blogspot.com/2008/09/dells-inspiron-mini-9-99-w-another.html]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://thepickaxe.blogspot.com/2008/09/dells-inspiron-mini-9-99-w-another.html]]>Sep 5th 2008 4:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 5:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
I want to add the upgraded Mini 9 with XP and the larger SSD & RAM, so maybe I will need to chat with someone again.

I too had been eyeing the Studio 15 for about 2-3 weeks and finally pulled the trigger only a day too early...]]>Sep 6th 2008 1:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
Plus the $99 is the most basic configuration Mini w//Ubuntu and 4GB drive and no webcam... I decided to pass on the offer.

]]>Sep 5th 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/catalog_seasonal_2_lt?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs]]>Sep 5th 2008 4:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/Sep 5th 2008 4:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/_< Not sure why I'm in such a rush...]]>Sep 5th 2008 4:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
The one built using the 3-Day link came to $1,997. Minus the $309 discount gave a total of $1,912.

The one built using L's link came to $2,022. Minus the $245 discount gave a total of $2,001.

I am baffled at Dell and how they handle their discounts. I just configured an m1530 a few days ago off the main m1530 page. Before purchasing it I did a little site exploration and found a differently configured m1530 with a larger discount on a different deal page. I used this new link to configure to the exact same specs as before, and I saved an additional $300. WTF?

It's as if Dell's discount philosophy is based around how much effort the customer is willing to spend scavenging for the best deals. They need to get some standardized pricing and slim down the number of links on their sales pages.]]>Sep 5th 2008 5:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/05/doing-the-math-on-that-99-inspiron-mini-deal/
I did manage to find a Studio 15 in the employee purchase program pages that offered the $99 Mini. Oddly enough, the Mini offered there started with Windows XP and the 8GB harddrive.

This is available off the Fall Deals page in the EPP program segment.

Also, I realize in my price quotes above that I left out the $224 for the Mini 9's. Add that to the first prices quoted and then the discounts make sense.]]>Sep 5th 2008 5:31PM