Netbook ACE

Dell’s Mini 9 appeared on the netbook scene in September 2008 — just in time for the Christmas season.  The standard model will set you back about $299 — and Dell offers two flavors of operating systems: Windows XP Home or Ubuntu.

Gallery

Specifications

Processor: Intel Atom Processor (1.6GHz)
Operating System: Windows XP Home SP3 or Ubuntu Linux 8.04.1
Memory: 512 MB - 1 GB
Hard Drive: 4 GB - 32 GB, SSD
Display: 8.9" Glossy Backlit LCD
Battery: 4-Cell 32WHr Li-Ion
Maximum Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
Boot Time: ~20 seconds
Camera: Option, 0.3MP or 1.3MP
Speakers: Integrated
Removable Media: 3-in-1 Media Card Reader
Ports: 3 USB 2.0, Integrated 10/100 LAN, 15-pin VGA video connector, Line-out audio jack, Mic-in audio jack, AC adapter connector
Wireless:

Width: 9.13"
Depth: 6.77"
Height: 1.07? - 1.25?
Weight: Starting at 2.28 lbs

Pros

• Long battery life (up to 4 hours)
• Fast load times when running Ubuntu
• A variety of colors and case designs for your personal style
• Vivid display
• Linux version includes a variety of USEFUL open-source software

Cons

• Cramped keyboard may prove difficult for some user
• Tendency to get hot quickly
  

Editorial Reviews

A good starter machine for basic computing at a reasonable price.
-PC World, [xrr rating=3.95/5]

Dell’s entry into the Netbook market means it’s time to take these low-cost, low-power PCs seriously. The Inspiron Mini 9 is an excellent example of the form, if not radically different from the competition.

-CNET, [xrr rating=4/5]

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 falls well short of the MSI Wind... but as prices come down, Im expecting Dell to make this a close race.
-PC Magazine, [xrr rating=3/5]

Ultimately, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is a fabulous netbook that is sure to end up on many Christmas lists this year … but it’s only “your new best friend” if you’re willing to overlook a few flaws.

-Notebook Review, [xrr rating= ]

Dell took its time releasing its own netbook, and it is clear they spent the extra days and hours getting (nearly) everything just right... However, we wish Dell had spent a bit more time on the keyboard.
-Laptop Magazine, [xrr rating=3.5/5]