Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook Official; WWAN Option Is Coming
The leaked flyer was only the start of it; there's still no official press release [update: press release after the cut, and the microsite is up], but the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook (aka Dell Inspiron 910) is now available to order on their website. The three Mini 9 models – Standard, Social and XP Edition – are there, priced from $349 for the Standard and up to $449 for the Windows-based XP Edition, with an estimated ship date of September 16th.Check out the Dell Mini 9 video demo after the cut
Dell's support site also has a new document detailing the Inspiron Mini 9's expansion capabilities. In the image above, 1 refers to the SSD, 2 to the WWAN card, 3 to the RAM and 4 to the WiFi card.
The WWAN card shown in the image – a cellular modem – is not currently listed as an option on the Dell Mini 9 configuration page. Currently the $449 full specification gets you an Intel Atom 1.6GHz CPU, 8GB SSD, 1GB RAM, Bluetooth 2.1, Windows XP and a 1.3-megapixel webcam; a white casing is a $25 option.
Update: $349 Linux version is also available.Update 2: Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 microsite is up as well [thanks Francisco!]Update 3: Dell have released a video of the Inspiron Mini 9:
Press Release:
MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND: DELL'S INSPIRON MINI 9Ideal Internet Buddy For Surfing, Shopping and Chatting
·Light, Highly Mobile Device Built For Easy Online Browsing And Entertainment
·Box.net Web Storage Keeps Your Personal Files Safe And Enables Anytime Access and SharingROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 4, 2008 –Dell today officially unveiled the Inspiron Mini 9. This small, easy-to-carry device stands ready to connect teens, tweens, travelers and "Tweeters" to their online world be it surfing the Web, chatting with friends, blogging, streaming content, uploading photos or enjoying favorite online videos, music and games.
The Inspiron Mini is an affordable Internet companion that can be fine-tuned to fit users' specific needs and deeds. It is available now on www.dell.com/mini in the U.S., Japan and select countries in Europe. Availability elsewhere will be handled on a country -by-country basis.
Solid Construction & Connections
With a starting weight of 2.28 lbs.[i], digital nomads will value the Inspiron Mini's durable design, with sealed keyboard and reliable solid state drive (SSD) memory storage. A bright 8.9‑inch glossy LED display (1024x600) presents most web pages with no left-right scrolling, and the keypads are large and easy to navigate. Standard built-in Wi-Fi means quick and easy wireless internet access to hotspots in the home, on campus, in a local coffee shop, in the office or at a conference. The Inspiron Mini can be further customized with optional technology like:
· Built-in Webcam, bundled with Dell Video Chat, making it easy to stay in touch using video chat, recording and sending video emails, or even PC-to-PC phone calls around the world. DVC even supports four-way calling, making virtual family reunions a reality.
· Built-in Bluetooth® for easy wireless connections to Bluetooth-enabled accessories like a pair of stereo headphones, a mouse, a printer, etc.
Dell has teamed up with Box.net to offer exclusive web-based file storage, access and sharing to Inspiron Mini users, including a free Basic plan with 2GB of remote storage space, expandable to 25GB. Dell's Inspiron Mini will include a direct link to a Dell-exclusive home page on Box.net (www.box.net/dell), providing users with an easy way to add incremental online storage space to easily manage their digital lives. Individuals can safely and securely upload files of any type to their Box, including photos, videos, music, documents and presentations, and then access those files from almost anywhere on any device.
Box.net's world-class service requires no software to download. With its OpenBox platform, Box.net enables people to edit documents and photos directly from their web-browser and post media to their blog or social networks, further enhancing the mobility and user experience on the Inspiron Mini.
Individual & Intuitive, Simple & Stylish
Individuals can personalize their Inspiron Mini with choice of colors – Obsidian Black or Alpine White – and interaction experience – optional Windows® XP® or Ubuntu 8.04 with custom Dell interface (coming soon). For those looking for a more traditional and familiar experience, the Inspiron Mini with Windows XP Home is available immediately starting at $399.
Inspiron Mini devices featuring an intuitive Dell-developed custom interface are expected to be available in a few weeks with a starting price of $349. The custom home screen is designed to make it easy to find what people are looking for. Intuitive icons link directly to groups of similar applications, like games, Web and entertainment, and favorite web links for quick access. Plus, the home screen can be personalized, putting your favorites front and center.
This highly mobile and fun device can be carried anywhere in style thanks to a full line of custom "Designed for Dell" backpacks, messenger bags and convertible cases from merchants including Timbuk2. Blending high fashion and superior function, the coordinated bags and accessories incorporate subtle design elements and offer Inspiron Mini owners a unique way to express a personalized, integrated style. "Designed for Dell" products currently are available in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Finishing Touches
Dell provides a variety of service offerings and add-on options to help ensure devices are easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:
· Dell Support Center: Quickly access Dell service and support from an icon on your desktop that provides automated fixes, software upgrades and tools to help keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently.
· DellConnect™ Remote Assistance:[ii] Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection (available only on Windows-based systems)."