looks very nice! supposedly going to be under $500 and offer XP or ubuntu
Full Version: Dell coming out with "Mini Inspiron"
I was hoping they'd come out with something like this.
I've been wanting an EEE PC, HP Mini Note, or Cloudbook, but was waiting to see if Dell would come out with something to compete. If it's under $500, I'd get the Dell instead of the 8.9" EEE.
I've been wanting an EEE PC, HP Mini Note, or Cloudbook, but was waiting to see if Dell would come out with something to compete. If it's under $500, I'd get the Dell instead of the 8.9" EEE.
ohhhhhhhhhhh, I want one!!!
I gather the pencil is so you can type on that thing?
QUOTE (wmspringer @ 5-30-08, 3:23pm) 
I gather the pencil is so you can type on that thing?
I take it you have fat fingers
Hell, I have trouble typing on a "normal" sized Inspiron keyboard!
QUOTE (wmspringer @ 5-30-08, 6:23pm)
I gather the pencil is so you can type on that thing?
NO, this was the first pics Dell posted with any size reference (hence the pencil).
Looks interesting. Need more info on what this thing will actually be though.
Someone used the size of the USB ports to figure out the size of the whole thing:
http://www.shinyplastic.com/archives/05-30...or-9-screen.php
http://www.shinyplastic.com/archives/05-30...or-9-screen.php
QUOTE
Confirmed: Dell Mini Inspiron has a 8.9" or 9" screen
Will the Dell Mini Inspiron have a 8.9" screen, run Ubuntu or XP Home, and cost under $500?
That's what engadget seems to think.
We decided to do some measuring in photoshop to see if they are right about the screen size and here's what we came up with.
First we took a known distance: in this case the width of a type A female USB port (half an inch). We used that known distance to get the overall height of the ultra-portable: approx 6.6".
We then took a picture of the whole screen and transferred over our measuring rule adjusting it so that the measuring rule matched our known length.
From there it is easy to copy and rotate rules to find the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the screen: approx 5" x 7".
Who remembers their math classes?
"The sum of the areas of the two squares on the legs (a and
equals the area of the square on the hypotenuse ©"
In other words the diagonal length (aka screen size) of our screen is the square root of 5 squared plus 7 squared = sqrt (25 + 49) = sqrt(74) = 8.6"
A little of the screen is always hidden behind the bezel so we can be pretty sure the screen is 8.9 or 9": too big to be 7" and too small to be 10".
Does it come with Ubuntu and XP? well the keyboard has a windows key so we would assume that XP is an option (especially given Michael Dell's description of it being for "developing markets" to get around Microsoft's XP licensing requirements going forward). Dell isn't exactly renowned for supporting Linux but if their competitors are all offering Linux we can assume they will do as well.
Price under $500? Dell should be able to get cheaper unit pricing than MSI so an entry level mini inspiron should be possible for under $500 but we would hope to see a number of versions offered in the $450 - $900 price range depending on processor power, RAM, hard drive, operating system etc.
Will the Dell Mini Inspiron have a 8.9" screen, run Ubuntu or XP Home, and cost under $500?
That's what engadget seems to think.
We decided to do some measuring in photoshop to see if they are right about the screen size and here's what we came up with.
First we took a known distance: in this case the width of a type A female USB port (half an inch). We used that known distance to get the overall height of the ultra-portable: approx 6.6".
We then took a picture of the whole screen and transferred over our measuring rule adjusting it so that the measuring rule matched our known length.
From there it is easy to copy and rotate rules to find the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the screen: approx 5" x 7".
Who remembers their math classes?
"The sum of the areas of the two squares on the legs (a and
equals the area of the square on the hypotenuse ©"In other words the diagonal length (aka screen size) of our screen is the square root of 5 squared plus 7 squared = sqrt (25 + 49) = sqrt(74) = 8.6"
A little of the screen is always hidden behind the bezel so we can be pretty sure the screen is 8.9 or 9": too big to be 7" and too small to be 10".
Does it come with Ubuntu and XP? well the keyboard has a windows key so we would assume that XP is an option (especially given Michael Dell's description of it being for "developing markets" to get around Microsoft's XP licensing requirements going forward). Dell isn't exactly renowned for supporting Linux but if their competitors are all offering Linux we can assume they will do as well.
Price under $500? Dell should be able to get cheaper unit pricing than MSI so an entry level mini inspiron should be possible for under $500 but we would hope to see a number of versions offered in the $450 - $900 price range depending on processor power, RAM, hard drive, operating system etc.
Hmm....at that size, would it more likely be a solid-state/flash type of hdd, so maybe only a 16GB drive or something like that?
It'll most likely use SSD like their competitors. The 8.9" HP Mini Note actually has an option for a 160 GB hard drive though. I don't know how they can fit those kinds of hard drives with a form factor that small.
I don't really care much about hard drive size since I just want it to have at least an 8.9" screen or 1024x600 resolution, wifi, and a decent battery life for under $500 since I'd mostly use one of these for when I'm on the go.
Sure, I can browse the web with my phone or my DS now, but those browsers are really limited - I just want to be able to browse every website that I can at home with something smaller and more portable than my current laptop.
I hope it's out by the end of June (like I read somewhere in one of the pages I was looking at), so that I can have it before my trip at the end of July/beginning of August. I don't know if they can release it that fast though.
I don't really care much about hard drive size since I just want it to have at least an 8.9" screen or 1024x600 resolution, wifi, and a decent battery life for under $500 since I'd mostly use one of these for when I'm on the go.
Sure, I can browse the web with my phone or my DS now, but those browsers are really limited - I just want to be able to browse every website that I can at home with something smaller and more portable than my current laptop.
I hope it's out by the end of June (like I read somewhere in one of the pages I was looking at), so that I can have it before my trip at the end of July/beginning of August. I don't know if they can release it that fast though.
QUOTE (wmspringer @ 5-30-08, 5:23pm)
I gather the pencil is so you can type on that thing?
LOL
I think these netbooks will have to be priced in the $300 range for it to sell.
QUOTE (dasnufus @ 6-3-08, 9:31am)
I think these netbooks will have to be priced in the $300 range for it to sell.
Starts at $299 according to engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/dell-e-...in-one-fell-sw/
It says they'll run Linux and XP. But I thought Dell was going to stop selling computers with XP preinstalled after tomorrow.
EDIT: The configuration options (see the photo gallery) for both the 8.9" and the 12.1" just say Linux, nothing about XP. The overview images say Linux, XP.
EDIT 2:
Specs:
8.9" overview
Display: 8.9" W (1024x600)
Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Diamondville
Target Dimensions & Weight: 0.82" - 1.22" x 9.13" x 6.9", ~2.2 lbs
Personalization: 3-5 color IMR options
HDD: 4/8/16GB flash
Memory: 512MB/1GB
Ports: 3 USB, mic, headphone, VGA, SD
Camera: 0.3MP
Wireless: Wi-Fi 11g, BT, WiMax, WWAN
Target Battery Life: 4-cell 35WHr (~5hrs)
O/S: Linux, Win XP
12.1" overview
Display: 12.1" WXGA
Processor: 1.3GHz & 1.6GHz Intel Silverthorne
Target Dimensions & Weight: 0.83".94" x 11.8" x 9.1", 2.6 lbs
Personalization: 2-3 color IMR options
HDD: 8GB flash, 40GB 1.8"
Memory: 512MB/1GB
Ports: 3 USB, mic, audio, SD, VGA
Camera: 0.3MP
Wireless: Wi-Fi 11g, BT, WiMax, WWAN
Target Battery Life: 3-cell 26WHr or 6-cell 52 WHr (~4.5-9hrs)
O/S: Linux, Win XP
me want one.. the 12.1'' is supposed to compete with the macbook air
QUOTE (L4Zy AzN bOi @ 6-17-08, 2:28pm)
me want one.. the 12.1'' is supposed to compete with the macbook air
Me, too....but I'm not sure I can justify one to replace my notebook.
SSD is limited in size so they can't function too well as a portable video player.
I don't work with computers, so beyond a fancy tiny surfing machine, would I be able to make the most of it?
http://gizmodo.com/5038298/leaked-dell-ins...nd-release-date
Now it's the Inspiron 910.
August 22nd. Still no known price.
It's still kind of weird how there's no "official" word from Dell about it yet, just a bunch of leaked info. If it was really coming out on August 22nd, which is this Friday, why isn't there any info on it on their site yet?
Now it's the Inspiron 910.
August 22nd. Still no known price.
It's still kind of weird how there's no "official" word from Dell about it yet, just a bunch of leaked info. If it was really coming out on August 22nd, which is this Friday, why isn't there any info on it on their site yet?
I setup a Dell Hybrid yesterday. Interesting little computer.
QUOTE (Alan @ 8-21-08, 4:46am)
I setup a Dell Hybrid yesterday. Interesting little computer.
Alan, does that have the capability to be a HTPC to a TV?
QUOTE (wheel @ 8-21-08, 9:15am)
Alan, does that have the capability to be a HTPC to a TV?
The major drawbacks for that application are:- No PCI slots for adding a tuner card (but you can get a USB tuner)
- Stuck with Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 video (but I *think* that's good enough).
Alan, how noisy/quiet is it? Some of these SFF machines end up using loud fans to keep them cool.
It's pretty quiet. The client has it sitting on his desk and it didn't make too much noise.
It has DVI, HDMI and S/P DIF out, so it can be connected to a TV &/or receiver. The drawback, as garsh mentioned, it does not have a built in TV tuner. So, you'll need a USB tuner if you care about recording TV on it. If you don't care about TV then it's a non-issue. And, the graphics "is what it is". Upgrading graphics isn't an option, but that's OK if you're not a gamer or looking to do graphic intensive work on it. I don't have a high end graphic card on my HTPC (128MB card with VGA out) and it works great as a HTPC.
IMO the only advantage to this system is it's design. As far as price/performance I think you can get more for your money elsewhere. However, I wouldn't knock anyone that buys this system. Just know what you're buying and be aware of it's limitations.
Edit: It's small & compact and doesn't appear to have alot of ventilation. Time will tell if heat becomes an issue. For me that's always a concern with these small systems. Also, it has a slot-load optical drive which I'm not a big fan of, but that's just me.
It has DVI, HDMI and S/P DIF out, so it can be connected to a TV &/or receiver. The drawback, as garsh mentioned, it does not have a built in TV tuner. So, you'll need a USB tuner if you care about recording TV on it. If you don't care about TV then it's a non-issue. And, the graphics "is what it is". Upgrading graphics isn't an option, but that's OK if you're not a gamer or looking to do graphic intensive work on it. I don't have a high end graphic card on my HTPC (128MB card with VGA out) and it works great as a HTPC.
IMO the only advantage to this system is it's design. As far as price/performance I think you can get more for your money elsewhere. However, I wouldn't knock anyone that buys this system. Just know what you're buying and be aware of it's limitations.
Edit: It's small & compact and doesn't appear to have alot of ventilation. Time will tell if heat becomes an issue. For me that's always a concern with these small systems. Also, it has a slot-load optical drive which I'm not a big fan of, but that's just me.
Size is what is attractive. DW is not wanting a computer down by the TV, so this form factor looks attractive. Otherwise I am at the roll your own in a specially made case for the application. Ventilation and noise would definitely be issues to consider. I was drawn to the size and the built in HDMI. Thanks for the info alan and garsh.
How does this compare with a Mac Mini?
QUOTE (mydeal @ 8-22-08, 8:30am)
How does this compare with a Mac Mini?
As far as the hardware, I think I'd go with the Dell over the Mac Mini because it has features I'd want that the Mini doesn't. I don't know much about OS X or available add-on hardware/software, so I won't comment on it. However, you need to decide what's important to you. For instance, 5 vs. 4 USB ports, Firewire, 4-pin USB, HDMI, Blu-Ray, etc. doesn't mean anything if you don't intend to use it.
Up to 320GB hard drive on the Hybrid / 160GB on the Mini
Up to 4GB Ram on the Hybrid / 2GB on the Mini
DVD/RW or Blu-Ray option on the Hybrid / 24x Combo Drive or 8x DVD/RW on the Mini
Both have Built-in wireless
Both have built-in Gigabit Ethernet
5 USB & one IEEE1394a port (4-pin) on the Hybrid / 4 USB & one Firewire on the Mini
DVI, HDMI & S/P DIF on the Hybrid / DVI & Optical digital audio output on the Mini
There are other differences. Check out the product specs:
Hybrid / Mini
The Mac mini doesn't ship with a keyboard or mouse. On the product page they promote BYODKM: Bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse (or buy new ones). I'm so used to new computers always shipping with a new keyboard & mouse that i find this strange. Although, if I could lower the price of a new Dell by eliminating the keyboard & mouse I probably would.
I'm really not liking the keyboard to much.
The keyboard is the reason why I'd rather have the Acer Aspire One.
But I really don't use the F keys or the right shift key that much anyway, so if Dell's price is better than Acer's and has comparable specs, then I can adjust to their keyboard.
The release date rumor now is that they'll have it available on the 5th, which I think might be accurate this time since Dell has been adding support pages to their site about the Inspiron 910.
But I really don't use the F keys or the right shift key that much anyway, so if Dell's price is better than Acer's and has comparable specs, then I can adjust to their keyboard.
The release date rumor now is that they'll have it available on the 5th, which I think might be accurate this time since Dell has been adding support pages to their site about the Inspiron 910.
QUOTE (Miranda @ 9-3-08, 12:16pm)
The keyboard is the reason why I'd rather have the Acer Aspire One.
But I really don't use the F keys or the right shift key that much anyway, so if Dell's price is better than Acer's and has comparable specs, then I can adjust to their keyboard.
The release date rumor now is that they'll have it available on the 5th, which I think might be accurate this time since Dell has been adding support pages to their site about the Inspiron 910.
But I really don't use the F keys or the right shift key that much anyway, so if Dell's price is better than Acer's and has comparable specs, then I can adjust to their keyboard.
The release date rumor now is that they'll have it available on the 5th, which I think might be accurate this time since Dell has been adding support pages to their site about the Inspiron 910.
I feel the same way. If the price is roughly the same, I'm going with the aspire one.
Look at the keyboard on the aspire one!!!!
I really like my new Acer Aspire 1. For $249 after high speed internet coupon at BB it is a steal and it has 120GB HD onboard. Battery life with Wifi turned on is only running 2-3 hours but DC adapters cost about $16 (for in car use) and the 6 cell batteries will be more widely available soon.
Links:
Unix system $349
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/con...=7420&lid=0
WinXP System with 1GB RAM and built-in webcam $449 (reflecting $45 discount...can remove BT to save another $20 or upgrade to 16GB SSD drive for $40)
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/con...=7420&lid=0
Unix system $349
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/con...=7420&lid=0
WinXP System with 1GB RAM and built-in webcam $449 (reflecting $45 discount...can remove BT to save another $20 or upgrade to 16GB SSD drive for $40)
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/con...=7420&lid=0
IMHO Dell really screwed up. The aspire one with XP home, 1GB Ram, 120 GB HD (not ssd)and better keyboard layout is $349.
Dell with Ubuntu, 512 Ram, 4 GB SSD $349.
Why no option for a regular HD?
Dell with Ubuntu, 512 Ram, 4 GB SSD $349.
Why no option for a regular HD?
From a post on FW
QUOTE
Jay Pinkert direct2dell.com said:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you can wait until 6 a.m. Central tomorrow, Sept. 5, you’ll be able to get a Mini for only $99 with the purchase of a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 laptop through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 (U.S. only).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't really care for this Netbook but I'm passing the deal on just in case someone is already going to buy one of these 3 laptop series.
This deal could mean two laptops for $748.
Studio 15 ...............$649
Dell Mini 9..............$ 99
Total....................$748
Don't forget the timeline.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you can wait until 6 a.m. Central tomorrow, Sept. 5, you’ll be able to get a Mini for only $99 with the purchase of a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 laptop through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 (U.S. only).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't really care for this Netbook but I'm passing the deal on just in case someone is already going to buy one of these 3 laptop series.
This deal could mean two laptops for $748.
Studio 15 ...............$649
Dell Mini 9..............$ 99
Total....................$748
Don't forget the timeline.
QUOTE (dasnufus @ 9-3-08, 11:45pm)
IMHO Dell really screwed up. The aspire one with XP home, 1GB Ram, 120 GB HD (not ssd)and better keyboard layout is $349.
Dell with Ubuntu, 512 Ram, 4 GB SSD $349.
Dell with Ubuntu, 512 Ram, 4 GB SSD $349.
Totally agree. Dell fails! I hope there are some coupon codes to make it a better deal.
Official page for Dell's Inspiron Mini:
http://www.dell.com/mini
WingsOverVA's post is straight from the Dell blog:
http://yourblog.direct2dell.com/2008/09/04...ew-best-friend/
That might be the deal I end up going for since I need a new full sized laptop too. If I miss out on that deal, I'll probably just end up getting the Acer Aspire One... if I can find one. If I can't find one, I'll just wait for the Aspire One with the 6-cell battery to come out.
LOL! I'm watching that video they have on the blog and Brian Pitstick says, "The first thing you may see when you look at this product online is you may think this is just another low cost laptop PC. In fact, it's actually not."
He's got that right! It's not low cost at all compared to the Aspire One.
QUOTE (dasnufus @ 9-3-08, 11:45pm)
Why no option for a regular HD?
No kidding! That and just a 4-cell battery don't make it special. I guess if it's not meant to be used for long periods, that's fine...but it sure won't last a long flight
hmm, dell mini has "hidden 3G".
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329426,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329426,00.asp
QUOTE
There's a hidden bonus, however: an integrated 3G card, whose details were omitted from the launch, according to Anne Camden, a Dell spokeswoman.
QUOTE (WingsOverVA @ 9-3-08, 9:58am)
I really like my new Acer Aspire 1. For $249 after high speed internet coupon at BB it is a steal and it has 120GB HD onboard. Battery life with Wifi turned on is only running 2-3 hours but DC adapters cost about $16 (for in car use) and the 6 cell batteries will be more widely available soon.
Dell's "deal", their normal pricing, and their inferior product (compared to the alternatives) killed all of the excitement I had for the Inspiron Mini that I don't even want one anymore.
I noticed that Amazon is now taking preorders for the newest Acer Aspire One with:
XP Home
1 GB RAM
160 GB hard drive (vs 120)
6-cell battery (vs 3-cell)
for $399.95
I had some trouble deciding on which color I wanted, but I opted for the blue one. Can't wait to get it! Amazon has no estimated ship date for it though.
QUOTE
XP Home
1 GB RAM
160 GB hard drive (vs 120)
6-cell battery (vs 3-cell)
for $399.95
1 GB RAM
160 GB hard drive (vs 120)
6-cell battery (vs 3-cell)
for $399.95
I'm leaning towards the aspire also. But I'm still looking at other netbooks from lenovo, msi etc.
I over these netbooks too.
But I only want to get one if I can find a deal on one of them, so far seem like everyone is getting it with retail price. (Except the BB $250 Acer One)
over these netbooks too.But I only want to get one if I can find a deal on one of them, so far seem like everyone is getting it with retail price. (Except the BB $250 Acer One)
QUOTE (dasnufus @ 9-5-08, 1:20am)
hmm, dell mini has "hidden 3G".
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329426,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329426,00.asp
QUOTE
There's a hidden bonus, however: an integrated 3G card, whose details were omitted from the launch, according to Anne Camden, a Dell spokeswoman.
It turns out that the AcerOne has an empty 3G card bay on the bottom of the unit. It also has a SIM card slot (covered by tape) on the back of the unit. There is no card holder inside but it is an easy hack to add. There is also an un-used mini PCI-e slot & connector inside as well as a dual antennae setup for the WiFi card. Note: You may want to check your BestBuy for returned units. People are returning these as defective because of "bad" WiFi - however, the WiFi works as good as the rest of my laptops, even better than my Dell's IntelPro. The trick is that the default power saving setting for battery use is turned down to the lowest setting. Turning it back up gives full WiFi coverage.
Oh, one more thing I found on the little Acer. If you get the SSD model instead of the hard drive version, both versions have a second SD card slot on the left side (besides the media reader slot on the right). The SSD version will automatically add the SD card to the SSD drive = if you have the 8GB SSD and stick a 4GB SD card in the SD only slot your C: drive will become a 12GB drive.
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