Dell Inspiron Mini 10 – More Info, Hands-On, US Release Date

Dell Inspiron Mini 10 The 10.1″ 16:9 Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is going to be one of the first mainstream netbooks/ultraportables available with an HD display (720p – 1366×768). As such, it’s garnered a lot of attention since CES 2009. Today, we finally found out quite a bit more about it, through a few different channels.

Direct2Dell and QVC have indicated that it will be available for order tomorrow through QVC’s shopping channel (and possible website). There were also details released about configurations available directly from Dell.com later this week or next week.

Dell has also posted a promotional video about the Mini 10:

One very important note – initial Mini 10s will have 1GB of RAM and will NOT be upgradeable.

$399 Base Model (Dell.com):
– 10.1″ Glossy 1024×576 (non-HD) display
– Intel Atom Z520 1.3GHz CPU
– 1GB RAM w/160GB HDD
– 3-Cell Battery
– Windows XP Home
– 1.3MP Webcam
– HDMI


PC Magazine has published a hands-on with the Inspiron Mini 10, and were impressed with the 92% full-sized keyboard, saying: The Mini 10’s 92 percent keyboard sits among the elite, matching those of the Asus EeePC 1000HE, the MSI Wind, and the HP 2140. They mention the HD display won’t be out for a few months. At some point, 6-cell batteries will also be offered.

Colors include: Obsidian Black, Jade Green, Promise Pink, Alpine White, Cherry Red, Ice Blue

Future options include:
– Ubuntu 8.04 Linux
– The already-mentioned 720p display
– Integrated Digital TV tuner
– Bluetooth
– Integrated GPS Module
– Mobile Broadband (no word on carriers)

The release date for the US as far as Dell.com orders is shaping up to be February 26, 2009, however the QVC.com and Direct2Dell website originally indicated they would be available for order tomorrow (through QVC’s TV channel or website), and shipments may not begun for either avenue until sometime in March.

Read:
Direct2Dell Community
PC Magazine