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Dell Design Studio now available for Inspiron Mini 10/10v netbooks

October 28, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Dell Design StudioThere are a lot of people that are not satisfied with their stock netbooks and look to personalize these through custom skins. A number of manufacturers have created ‘limited edition’ versions of their popular netbooks that come with a designer lid. Dell already has a wide choice of colours available for its netbooks, but it has announced that it has opened the Dell Design Studio for its Mini 10/10v netbooks.

What this means is that you can order a Dell Inspiron Mini netbook with one of 200 original works of art for an $85 fee. The collection includes everything from sports to RED (which donates $20 to fight AIDS in Africa). As well as these designs, Dell will also be launching more colours for its netbook range including colours such as “Dear Santa”, “Smitten with Mittens” and “Pompeii Purple”. There’s no word when/if these options will hit the UK.

Windows 7 netbooks now available for pre-order

October 19, 2009 at 1:03 pm

Asus Eee PC 1008HAFollowing on from our previous post, where we highlighted the Intel CULV-powered ultra-thins that are now available to pre-order with Windows 7, we bring you a similarly long list of Windows 7 netbooks.

HP now has Windows 7 options on its site. The premium for Windows 7 is $50 for the Mini 311 (Home Premium) and $30 for the Mini 110 (Starter Edition). Dell also has Windows 7 options up on its site, it is charging $30 for the Starter Edition on its Mini 10/10v netbooks.

Amazon.com has been busy listing a number of new netbook SKUS with Windows 7. Most of these new models are running on Windows 7 Starter Edition and run 250GB hard drives, rather than the 160GB standard up until now. Memory modules are still stuck at 1GB though. Check out the list of Windows 7 netbooks available to pre-order below. Read more

Windows 7 CULV-based ultra-thins now up for pre-order

October 19, 2009 at 11:56 am

Toshiba ultra-thinAs we approach the launch of Windows 7 this Thursday (October 22nd) a number of notebook manufacturers are making the switch over to the new OS. We’ve been drip-feeding Windows 7 devices over the past few weeks and a number of these Intel CULV-powered ultra-thins are now appearing for pre-order on Amazon.com.

After the break we have listed all of these, typically 11.6-inch Windows 7 devices, which are now up for pre-order. Most are due to land on October 22nd; Windows 7 launch day. There are a few notable Windows 7 absentees including the Samsung N510, Acer Aspire Timeline 1820P, and Lenovo Ideapad U150. Check out the list after the break. Read more

Michael Dell: Netbooks only good for 36 hours

October 14, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Michael DellMichael Dell, founder & CEO of Dell Computers, has been damning in his opinion of the netbook experience. Talking in San Francisco at Churchill Club, he was trying to convince his audience that consumers prefer high-end PC devices rather than low-cost netbooks.

“If you take a user who’s used to a 14- or 15-inch notebook and you say ‘Here’s a 10-inch netbook,’ they’re gonna say ‘Hey, this is so fantastic. It’s so cute. It’s so light. I love it,” Dell said. “But about 36-hours later, they’re saying ‘The screen’s gonna have to go. Give me my 15-inch screen back.'” Read more

Dell Mini 9 mod converts netbook to slate tablet

October 12, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Dell Mini 9 ModWindows 7 is expected to herald a new dawn for touchscreen PC devices, mainly due to its in-built touch functionality (as long as you’re running Home Premium or higher). MyDellMini member Rob928 wanted to join in on the action and decided to mod his Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook to convert it into a touchscreen slate tablet.

This certainly looks like a complex mod involving removing the lid and trimming the hinges. A solder-less touchscreen kit was used for the finished result. Whilst the modder got the tablet to work with Windows 7, it is subject to heat build-up (40-50 degrees) as much of the heat is normally vented through the keyboard. Some pictures of his work in progress can be found here.

Via GadgetMix.

Dell Inspiron 11z now available in UK

September 27, 2009 at 10:48 am

Dell Inspiron 11zDell’s CULV-based 11.6-inch ultra-thin has finally made an appearance on the UK Dell site. It is available in a number of price-points. The base configuration at £349 includes a single-core 1.3GHZ Celeron ULV 743 processor, 2GB RAM, a 160GB HDD and Vista Home Basic.

For £50 more at £399 you get a dual-core 1.3GHz ULV SU4100 processor, larger HDD (250GB) and Vista Home Premium. For a further £100 at £499, you get 4GB RAM and a 320GB HDD. All of these configurations include the standard 3-cell 28 WHr Lithium Ion battery, a 6-cell battery will cost £45 extra.

Dell Mini 10v netbook gets Ubuntu Moblin Remix option

September 24, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Dell Mini 10v netbook gets Ubuntu Moblin Remix optionDell is now shipping its Mini 10v netbook with the Ubuntu Moblin Remix Linux distribution. This particular version combines the interface & applications of Moblin 2.0 with the internals of Ubuntu 9.04. It is priced at $299 and comes with the typical Mini 10v’s specifications (Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard-drive).

This version has been labelled as the “Developer Edition” as it is still a work in progress. Despite this, Dell is shipping the Inspiron Mini 10v with it factory installed. If you already have the Mini 10v and just want to download the image click here. Check out a video demo after the break. Read more

Dell Inspiron 11z reviewed – let down by touchpad

September 1, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Dell Inspiron 11zDell’s 11.6-inch netbook, the Inspiron 11z, has been reviewed by the guys over at Notebook Review. They were fond of the form-factor and build quality and feel that the screen size and resolution (1366 x 768) is a great combination for a netbook. They also found the keyboard to be quite comfortable.

However, this was let down by a very poor touchpad, in fact it was one of the worse they’ve used. They also found that the Celeron processor’s performance was below expectations and slower than Intel’s Atom CPU. However, this was made up the much better integrated performance of the X4500 GPU and GS45 chipset. A small standard battery rounded off a device that they could just not recommend.

Dell Inspiron 11z gets $50 price hike

August 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Dell Inspiron 11zDell launched its Inspiron 11z mini-notebook for $399 just last week. However, it appears that Dell has already put up the price by $50 to $449. There seems to be some confusion regarding the price hike, but according to a Dell representative, there is a slight hardware difference between the two models.

The original $399 version is already sold out and the new newer $449 model is said to have better display. It is believed that the newer model comes with a WLED backlit display that the original model didn’t have. It is unknown whether the price will drop down to $399 again, but when Dell offers more configuration options, then the WLED display may become optional with a lower base price.

Via Laptop Mag.

Dell Inspiron 11z gets official – full specs, price & picture gallery

August 18, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Dell Inspiron 11z Dell has officially announced the CULV-based Inspiron 11z ‘netbook’. The device is the company’s first entry into the “thin and light with great battery life” segment. The 11z is only an inch thin and weighs around 1.4kg (3lbs). The new Intel ULV processor should enable “smooth HD video playback” according to Dell. The 11z’s 28WHr battery is only expected to last for around three hours.

It is currently only being sold as a pre-configured system, although more configuration options will be available at a later date. The device is actually available to buy now in the US from the Dell site for a very reasonable $399. A European release will be following suit on August 25th, where it will be available in Carphone Warehouse in the U.K. and the Phone House in France. Read more

Dell Mini 10 netbook gets 2GB RAM & Vista options

August 16, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Dell Mini 10One of the most sought after upgrade options for the Dell Mini 10 is now live in the US. The netbook’s RAM now can be upgraded to 2GB as part of a promotional offer that includes Vista Home Basic SP1. This particular package doesn’t allow you to use it in conjunction with the GPS and TV tuner.

The reason why this uses Vista, rather than XP, is down to the restrictions that Microsoft places on cheap XP licences i.e. no more than 1GB RAM. As this RAM is soldered on, if you do want 2GB this will be the only method, unless you fancy the challenge with the soldering iron! Dell is so far not offering the 2GB option with Linux. The 2GB RAM option is likely to turn up in other regions soon and we’ll let you know when it comes through.

Via Direct2Dell.

Dell Inspiron 11z: New CULV-based ultra-thin snapped

August 12, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Dell Inspiron 11zWe speculated recently that the departure of Dell’s Inspiron 12 netbook was likely to mean the imminent arrival of a rumoured 11.6-inch CULV-based ultra-thin model to replace it. Right on cue, Gizmodo has some images of the Inspiron 11z. There’s little detail on specifications, it seems that Gizmodo can’t divulge that detail right now.

What we can tell from the design is it will sport a thin chassis and come with a wide touchpad. The mouse buttons appear to be incorporated in the touchpad. The keyboard stretches to the edge of the chassis and they’ve even managed to fit in separate Home, End, PgUp and PgDn keys to the very right of the keyboard in a vertical strip. Hopefully, an official announcement will be coming very shortly. Check out some pictures of the 11z after the break. Read more

Dell releases Nickelodeon themed Mini 10v netbook

August 12, 2009 at 10:39 am

Dell releases Nickelodeon themed Mini 10v netbookIt looks like Disney isn’t the only company to release a netbook targeted to kids. Dell has introduced a new Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition netbook. It is based on the Mini 10v netbook but is aimed at kids, coming in three different designs. One is for fans of Spongebob Squarepants, another is for iCarly fans whilst the last one is a Nickelodeon slime version that features a green splash on the lid and key rest.

Apart from the design, the netbook will have a tailored UI developed by Stardock Systems that’s branded with Nickelodeon wallpaper and icons and offers quick access to Nick’s Web portals. Educational software from Whyville.net and LoJack’s anti-theft software will also be included. A 15-month trial of McAffee Family Security to monitor their kids’ usage should give parents peace of mind.

Dell hasn’t said whether any of the internal hardware will change from the existing 10v, which normally has a 1.6GHz Atom chip, 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive and a 10-inch, 1024×600 display. The Nickelodeon edition netbook will be available in Walmart and at Dell.com starting at $300.

Dell Mini 12 disappears from US too

August 8, 2009 at 10:00 am

Dell Mini 12The Dell Mini 12 had already been quietly discontinued from a number of countries (including the UK). It’s taken a couple of months, but it seems that Dell US has also pulled the plug on its 12.1-inch ‘netbook’.

The Dell Mini 12 has been widely expected to be replaced by an 11.6-inch CULV-based ultra-thin, although there’s been no new information on this forthcoming. The rumoured model, codenamed ‘Argos’, will use Intel’s Celeron ULV platform, have 2GB RAM and hard drive storage between 160GB and 250GB. It will come with a 1366 x 768 resolution display and will be priced from $499 according to a leak.

The exit of the Mini 12 from the US may mean this new model is just around the corner. We’ll keep you updated.

Via Engadget.

Dell Mini 9 back on sale for just $199

July 23, 2009 at 9:39 pm

Dell Mini 9Dell officially retired their popular Hackintosh Mini 9 netbook at the beginning of June. However, they must have some extra stock, as its back on offer on a limited four-day deal (US-only I’m afraid).

Dell is selling the Mini 9 with Ubuntu 8.04.1 from just $199. It’s also available with Windows XP from $269. The specs of the base version includes a 1.6GHz N270 Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 4GB SSD, 4-cell battery and Wi-Fi (b/g). If you want to run OS X, this is probably the most compatible netbook out there right now.

Via Gizmodo.

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