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The first time a mini-notebook is loaded with OS X, like any right of passage, it's a major event. And now the Inspiron Mini 9 has become a man, or at least an honorary Apple fanboy. Loaded with a slipstreamed version of OSX in a manner similar to the MSI Wind, the wireless card, Ethernet and sound didn't work initially but were fixed after the download of a few additional files.
We love Iron Man and really have nothing bad to say about the guy. But we were surprised to hear that customers who are personalising their Dell's Inspiron, Studio or XPS will have the options to bump up the RAM, upgrade the video card and then preload Iron Man (in standard definition) with some extras for $US20.
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.
According to BGR, The 8.9" Aspire One netbook is expected to be available with integrated 3G starting this November in Taiwan. The upgrade will cost an additional US$95 over the standard model, but there is no word on when we might see a similar bundle arriving in the States. However, integrated 3G was always part of the plan, so with any luck we won't have to wait too long. On a related note, jkOnTheRun spotted a Japanese newspaper flyer that appears to offer a similar bundle with the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and the HP 2133 along with a US$370 subsidy when users sign up for a two-year 3G plan with Emobile. [BGR and jkOnTheRun]
Posted by Nick Broughall at 3:08 PM on September 5, 2008
The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 has been released in Australia as well as the US. I've been waiting to try and find out whether or not we'll get a similar deal to the US$99 offer the US is getting, but it's getting late in the day now, so I figured I'd fill you in on what I know now.
The netbook will set you back $599. Dell will begin shipping on September 10, but is available to order now. At launch it will be available in black, with more colours coming in the future. 16GB worth of flash storage, 1GB RAM and Windows XP SP3 keep the Mini 9 running, while Bluetooth, 802.11b/g keep you connected. There's no word on a Linux version.
There's also no word on whether an Australian mobile network is planning on subsidising the mini-lappy for its HSDPA connectivity, but here's hoping.
[Dell]
When Michael Dell mentioned yesterday that he thinks telcos will subsidise netbooks to sell integrated 3G services, he wasn't quite talking out of his ass—an unmentioned feature of the Inspiron Mini 9 is an integrated 3G card. The first carrier to sell the Mini with 3G is Vodafone in the UK. No carrier announcements in the US yet, but since it's HSDPA (assumedly, because Vodafone UK is, and they aren't letting you pick your 3G card) AT&T would pretty much be your only option here. Pretty nice trick up your sleeve, Dell. [PC Mag, Pocket Lint]
Until 6AM September 9th, according to Dell's own blog, if you buy a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 machine from Dell, you can buy an Inspiron Mini 9 for a suitable mini price of US$99. It's a mini bargain.
AU: Not sure if this will follow through to the AU site, but I don't think it will, somehow...[Direct2Dell]
The way Dell introduced the Inspiron Mini 9 was pretty inspired, so it's almost been depressing watching the steady stream of leaks deflate it into a now familiar device, even though it's only being released today. As leaked, inside is an Intel Atom Diamondville processor and it has a 1024x600 LED-backlit screen with 4, 8 and 16GB SSD options (plus you get 2GB free online storage at Box.Net) and about three hours of battery life. Only the Windows XP version is available now for US$399, in black or white—the US$349 Ubuntu flavour, along with the rest of the six-colour rainbow are a few weeks away.
A few weeks ago we ran some rumoured specs of Dell's answer to the Eee, the Dell Inspiron 910 (aka Mini Inspiron and Inspiron Mini). Now we've gotten our hands on the full (internal) 910 web documentation. Along with scoping shots from every angle, we've learned that the 910 will support SSDs up to 16GB and has what looks to be very moddable internals (large Phillips-head screws hold that SSD in place). The system will go on sale in just a few days--August 22nd our source says--but we still don't know whether or not that US$299 starting price is just a myth.
Bringing up the rear of tonight's new Dell extravaganza (and its three consumers lines) is some back-to-school Inspiron action, the main attraction being the Inspiron 13--it starts under US$800 (Wal-Mart will sell a special US$700 config), with a 13-inch "high definition display," touch controls, and a slot-loading DVD drive. Plus it has some decent design chops for a budget laptop. The Inspiron 518 desktop is a sorta standard budget tower but dressed up in glossy black, starting at US$349. Details, details:
