The connected device that made the “netbook” market more interesting is now available online in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. Following a successful introduction in Japan, the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 debuts here starting at $549 in your choice of white or black, and a 40GB, 60GB or 80GB hard drive (available configurations vary by country).
For the OS-minded shopper, the Mini 12 currently comes with Windows Vista Home Basic, but expect Ubuntu and Windows XP versions by the end of the year.
With a starting weight of only 2.72 lbs. and only 0.92 in. thick, current standard features on the Inspiron Mini 12 include a built-in webcam, 1GB of RAM, built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless, a sharp 12.1‑inch WXGA display and an ample keyboard.
As I mentioned in a previous post, netbook purists continue to be intrigued by the Mini 12, with even diehard Apple fanboys conceding that the new Inspiron Mini 12 could give potential MacBook Air shoppers at least $500 worth of reasons to reconsider.
The hottest topic of conversation around this incarnation of the Inspiron Mini seems to be that at 12 inches, it challenges the arbitrary borders of netbook-dom, with Shane McGlaun at Ars Technica drawing an analogy to Baby Huey (cute, lovable, kid-friendly – I’ll buy that much).
Technical, taxonomical distinctions between netbooks and laptops notwithstanding, the secret behind the Mini 12’s unique appeal is very simple: Affordable, portable, comfortable keyboard, easy to use for casual connectivity, great curb appeal. When you look at it that way, how you categorize it doesn’t compute.
Check it out on our Flickr page.
November 22nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
A week ago, I had written a nice post here, but when I submitted the comment…it timed out on me. So, I don’t repeat last week’s mistake…I’ll keep this short.
I’m interested in what people think about the Inspiron 12…especially with it running Vista. I wonder if it would have been a nicer “netbook” at 2 Gig for Vista? Personally, I’m waiting for the Ubuntu version and price before buying this Inspiron.
November 22nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Bryan:
Until about a month before the Mini 12 launched, Microsoft would not license XP for systems over 10 inches, so it launched with Vista. XP and Ubuntu options will be available in December.
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Thanks Jayatdell, I finally feel reassured that it’s worth holding out for the XP or Ubuntu version. I was starting to think I’d have to shell out more for a vaio
November 24th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I see it’s available in France but not in Switzerland. Any word on when this will happen ?