Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)
By Nilay Patel 
posted September 23rd 2009 1:25PM
posted September 23rd 2009 1:25PM
Update: Dell tells us the Moblin Mini 10v will be $299 to start and available with the usual customization options, but that they're not really aiming it at consumers just yet -- the idea is to give Moblin developers best-of-class hardware to work on. That said, nothing's stopping you from snagging one tomorrow, since they won't be requiring proof that you're actually a dev. You sneaky Linux-loving dog, you.
I'm running Jolicloud, which is super-similar to Moblin's v2 release (not what you see above). I gotta say, these super-buttery-good-looking cloud computing distros sitting on a stable Ubuntu base are pretty frakkin' awesome. I used to dislike Linux, but Jolicloud has breathed life back into my old Pentium M laptop in a way Windows 7/XP can't. Oh, and the fact that I didn't have to screw with drivers at all, even though I have discrete and obscure (Radeon x300) graphics is pretty impressive. BTW Moblin v2 requires Intel IGP - lame.
Dell should make an 11.6" notebook.
Here in Italy 300$ is the right price to let a good netbook neutrality.
Using Mobling on an Ubuntu is the best intelligent way to do thinks due to rock solid Debian based system plus the value added Clutter side of the UI glued by Intel...
I expect something very similar with maemo in the future.
I've been playing around with Moblin for a few hours now. Boots in around 20 seconds. That is from pressing the power button!! Sheesh! 0-20 for an active desktop.
The interface is interesting. It's new. I have my likes and dislikes.
Main dislike right now is the loss of some kind of task bar. Sure the zones are cool, but I hate switching around and placing windows just right so I can multi task with even a few windows. I've seen some interesting mods on YouTube though (A 3D Cube Moblin? It exists!). They should have a shelf by the 'Zones' item so I can select an open window that is on the same zone.
The interface is a bit chunky. I like it, but I dislike it too. It has kind of nice but when I opened Open Office (I got it installed) the big scroll bars are a bit too big. Of course, it is linux so after a while it is just user preference.
One last gripe, I cannot seem to maximize my windows. This would be nice to have. There are a few more gripes but I respect it's beta ness.
What I like about it. A lot actually. The boot for starters. I like that I can turn a computer on and off in under a minute.
It fits my Netbook like a glove. Totally social network worthy. The status item can be added too, but it works with Twitter, and I am 100% certain Facebook is coming int he future. I am asking for a WordPress section.
The GUI Style. The chunkyness is actually coolness.
I've heard gripes about the web browser, but I am liking it.
If you have a Netbook I think Moblin is going to be THE OS for you.