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The Ultimate Netbook Buyer's Guide
| Author | Andy Vandervell |
| Published | 20th Nov 2008 |
19 comments
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TrustedReviews NewslettersDell Inspiron Mini 9
UK Price: £249 for Linux | £299 for Windows XP | From Free on Vodafone Contract
US Price: From $349
Brief Description:
Another 8.9in machine, the Inspiron Mini 9 brought with it a few new features. It's the first netbook that's passively cooled and it's the first to be offered with integrated mobile broadband. This is sold exclusively through Vodafone in the UK, with a number of different tariffs available. As a result of the passive cooling it has no moving parts whatsoever.
Vital Statistics:
- CPU: Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
- Memory: 1GB DDR2
- Storage: 8GB or 16GB SSD
- Display: 8.9in, 1.024 x 600 (Glossy)
- Ports: 3xUSB 2.0; VGA; Headphone & Microphone; Ethernet; Memory Card Reader
- Internet: 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, 10/100 Ethernet & 7.2Mbps HSDPA (optional)
- Bluetooth: Yes
- WebCam: Yes
- Operating System:: Custom Linux Ubuntu or Windows XP
- Dimensions: 232 x 172 x 27.2~31.7mm
- Weight: 1.03kg
- Colours: Black
- Battery Life: Up to 3hrs
The Good:
- Very portable
- Well made
- Appealing design
- Integrated HSDPA
- Free on contract
- Reasonable battery life
- Good keyboard for size
The Bad:
- Limited storage options, particularly on Vodafone version
- Expensive when compared to Acer Aspire One
- Glossy screen can be a problem outdoors
- As yet no extended batteries available
The Ugly:
- Contract can be daunting
What We Said
" If you want a "connected" netbook then the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 on Vodafone is your best bet right now. Available for free on some attractive contracts, it's the only netbook to offer integrated HSDPA. That it's found inside a cohesively designed, attractive and highly portable chassis only adds to the appeal." - Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Full Review | Watch Video Review
What We Think Now
As when we reviewed the Mini 9, if you want a highly portable "always connected" netbook then this is your best bet. It's the only one that can offer integrated mobile broadband, so there's no need for one of those ungainly USB modems. As a whole it's a very accomplished machine, too. It is good looking, well made and though the keyboard is by no means perfect, it's better than an Eee PC 901 and is fine for composing emails on the move. Outside of contracts, the £250 Ubuntu version offers reasonable value, though the Windows version, at £300, does seem £20 to £30 more expensive than it ought to be.
The Bottom Line
If you need the Internet everywhere and want it in a PC that's very small and portable, the Mini 9 is a convenient and accomplished option.
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pw said on 9th December 2008
Prospero said on 22nd December 2008
Very useful review - one question please: Can I replace the custom o/s with Ubuntu without losing any functionality?
Chupakun said on 11th May 2009
Loved the feature. I really wish a company would come out with true netbook customisation options--so all we'd have do was pick 'n' mix as opposed to making it a gam... more
modus said on 13th July 2009
The Asus EEE PC 1000HE (http://www.trustedreviews.com/laptops/review/2009/02/12/Asus-Eee-PC-1000HE/p1) has a few significant improvements over its predecessor, the EEE PC 1000H -- ... more
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I'm a bit new to netbooks. I've got an old laptop and am about to upgrade and so after a few clarifications.
I mostly just use the laptop for browsing int... more