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T-Mobile moves up to 75 live HSPA+ markets, says it's running the largest '4G' network in the US
T-Mobile is announcing this evening that it's now got 75 live HSPA+ markets online, with coverage for roughly 200 million Americans up and running by the end of 2010. That footprint will start off at a theoretical max downlink of 21Mbps, but the carrier will be looking to scale that to 42Mbps in 2011 with the capacity to upgrade to 84 and 168Mbps down the road -- all without ever worrying about LTE. The veracity of T-Mobile's insistence that this is a "4G" network remains debatable -- particularly in light of the ITU's ruling that only LTE-Advanced and WiMAX 2 qualify -- but then again, that same ruling would mean that neither Sprint, Verizon, nor T-Mobile really have 4G up and running in the strictest of terms, and it's hard to argue that these guys are pushing speeds that meet or exceed what either LTE or WiMAX can offer today. To that end, the carrier is kicking off a new television ad campaign today where it proudly boasts that it's operating the nation's largest 4G network, which is sure to ruffle some feathers and set the stage for some drama-filled mudslinging among the big boys as they ramp up their next-gen networks across the country. New markets include Chicago, Colorado Springs, Ft. Wayne, Louisville, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington, NC, and new devices include the myTouch 4G -- officially launching tomorrow -- and the Dell Mini 10 4G, which as you can probably guess is a garden-variety Mini 10 with HSPA+ compatibility on the AWS band. Follow the break for T-Mobile's full press release.
Sprint invites Dell Inspiron Mini 1012 and Inspiron 11z into the dual-mode 3G / WiMAX league
It's been a good long while since a Dell Mini 10 with WiMAX crossed the FCC, but it's finally headed to Sprint next month, and its big brother the 11.6-inch Dell Inspiron 11z is along for the ride as well. Both sport Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 chips to serve up Sprint 4G and 802.11n WiFi, plus EV-DO Rev. A for 3G speeds on an unspecified secondary card of some sort. The Mini 10's mostly your standard 10-inch Atom N450 netbook, but we're happy to say this one comes with a six-cell battery, and the Inspiron 11z got a modern 1.2GHz Core i3-330UM processor under the hood, which should contribute favorably to both longevity and speed. The Mini 10 is free on two-year contract, while the 11z will set you back $150; find both at Sprint stores starting November 14th. PR after the break.
Dell ships 10.1-inch Inspiron Mini 1018 to Europe, heading elsewhere soon
Looking for yet another Mini 10 netbook? How's about one with a curvaceous chassis modeled after the Inspiron R series? Dell's just pushed out the Inspiron Mini 1018 across the pond, offering a £279 ($434) starting price along with a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 processor, a 10.1-inch WSVGA (1,024 x 600) resolution display, Windows 7 Starter, 1GB of DDR3 memory, 802.11n WiFi, a 250GB hard drive, inbuilt webcam and a fresh coat of Obsidian Black paint. It's available now for those in the correct region, but the outfit has already stated that it'll be shipping to other lands "soon." Stoked, aren't ya? [Thanks, iamnotjamesh]
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 with T-Mobile webConnect launches tomorrow, $199.99 on contract
T-Mobile's selected CTIA 2010 this week as the venue to launch its customized version of Dell's Mini 10 netbook that's been infused with -- you guessed it -- T-Mobile-compatible 3G service. It's got a 10.1-inch WSVGA display, 1.3 megapixel webcam, three USB ports, VGA port, Windows 7 Starter Edition, and an Atom N450 core humming along at 1.66GHz with a claimed battery life of "up to" eight hours using a six-cell 56WHr pack. In terms of frequencies, you've got quadband EDGE alongside quadband (yes, quadband) 3G with support for Bands I, II, IV, and V, which means you'll be able to roam in 850 / 1900MHz markets and internationally. It's available starting tomorrow in "select T-Mobile retail locations" in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles as well as through the carrier's site and sales hotline for $199.99 on a two-year deal.
Dell's Broadcom Crystal HD Mini 10 now shipping to beta Flashers worldwide
Dell's refresh of the Mini 10 didn't exactly knock our socks off when we got a chance to spend some quality time with it last month, but it did prove to be a solid performer and did as advertised, playing back 1080p content with aplomb -- so long as you did it within a player that could make the most of a Broadcom's Crystal HD accelerator. Now you have a chance to try it out for yourself, with Dell announcing the machine is shipping and, at $409 with a six-cell battery and a 250GB hard drive, it won't break the bank either. Just steer clear of Quicktime for movie playback and get the most recent Flash beta on there pronto, yeah?
Dell Mini 10 adds WiMAX, collects FCC certification
If you believe WiMAX is the future, but just can't deal with that USB appendage ruining the sleek looks of your netbook, fret not. Dell's Mini 10 has dropped by the FCC for a repeat visit, only this time it's sporting a built-in WiMAX module. From what we're told it's an otherwise unmodified version of Round Rock's latest and greatest 10-incher, so you'll probably be wanting to visit our recent review to see if it makes for a worthy mobile computer. We suspect Sprint might have some retail space for these units when they arrive, given that the wireless carrier already offers the 3G-equipped Mini 10 on a subsidized basis and will be keen to offer a similar product to its expanding WiMAX clientelle.
Dell Mini 10 with Broadcom Crystal HD Accelerator review
Michael Dell may not be a fan of netbooks, but you wouldn't know that from the newest Mini 10. Joining the current Mini 10v, Dell's completely overhauled the chassis and added Intel's new Pine Trail processor. But that's not all: come February the little laptop will be available with Broadcom's Crystal HD accelerator, which promises full HD playback on a high-res 1366 x 768 display. But does the $425 package rid us of our tireless complaints that Atom can't handle HD, and does it rival netbooks based on NVIDIA's Ion platform? And perhaps more importantly, can we count on the Mini 10 to be a valuable member of the growing Pine Trail netbook fraternity when it comes to battery life and ergonomics? Read on to find out! Editor's Note: This review has been updated since Flash 10.1 Beta 3 was released. %Gallery-83721%
Dell's Atom N450-based Inspiron Mini 10 now up for order, starts at $299
Fitting, no? Dell (briefly) launched its Inspiron Mini 10 at a press event last year at CES, and this year's show is ushering in the next major iteration. 'Course, it's not like we didn't know it was on the way, but if it's details you crave, you'll leave this post duly satisfied. Starting today, the revised Inspiron Mini 10 is up for order at Dell's US website, and the options list is fairly impressive (particularly for a netbook). The device sports a 92 percent full-size keyboard, the same "hinge-forward" design seen on the company's ultrathin Adamo and a bevy of extras including a 9.5 hour battery, Broadcom's Crystal HD media accelerator, built-in GPS and an integrated HDTV receiver. There's also a good chance a version will be made available with a Mobile DTV tuner within, though that's just speculation based on the fact that this machine is currently being used in a trial program in the nation's capital. Hit the source link to start customizing your own -- the base price is pegged at just $299.
Dell netbook modded into a rather large handset (video)
Eager to get a hold on your very own Dell-branded Android smartphone? This guy here took matters into his own hands with nothing more than his modding skill, his imagination, and a Dell Inspiron Mini. Of course, this thing won't exactly fit in most pockets, but as a curiosity (and a conversation starter) it performs admirably. Have you ever seen a 10.1-inch novelty handset in action? Now's your chance -- peep the video for yourself after the break.
New Dell Inspiron Mini 10 debuts, features Atom N450
Looks like Dell's trying to jump out ahead of the CES Atom N450 netbook rush by announcing a new version of the Inspiron Mini 10 a couple weeks before we all head to Vegas -- and we can't say we blame them, since there's a lot here to like. The newly streamlined case can accommodate a six-cell battery good for nine and half hours of use without the usual netbook bulge, and inside that next-gen Atom can be paired with an optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator for HD video playback. Also on the options list: four case colors, Bluetooth, WWAN, GPS, a TV tuner, and a 1366 x 768 display, in case you actually want to see some of those accelerated video pixels. Prices will start at $299 when this guy hits in early January, but we'll see how much all these options add to the final pricetag. Press release after the break. %Gallery-80690%
Stantum's unlimited multitouch meets Mini 10 in a fight to the death (update: now with WiFi, Bluetooth)
The last time we saw Stantum, it was blowin' minds with its PMatrix technology -- and here we are, a mere ten months later, and the company's back with its proof-of-concept Slate PC. Based on the Dell Mini 10 platform, this bad boy features a 10.1-inch "unlimited" touchscreen and new, compact case. In order to save space, the company did away with not only the keyboard and trackpad, but the webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, and one of the USB ports (bringing the total down to two) as well -- which just might limit the appeal for resellers. You never know. Feel like diving in? Hit the read source link to contact the company, and tell 'em Engadget sent you. [Thanks, Adam] Update: We just received an email from the company telling us that revision 2 of the Slate PC (available now!) includes your beloved WiFi and Bluetooth. Hit that source link for further details.
Sprint lights up WiMAX in NC, Chicago and Dallas, launches subsidized Mini 10
Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? Or better yet, when a leaked roadmap doesn't get delayed in the slightest? After months upon months of waiting, broadband-lovin' citizens in the North Carolina Triangle and Triad will be celebrating alongside DFW residents and Chicago natives as Sprint's 4G WiMAX service rolls into town. As of right now (that's today, junior), consumers in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Charlotte, NC; Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas and Chicago, Illinois can roll into a Sprint store and snag a U300 3G / 4G WWAN modem on a $69.99 monthly data plan. We're told that San Antonio and Austin will get lit up later this month, while Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii; Salem, Oregon and Seattle, Washington will join the fray before 2010. Oh, and did we mention that Palm's favorite carrier finally snagged itself a WWAN-equipped netbook? 'Cause the Dell Mini 10 is available starting today for $199.99 at select Sprint stores in the metropolitan Baltimore area. Update: Looks like Sprint changed "Baltimore" to "Bay Area." Odd. Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triangle Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triad Read - Sprint WiMAX in Charlotte, NC Read - Sprint WiMAX in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Read - Sprint WiMAX in Chicago, IL Read - Sprint's first netbook is Dell Mini 10
Dell Mini 10v reviewed with Ubuntu Moblin Remix
Dell's "highly experimental" Mini 10v with Ubuntu Moblin Remix may not be ready for the mainstream just yet (though it is on sale to everyone who dares), but it's more than ready for the enthusiasts over at ArsTechnica. After purchasing a $299 base unit, they proceeded to take a closer look at just how Moblin fared on a netbook -- probably because the actual hardware specifications are the same as always. Reviewers noted that the UI they were graced with looked an awful lot like the shell they saw back in May, though this build was decidedly more stable and "complete." That said, they still managed to uncover a few bugs, and they were indeed saddened to find that the integrated web browser was downright "weak." All told, critics were impressed with the progress on Moblin, but they still proclaimed that it has a long ways to go before it'll be "ready for regular users." If you've been thinking about exiting your comfort zone and picking one of these up, you owe it to yourself to give that read link a tap.
Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)
Dell just announced the first shipping Moblin netbook, a developer-edition Mini 10v that runs Canonical's Moblin Netbook Remix. No pricing info yet, but it'll go on sale tomorrow, September 24, on Dell.com. We're told they have units on the show floor for us to play with, we'll be back with way more details soon.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.
AT&T's subsidized Acer Aspire One, Dell Mini 10 and Lenovo S10 netbooks launching nationwide
Not sure what AT&T's thinking as it takes its subsidized netbook lineup nationwide, but it just announced the Dell Mini 10, the Lenovo S10, and the 10-inch Acer Aspire One will now be sold online and in stores, priced at $200 each with your choice of two-year contract: a totally pathetic $40/mo 200MB plan or a $60/mo 5GB plan. Yeah, that's some stiff kitty for two years of XP on last year's netbook hardware -- especially since you can score the similar Compaq Mini 110 from Sprint for just 99 cents on sale with the same $60/mo 5GB data commitment. Of course, we're still standing by our suggestion that you just grab a MiFi and share the 3G love with as many machines as you can, but if these numbers somehow seem tempting sales should be starting in the next few days.
Dell's Mini 10 getting GPS / WiFi tracking upgrade next week
Dell's Mini 10 already offers GPS with an integrated 3G chip, but if you're not interested in mobile broadband, starting next week you can opt instead for a wireless 700 location solution, a hybrid of Broadcom's assisted GPS and Skyhook's WiFi positioning technologies. We had a chance to sit down with a few of the product managers working on the device, and even within a brick-laden office building it did a pretty fine job of finding us within 30 meters and integrating with Flickr, Loopt, and Yelp using the Loki plug-in for Internet Explorer / FireFox. Impact on battery life was said to be "immaterial" although a ballpark estimate was about a five percent hit when in use. For $70, it'll come bundled with CoPilot turn by turn navigation software. It requires the $30 HD display upgrade, but even then, an extra Benjamin total for a large-screen navigation device is hard to pass up if you're looking to get a netbook anyway. If you're still not sold, Dell promises it'll be available for other Mini options, with and without the HD upgrade, in the near future. Now how about a few words on the Mini 11, eh Dell?
Dell's Mini 10v gets unboxed, cracked wide open, fitted with OS X
Not that Dell's other Mini machines aren't perfect candidates for creating your own hackintosh, but it's stellar to know that the outfit's newest member is as well. After going on sale earlier this month, the Mini 10v has been procured, unboxed and dissected, all in the name of unabashed discovery. Interestingly, it seems as if the RAM slot requires that the keyboard and motherboard be lifted for access, but for even the mildly seasoned computer user, that's absolutely nothing they can't handle. If you're into hardcore, uncensored splayings of newfangled netbooks, the read link is where you need to be, holmes.[Via MyDellMini, thanks Erik]
Dell adding Mini 10 TV tuner, passion purple color options today
When Dell said its Mini 10 TV tuner was coming this summer, well, we didn't expect it to be so soon. The company's dropped us a line to say we should expect to see it as a customization option starting sometime today, presumably along with the external antenna that's needed when the signal's low. The cost is an extra $50 and it'll net you over-the-air ATSC -- that's the new HD format, for those who haven't been keeping track. Additionally, a seventh color, passion purple, is being added to the library, and if your heart's set on cherry red, you'll be happy to know they're now a part of the (PRODUCT) RED portfolio, meaning Dell will donate $5 to the Global Fund with each purchase. No pics of the new hue just yet, but if any of these new additions sound enticing, you might wanna hit cancel on that late-night order we caught you placing.
Dell Mini 10 TV tuner option coming this summer, Mini 10v goes hands-on
While Dell originally mentioned a TV tuner option back when it launched the Mini 10 in January, it's still working on bringing the feature to market. The latest news is that the configuration will tack roughly $50 onto the price, includes an external antenna (which is only required in low-signal situations), and should be available "this summer." The couple of channels we saw in action seemed plenty good on the quality front, but nothing groundbreaking. Meanwhile, we also got a look at the new Mini 10v, which swaps HDMI for VGA, lacks the flush "glass" styling of the Mini 10 display, and bounces over to the Atom N270 processor. The version we were looking at included a 6-cell battery (a $30 add-on), which added a considerable amount of lift at the back -- it might be ergonomic, but it sure isn't pretty. Unfortunately the TV option won't be available for the 10v, so if you were holding out... maybe you should be spending more time with your family.
Dell Mini 10 6-cell battery gets pictured
Dell finally started offering the Mini 10 with a six-cell battery just a couple weeks ago, and it looks like the first batch of orders has started to arrive. As expected, it's a big honking six-cell battery hanging off the edge of an otherwise sleek netbook, but it should provide hours of Atom-powered XP fun. Sadly, current Mini 10 owners can't pick one up separately yet, but we're guessing that'll change soon enough.[Thanks, Peter]
