Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook

Dell Inspiron Mini 9—an easy-to use portable computer for the flashpacker on the go.

With the arrival of the first compact, budget laptop the ASUS Eee PC, the entire notebook industry seemed to have turned on its head. With its 7 inch screen and price coming in at around $300, there was a sudden scramble by competitors to come out with their own versions of these mini notebooks, also known as netbooks. Enter Dell’s newest version of these portable devices, the Inspiron Mini 9—a netbook with a 8.9 inch screen, Intel Atom processor and only weighing in at 2.5 pounds.

While the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 has many similar features to other netbooks out there on the market, with much easier upgrade capabilities and a smaller price tag. The pre-loaded applications also are both useful and easy-to-use and allow you to watch movies, upload pictures, word process and surf the web without any problems. While the battery life of just over 3 hours on this netbook is pretty good, like many other Dell notebooks, this netbook can have a tendency to overheat when used for prolonged periods of time. With good basic functionality and a compact size, however, this Dell netbook is still a good buy for the flashpacker or tech geek on the go.

>>Want to check out more Netbooks? Check out Best Netbooks for Traveling

The quick & dirty:
Where to get one:
Dell Inspiron Mini 9 $649

Why it Rocks:

1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
1GB DDR2 533MHz (1 DIMM)
Ubuntu 8.04 Linux with Custom Dell Interface (Includes Open Office)—Can upgrade to Windows XP
8.9″ glossy LED backlit display
8GB miniPCI SSD card
Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
802.11b/g Wi-Fi
4-in-1 Media card reader
1.3 Megapixel webcam, Dell Video Chat application, Dell Support Center
4-Cell 32Wh Li-ion battery (14.8V)
Size: 9.2″ x 6.8″ x 1.3″ (including feet)
Weight: 2lb 5.5oz (with 4-cell battery), 2lb 11.6oz (with battery and AC adapter)

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 8 out of 10

Dell would like you to believe their new Inspiron Mini 9 will be your new best friend, but as aptly stated by a reviewer on notebookreview.com, this netbook isn’t so much your new best friend as more like “the kid you’re friendly with at the lunch table, but isn’t your BFF.” While when compared to other netbook models Dell’s Inspiron Mini 9 definitely holds its ground, it certainly won’t blow you away. That being said, if you are looking for a small and light, easy to use, durable, portable and affordable little computer, this Dell model may be a good buy.

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Dell Inspiron Mini 9 $649