Mini 10 joins Dell Inspiron netbook family

published 23 February 2009

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Dell's enthusiasm for the netbook format has been emphasised once more with the release of another machine the Inspiron Mini 10.

This machine lines up alongside the Inspiron Mini 9 and the Mini 12, but brings a widescreen display to the party. The 10.1 inch screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, and offers a resolution of 1,024 x 576.

The spec actually offers slightly fewer pixels than the 1,024 x 600 pixels of its siblings, but is the sacrifice users will have be make to get a video friendly 16:9 aspect ratio display.

Other features are a keyboard that's 92 per cent the size of the full size version and an HDMI output.

Business users who deal with larger files will be pleased to see that faster 802.11 Draft-n wireless is available on top of 802.11b/g.

The Windows XP OS is helped along with 1GB of RAM, though some users may be put off by the fact that this amount can't be upgraded. Meanwhile, fixed storage comes from a choice of 120GB and 160GB hard drives. The CPU will also be a choice of Z520 and Z530 processor.

The laptop also features a webcam and will weigh in at 1.3Kg.

If Windows XP doesn't appeal, a Linux version powered by Ubuntu 8.04 is said to be available as an option at a later date. By contrast, HP recently announced it was dropping Linux from its netbook range. Also potentially on the way are a 2GB version and built-in GPS and mobile broadband.

Users will also be able to enjoy a range of colours, such as black, pink, red, blue and green and white (see gallery).

The Mini 10 will be available from Dell on 26 February for 299 including VAT and delivery.

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.