Update #2 – May 28, 2008 – The Dell 500 is not the machine you were looking for. The 8.9-inch Dell Sub-notebook is referred to as the Dell Mini Inspiron
Update: (12:03am, April 23) This may not be it – I was sent an e-mail from somebody who wishes to remain anonymous stating that the Dell 500 would have a larger footprint and would not be ultraportable. If we find out anything else, we’ll be sure to post it.
A few weeks ago, we reported on several comments (including some from Michael Dell himself) that were made about a new netbook/subnotebook style device to be sold by Dell, that would be comparable to the 8.9-inch HP 2133 Mini-Note.
Looks like it could be called the Dell 500 and it will be produced by Dell (in their new factory) rather than by Compal Electronics Inc. (a Taiwanese company). It will be starting at around $614 and availabilty outside of India and China and other “emerging” countries is unknown. Earlier today, it was mentioned that Dell had ordered some Intel Atom CPUs, so those could be targeted for the Dell 500.
An EFYtimes article mentions the following:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008: Dell today dedicated its computer factory at Sriperumbudur to the people and announced expansion of its manufacturing capacity in India, to commence production of laptop computers built for Indian customers, besides the current manufacture of desktops.
Dell has introduced an easy-to-use, efficient and affordable laptop computer, the Dell 500, a product designed especially for customers in emerging countries such as India and China. Developed with the aim of delivering affordable mobility to SMEs, education and the public sector, the Dell 500 laptop computer is said to offer enhanced mobile computing in configurations starting at Rs 24,500.
Details from the article:
Market: India, China, other emerging countries
Other Markets (US/Canada, Europe, Japan, etc.,) : Unknown
Targets: SME, Education, public sector
Price: Starting at Rs 24,500 (Around $615 USD, 385 Euros)
CPU: Efficient, so probably ultra-low voltage (ULV)
Connectivity: Multiple wireless options
Card Reader: 8-in-1
Operating Systems (OS): Microsoft Windows XP Home or Ubuntu Linux
Warranty: Onsite, next business day in around 600+ cities (May cost extra)
Article: EFYtimes
Thanks to John B. and Lee R. for sending the link.