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Rumour Smash: Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Doesn't Have Hidden 3G Powers (Yet)
Posted by Matt Buchanan at 7:25 AM on September 9, 2008
Even though Vodafone is gleefully selling Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 with built-in 3G, it turns out that Mini 9s sold in the US actually don't possess latent 3G powers like that annoying kid on Heroes. A solid source close to the matter told us that while every Mini 9 uses the same motherboard with a port for integrated mobile broadband ('cause it's cheaper than using two versions), the mini 9s sold so far in the US don't have the antenna or radio for 3G. However, they will by the end of the year, with Dell's usual range of mobile broadband options.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
KarinDiscoGirl
Posted 7:39 AM 9/9/08
That picture made me laugh quite audibly at work. Well done sirs.
KarinDiscoGirl
hottnikkz
Posted 11:02 AM 9/9/08
How easy do you suppose it's going to be to upgrade?
hottnikkz
Nickrick2641
Posted 11:22 AM 9/9/08
From the looks of it, I say that you could solder the PCI-E port connectors yourself, or you can just wait, and buy it when it comes out with WWAN, or likewise, (for those who planned on using that unused port for another SSD ) just shove an SD card into that slot you have which most likely you will not be swapping SD cards out too much.
I'd say maybe a 32 or 64GB SD card sounds oddly slow, but hey, if you need the memory, just invest on an external Drive!
Cheers,
Nick
Nickrick2641
topper7788
Posted 1:38 PM 9/9/08
Great!!!, I already ordered one thinking it had the 3G!!!!
Guess that is what I get for going by a blog!
topper7788
hottnikkz
Posted 2:43 PM 9/9/08
Yeah mine is already ordered. But not because of the 3g that was just an added bonus. Based on the shots I've seen of the underside, I believe there is already a free port left with some wires coming from it but am afraid that may be for bluetooth, unless the wifi card has the bluetooth on that too???
hottnikkz
mpinney
Posted 10:41 PM 9/9/08
I would not expect the 3G card to be included in the current USA Dell Mini 9 configurations, but I would expect to find a free PCIe slot and even the antenna's so that a user installed 3G card could be added. Based on the pictures of the Dell Mini 9 found at Notebookreview.com, I would expect the USA Dell Mini 9 to be 'ready to go' for 3G. Even Dell's own support documents show a free slot and antenna are available.
I guess we won't know until the first production Dell Mini 9's start to ship out later this month to the USA. My fingers are crossed for an easy upgrade path to 3G.
mpinney