Dell Mini 9 gets built-in AT&T 3G option

It's never been much of a secret that the Dell Mini 9 has been 3G-ready from day one, and Vodafone customers have been able to get a 3G-equipped model direct from the carrier for a little while now, but it looks like folks in the US can now finally get in on the mobile broadband action as well, with a built-in 3G option now configurable on Dell's site. Unfortunately, anyone that already took the plunge on a Mini 9 is out of luck, as the $125 upgrade is only available new orders (and only available on Windows XP-equipped models). If that doesn't preclude you, however, you can also expect to get a $120 rebate if you're willing to sign a two-year contract for AT&T's DataConnect service, although it looks like you'll also have to put up with a delay in your ship date at the moment.

[Via Mobility Site, thanks Chris]

[ran @ Nov 25th 2008 2:37PM]

How that's a good add-on. Unfortunately the integrated 3G doesn't fair too well with people who use multiple notebooks to go.

[drsnacks @ Nov 25th 2008 2:43PM]

Not to mention those who coat their netbooks with aftermarket cell band resistant paint .

[Patriks7 @ Nov 25th 2008 2:43PM]

Why not just get an iPhone and tether th....
Oh wait, nevermind..

[Dan @ Nov 25th 2008 3:40PM]

I use iPhoneModem all the time and don't have to pay anyone anything extra. What, you afraid of a little jailbreaking?

[kal326 @ Nov 25th 2008 5:32PM]

I think I'll stick with a Tilt for tethering. It may not have the style, but it does have a keyboard, copy/paste, battery life, the ability to install third party apps with out a manufacturers filter or modifying the device. All in all I think its a good compromise for style.

[Jash Sayani @ Nov 26th 2008 7:08AM]

I had got NetShare while it was on AppStore. For jailbroken phones, PdaNet works perfectly....

[csmitty @ Nov 25th 2008 2:44PM]

Just use netshare ;)

[Ashwin @ Nov 25th 2008 7:31PM]

But then you would be out of luck if you don't already have it.

[Apreche @ Nov 25th 2008 2:46PM]

If I put the SIM from my AT&T iPhone in there, will it work? If so, I will buy one. If not, then not.

[Raphael Salgado @ Nov 25th 2008 3:02PM]

You can move your AT&T iPhone SIM card around without any hitches. I had a Sony UX180P with built-in EDGE, as well as a USB HSDPA modem and I was tossing my SIM card around from device to device and connecting instantly with each.

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 3:04PM]

And before anybody comes in with a retard comment on that pencil: It is there for size reference, and it is a good idea, even if you don't like it.

[Seth @ Nov 25th 2008 3:13PM]

thanks! we would be lost without you...

[absinthe party @ Nov 25th 2008 3:17PM]

I personally feel that it's deceiving since that pencil could just be a sharpened nub, making this laptop incredibly bite-and/or-fun-sized. Alternately, that pencil could be one of those joke pencils you buy at novelty stores, making this laptop the biggest laptop ever made and incredibly terrifying.

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 6:38PM]

lol, Seth. I assume that you weren't going to comment on that pencil, so you could've just ignored me; instead you come in and reply with a smart-ass comment. Good for you.

[010111 @ Nov 25th 2008 9:00PM]

i don't get it... what is that pencil in there for? makes no sense really. do you have to use it to type on the keys or something? is it a stylus for the laptop? is it a touchscreen!?

[Murphy Mac @ Nov 25th 2008 3:30PM]

That's the clincher. Now I know AT&T and Apple are working on something for Macworld. The tablet or a Macbook Air with 3G built in.

[Dan @ Nov 25th 2008 3:40PM]

Editor: you forgot a word - i'll let you figure out where.

[QuarkieQuark @ Nov 25th 2008 4:07PM]

I see the word!

[genevie360 @ Nov 25th 2008 7:30PM]

available (ON or WITH) new

Help a brother out.

[fmobus @ Nov 25th 2008 5:44PM]

yeah, he accidentally the whole text

[Tony Wasserman @ Nov 25th 2008 4:22PM]

Before you pop for this machine, keep in mind that the keyboard is *very* small and that you can't expect to type normally on it. Dell will hit you for a 15% restocking fee if you buy it and then change your mind. Even reaching the "sales resolution" person is a major hassle, so be sure, be very sure.

[joueboy @ Nov 25th 2008 5:38PM]

This is a joke why you have to pay $125.00 for 3G upgrade plus the price of the netbook. Are they not supposed to subsidize the netbook because you are getting a data plan like most celphones? Okay they say $120 rebate still not funny. Netshare is the way to go it's completely legal and T-mobile G1 can be tethered too. Or just get a smartphone more portable and you can browse while walking or standing on your daily commute.

[Fanfoot @ Nov 25th 2008 5:57PM]

Dude, solder is expensive!

On the standard Dell Inspiron Mini 9 they don't stock the WWAN port. Its just bare on the motherboard. So the $125 cost is for you to buy one of the limited supply of Mini 9's they've got with the WWAN port stocked with a 3G card. So its the cost of the card, the cost of the extra SKU, the SIM card slot, the extra antenna(s), etc.

Seems like a bit of a rip, but there you go.

[john @ Nov 25th 2008 6:24PM]

If they had it available on the Ubuntu version of the device, I might buy it.

[dave @ Nov 25th 2008 8:27PM]

i understand you guys about your netshare and such... BUT i think it would be worth it to get this because the only time you would need 3g instead of wifi would be slim and if you want to tether with your iphone for example you are using your phones battery life. So this way you don't have to worry about killing battery on a long trip or something.

[Richard Lai @ Nov 25th 2008 9:50PM]

Vodafone UK is already offering 3G service with the Dell Mini 9. I wonder if this will kill off the 3G-less Eee PC?

[Jash Sayani @ Nov 26th 2008 7:04AM]

Only AT&T 3G....? Or can it be used with other providers...?

BTW, the EeePC 901 had gone for a HSUPA ride... Has it come back ??