Dell Latitude 2100’s Mobile Cart in action [Video]
July 16, 2009 at 10:47 pm
The Dell Latitude 2100 netbook is targeted to the education market. The 10-inch netbook has special kid-proof features like a network activity light on the lid, rubberised case, a fanless bottom to avoid spills as well as some optional extras such as an anti-microbial keyboard, carrying handle and shoulder strap.
While we’ve already seen the Latitude 2100 unboxed, we haven’t seen how the Mobile Cart works. This can be thought of a Mobile Computing Station that allows you to manage and network up to 24 netbooks with just one Ethernet and power cord. It doesn’t come cheap though at $3,900. The promotional video below does a good job of showing this mobile station in action. It does look impressive and could be a sign of things to come in the future. Check out the video after the jump. Read more
Dell interested in Chrome OS and Moblin for future netbooks
July 16, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Dell is one of the few manufacturers that has embraced Linux on its ‘Mini’ range of netbooks. Its Mini 9 and Mini 10 devices had options with Ubuntu as well as Windows. The good news is that Dell looks like it is considering other Linux options for future netbooks too. Dell’s Doug Anson has said that the company is “very interested” in Moblin and is currently evaluating Chrome OS.
He sees all of these different Linux-based operating systems leading to a “renaissance within the PC and small device industry”. Anson went on to say, “these alternative operating environments are truly “different” from the traditional Windows platform – they don’t attempt to simply “mimic” Windows”.
Dell is working closely with key partners (Canonical and Intel) in developing potential offerings for Moblin, which it sees as “the next evolutionary step of the traditional Linux environment”. Whilst anything tangible may be some time away, it is encouraging that Dell is encouraging the use of these alternative operating systems. Hopefully, Jolicloud will also be on that list soon too.
Dell Latitude 2100 netbook gets video unboxing
July 9, 2009 at 1:06 pm
The Dell Latitude 2100 netbook is the company’s first 10-inch device targeted to the education segment. To keep it as kid-proof as possible, the Latitude 2100 has a network activity light on the lid, rubberised case, a fanless bottom to avoid spills as well as some optional extras such as an anti-microbial keyboard, carrying handle and shoulder strap.
Sascha from NetbookNews has unboxed the Latitude 2100 and given his initial impressions. The netbook is available in 6 colours and the one they handled was ‘School Bus Gold’. When you first lay eyes on the Latitude 2100 it does look quite chunky compared to current netbooks. However, Sascha says that this is incredibly well built that you could even probably drop without causing too much damage.
The netbook shipped with both Windows XP and Vista discs, giving you an option to choose which OS you want to install. It comes with a 3-cell battery that should be good for three hours of battery life. There are no access panels, not a surprise considering that it is “spill resistant”. The display was very interesting, looking like a cross between a glossy and matte display. Check out what we mean by watching the video after the jump. Read more
Dell Mini 10 GPS functionality now available
July 8, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Dell announced its plans to launch a new service for the Mini 10 netbook called the Dell 700 Wireless location system last week. This combines GPS and Wi-Fi positioning to determine where you are, indoors or outdoors. Dell now has this option up on its site, which costs an additional $70, but it can only be selected if you have the HD screen (1366 x 768) option i.e. an extra $35.
This may seem a bit pricey, but is still cheaper than compared to standalone units. Personally, I’m trying to understand how useful GPS on a relatively bulky netbook really makes sense. Dedicated units and mobile handsets I can understand, especially as most have touchscreens and you can fit in your pocket.
For those that are interested, you can find this now on the Dell site under the ‘Mobile Connectivity’ section. It is only available on the Mini 10 netbooks, not the Mini 10v.
Via Portable Monkey.
PC Pitstop’s survey rates MSI Wind U100 as most “loved netbook”
July 4, 2009 at 11:05 pm
PC Pitstop run an online diagnostic and tune-up service, which has been scanned onto millions of PCs. As part of this service, they also ask owners how satisfied they are with their PCs. According to the results, it seems that netbook owners are largely satisfied with their purchases.
They have compiled a top nine list of netbooks for user satisfaction, which is topped by the MSI Wind U100. The overall rating scale is measured out of four stars. The survey also asks whether the PC freezes, reboots and how fast they are. All top 9 machines fare very well in the survey, with even the ninth position scoring 3.03 stars.
Interestingly, the MSI Wind U-100, Asus Eee PC 1000HE, and Samsung NC10 are also among Pitstop’s top 10 for notebooks of all types. This suggest that many people don’t see them as substitutes for laptops and are happy with their performance. Check out the top nine most loved netbooks after the jump. Read more
Dell Mini 10: GPS and Wi-Fi Positioning coming next week
June 30, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Dell will offer a new location service for the Dell Mini 10 netbook starting from next week. The service called ‘Dell Wireless 700’ location combines a mixture of both hardware and software. The hardware element is catered for by an internal Broadcom A-GPS card that also has in-built Skyhook Wi-Fi locationing. The idea is that both pieces of hardware combine to determine your position whether you are indoors or outdoors.
The software side is catered by CoPilot navigation software that can offer turn-by-turn directions. The software allows for 2D and 3D map views, offers you the most efficient route as well as providing detour information. They also plan to include a location aware portal called Loki which provides details of local restaurants and friends by tapping into social media sites like Flickr, Loopt and BrightKite.
Right now, pricing for the Dell 700 Wireless location system hasn’t been outlined. It will launch in the United States next week and a release in other regions are planned thereafter. This system is planned to come to other devices too at some point in the future.
Dell launches 12.1-inch Vostro 1220 mini-notebook worldwide
June 30, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Dell has launched its latest ultraportbable, the Dell Vostro 1220. The Vostro line-up is targeted to small business and the 1220 comes with a 12.1-inch (1,200 x 800) display. The Vostro 1220 is powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor. The most powerful CPU runs at 3.06GHz but the standard options include a 2.20GHz Celeron or 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo. It also comes with 1GB RAM and a variety of storage options.
Other features include Wi-Fi (draft-N), three USB ports, firewire, Expresscard, a 1.3MP webcam and a multi-card reader. The Vostro 1220 weighs 1.5kg (3.36lbs) and measures 1.5-inches in thickness. The Vostro 1220 comes with optional SSDs, fingerprint readers and encrypted hard-drives. It ships with a 4-cell battery or an optional 6-cell battery is available that should last for 9 hours.
A choice of operating systems include Windows and Linux. The Vostro 1220 is available in two colours (Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red). Prices start from $799 in the US and is apparently available worldwide today, although we couldn’t see it listed in the UK Dell site right now.
Via Engadget.
Dell Mini 10 gets GPS; Mini 10v gets N280 option
June 26, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Dell has got round to adding GPS to its Mini 10 series of netbooks. Strangely there doesn’t appear to be an option on the configuration page, so I imagine that all Mini 10’s come with the GPS upgrade. Although this could be a mistake on Dell’s part and an option on the configuration page may appear soon.
The Dell Mini 10v has also got a new upgrade option for the processor. You can now select a 1.66GHz N280 Atom CPU for an extra $25 over the standard 1.6GHz N270 Atom. We reported a few days ago that the Mini 10v has a display resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels in Japan, however it appears that a few users in the UK also have this resolution, despite the UK Dell site still listing the resolution as 1024 x 576.
Update: We did speculate that the GPS option may be an error and it looks like it was. The GPS listing has now been removed from the Dell site. Thanks Houston Brown!
Dell Mini 10 TV Tuner blunder
June 25, 2009 at 6:35 pm
It looks like Dell has messed up the TV Tuner integration into Dell Mini 10 netbooks according to reports from the MyDellMini forums. The option for an internal TV tuner costs $50 and only recently went on sale. However, the first owners to receive their TV-equipped Mini 10’s are not a happy bunch.
Users are reporting about not being able to receive any channels from the internal antenna. Frustrated users are reporting that Dell support has so far not been able to give any useful response as to when this issue will be sorted.
Whilst an external antenna would make a difference, Dell didn’t include one in the box. This is despite showing off the antenna at a recent press event as pictured above. To be fair to Dell, the TV Tuner listing on the website never suggested that an external antenna would be included in the package. However, Dell should at least be offering an upgrade to purchase this part if needed.
Update: Dell has rectified this mistake and has now sent out an email to say that they will be sending an external TV antenna along with the necessary adaptor accessories. These are expected to start shipping within the next week. Future customers should receive this external antenna as standard.
Via Portable Monkey.
Dell Mini 10v shipping with 1024×600 display in Japan
June 24, 2009 at 3:53 pm
The quality and resolution of a netbook display is one of the major considerations when looking to buy a netbook, along with battery and keyboard in our opinion. The most common resolution found in 10-inch netbooks is 1024 x 600, however there are also a few that sport a 1024 x 576 resolution like the Dell Mini 10v.
This slight difference in vertical resolution can make a difference as much as two to three lines of text when browsing. The good news is that the Japanese Mini 10v SKU comes with 600 pixels of vertical resolution, rather than 576 pixels found in the UK, US and rest of Europe. At this point, it’s unknown whether other countries will this new display. We’ll keep our eyes open and let you know if they do.
Via Portable Monkey.
Dell Mini 9 gets fingerprint scanner mod
June 19, 2009 at 10:35 am
For the security conscious Dell Inspiron Mini 9 users out there, this is a mod you may want to pay attention to. MyDellMini user Rich2871 modded his Dell Mini 9 netbook with a fingerprint scanner embedded to the palm rest. Be warned though, Rich2871 is quite experienced when it comes to mods. His Mini 9 already includes a 64GB SSD, an internal 4-port USB hub, and OS X.
He ended up taking an external USB fingerprint scanner, taking out the main components and connecting it with the internal USB headers of the Dell Mini 9. That’s even before you hack a hole in the case! Judging from the procedure it doesn’t like a particularly easy mod, however the finished result certainly looks impressive.
Via Portable Monkey.
Dell teases with new ultrathin Mini 11 mini-notebook?
June 16, 2009 at 10:58 pm
There have been some strong rumours for a while now that Dell is planning to launch its own range of ultrathin notebooks based on the Intel CULV platform. Both Acer and Asus have already announced the Timeline and U series models respectively that come with the new Intel chips.
Now Engadget is reporting that Phil Bryant and Michael Tatelman of Dell displayed an “entirely new model line” of thin and lightweight notebooks at an event in Paris. Judging by the size of the mini-notebook in question, it very much looks like it will be the rumoured Inspiron Mini 11, which will replace the Mini 12 with its 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display.
This rumoured 11.6-inch model, codenamed ‘Argos’, will use Intel’s Celeron ULV platform, have 2GB RAM and hard drive storage between 160GB and 250GB. The CULV-based ultraportable line-up is rumoured to be released in August and there’s no information on pricing right now. We’ll keep you posted with further developments.
Samsung and Dell planning 11.6-inch netbook models?
June 12, 2009 at 9:45 am
Some of the leading netbook manufacturers are jumping onto the 11.6” netbook bandwagon, with Acer having released the Aspire One 751 and Asus planning the Eee PC 1101HA to be released shortly. Well it looks like both Samsung and Dell may also be planning 11.6-inch netbook models.
According to a report from Digitimes, the Taiwanese based LCD panel manufacturer, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), has landed orders from both Dell and Samsung for 11.6-inch netbook display panels. There’s scant information apart from that, but we would hardly be surprised if the news were true. Read more
Ubuntu 10.04 targets 10-second boot time
June 10, 2009 at 10:54 pm
The developers behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution have some ambitious targets for its 10.04 release penned in for 2010. It aims to drastically reduce the boot times from 25 seconds, as observed in the current 9.04 version, to just 10 seconds for 10.04.
Ubuntu 9.04 and in particular Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.04, already saw a considerable improvement in boot times. Boot time decreased from 65 seconds in version 8.10 to only 25 seconds in 9.04. This is expected to be improved further for the next release, Ubuntu 9.10 which is codenamed Karmic Koala. Ubuntu 10.04 will follow the release of version Karmic. Read more
Dell Inspiron Mini 12 netbook exits stage left
June 9, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Following on from Dell axing its Inspiron Mini 9 range netbooks, it appears to have done the same for its Mini 12 line-up. As things stand, the 12.1-inch Mini 12 has been removed from Dell’s UK, Australian, Hong Kong and Singaporean pages, although it still remains on the US site for now.
This seems broadly in line with the leaked Dell roadmap that appeared a while back. However, whilst the Mini 9 netbook was cancelled with no obvious replacement, the Mini 12 may get replaced with an 11.6-inch ultra-thin CULV-based model according to the internal roadmap.
This rumoured 11.6-inch 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 the leak.
Via APC.
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