If there was any question that the gap between ultraportables and netbooks is ever-shrinking, Dell's newest model answers in the affirmative. Though it's definitely a netbook (determined by its undersize keyboard and Intel Atom platform), the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 ($524 direct) is the only model of its kind with a 12-inch screen—a compelling size for multitasking. Dell, being the powerhouse that it is, was able to strong-arm Intel (the company that has the firmest grip on the netbook market) into letting it produce such an anomaly. More enticing is that its weight is approximately the same as that of comparable but smaller, 10-inch netbooks like the HP Mini 2140 and the MSI Wind. The Mini 12 isn't without some drawbacks, though. An undersize keyboard and the slow-spinning hard drive are signs that it won't threaten the market for more expensive ultraportables, though the screen alone should rid it of some netbook stereotypes.
Dell, Inc.
http://www.dell.com
- Price as Tested: $524.00 Direct
- Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Netbook
- Operating System: Ubuntu Linux
- Processor Name: Intel Atom Z540
- Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB
- Weight: 2.7 lb
- Screen Size: 12 inches
- Screen Size Type: widescreen
- Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500
- Storage Capacity: 60 GB
- Networking Options: 802.11g
- Primary Optical Drive: External
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