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The rumors were true -- for the most part. Dell released its much anticipated mini notebook Thursday -- just a day before bloggers predicted.
Other than being a little off about the release date, rumor mongers also got the name wrong: Rather than being dubbed the Inspiron 910, it's actually called the Inspiron Mini 9. Not a big deal, because most of the leaked information was spot on. The specifications are as follows:
- 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor
- 8.9-inch glossy LCD panel
- Up to 1GB of RAM
- Up to 16GB capacity solid state drive
- 802.11G Wi-Fi card
- Operating System options: Windows XP or Mini OS powered by Ubuntu
Starting prices range from $349 to $504, depending on the options you choose. The $349 Ubuntu version is only available for pre-order; the $439 Windows XP version is shipping now.
Weighing only 2.3 pounds, The Inspiron Mini 9 is Dell's first mini notebook. Given the specifications, it's clear Dell is directly competing with Taiwanese company Asus, who offers the very similar
8.9-inch Eee PC 900 notebook for $550. Asus was the first company to adopt the Intel Atom processor -- a chip optimized for power efficiency in ultraportable devices -- propelling it ahead of other manufacturers in the mini notebook market.
Product Page
[Dell]
Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Available Now: Windows XP $399, Ubuntu $349
