Netbooks News, Hacks and HowTo’s

I think the weirdest thing that happened thus far on the netbook category is what Dell has done. A 12″ screen for a netbook a laptop a lapnetbooktop?

Dell announced yesterday their new Dell Inspiron not-Mini 12″. Under the hood are same specs like regular netbooks have. A 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM, 60G or 80G HDD. So what separates it from other netbooks is it’s 12″ screen. It also weighs heavier than ordinary netbooks at 2.72 lbs.

I don’t write well-written comments and reviews and I don’t really get what Dell is trying to imply here. Maybe they’re not really lining it up with netbooks but with the MacBook Air? Maybe?

When Dell released the Inspiron Mini 9 in UK, users have no other options than the XP version. Now, Dell have introduced a new flavor with Ubuntu 8.04, 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB DDR2 533 Mhz RAM, 8GB SSD and 0.3 MP camera in the usual 8.9″ screen @ 1024×600 display.

But if you think it’s going to restore people’s love for Linux which is slowly dying, you might be wrong because all better options are on their Windows XP version. The XP version Dell Inspiron has greater storage capacity of 16GB, and better 1.3 MP camera, compared to the Linux version. This is very unusual while other manufacturers put larger SSD estate on their Linux versions. With a price difference of £30, it’s more likely that users will still want to enjoy the Windows XP version.

via RegisterHardware

Dell has started their netbook journey officially last night in Manila as they introduced the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 together with their Dell Studio Laptops and Dell Studio Hybrid in 8 colors. As expected on our previous report, its price is revealed at Php 24, 599 for Windows XP version, which is a bit expensive but still affordable. There’s no words on pricing for the Ubuntu version yet.

One thing that actually turned me netbook ignorant are the function keys [that I first thought were missing] that were placed across the middle of the keyboard sharing letters A to L, etc. Some keys like scroll lock is missing as well, but who uses it anyway? Good thing about lesser keys is that it save space for other keys for larger and easier access.

Just a refresher, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 sports 1.6G Intel Atom, 8.9-inch screen at 1024 X 600, WiFi and Bluetooth, 1GB RAM and 16GB SSD. It can have more storage via box.net.

For some of you who are in doubt about which is better between the 2 netbooks, here are some ideas that might be of help.

Performance wise, Dell Inspiron Mini 9 might outdo the Asus Eee PC 900. Inspiron sports 1.6Ghz Intel Atom while the Eee PC 900 uses 900Mhz Celeron. Since Atom consumes lesser power than Celeron, Inspiron has an advantage on this side as well.

In terms of Graphics, Inspiron has the Intel GMA 950 chipset while the Eee PC 900 has the Intel GMA 900. So it’s clear that Inspiron wins this side as well. Though I guess that it won’t be that BIG issue here.

The Eee PC’s main defense against the Inspiron Mini 9 is definitely the cheaper price, $399 vs $474. Not if you will buy Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 laptop through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 (U.S. only) because the Inspiron will then cost $99.

The Eee PC 900 is a bit lighter and smaller than Inspiron. Just a bit. In terms of other specs, such as the webcam, USB ports, screen sizes, etc… both netbooks almost are very similar.

Source: Stationstops

It’s been officially announced that the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 will be available in the Philippines this coming October. Prices are not yet disclosed but Yuga has given some hints that it will be retailed under Php 25,000 mark. This netbook sports the following specs:

2.2lbs
Atom 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM and 16GB SSD
Windows XP Home with an 8.9-inch display screen (1024×600 pixel resolution)
Bluetooth
1.3MP Webcam
Built-in WiFi

The official launch in the Philippines is happening in September 17. I will be there.

More pictures after the break. Read more »