Netbook Scoop

As I described in an earlier post, I need to replace my netbook.  In Part 1 of this series, I laid out the features that are important to me. Then I reviewed currently available netbooks and selected five that met my requirements.

The first on the list (in alphabetical order) is the Linux version of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.

Dell (as well as HP and Lenovo) will custom build a netbook with the options that I choose.  So there are a lot more options than buying an Acer, Asus, MSI or Samsung netbook.

Of course the converse is that you pay for every option.   Which can get expensive if you choose them all.

Specifications

First the specs for the base unit along with the options:

Display: 8.9 inch LED (1024x600)
CPU: 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom Processor N270
Graphics: Intel GMA950
RAM: 1GB DDR2 at 533MHz (upgradeable to 2GB for $50)
Storage: 8GB SSD (other options  4GB [save$35], 16GB [$40] or 32GB [$65]
Camera: None (0.3M pixel for $15, 1.3M pixel for $25)
Wireless: 802.11g
Bluetooth: None ($20 to add)
Battery: 4 cell
OS: Ubuntu Linux version 8.04.1
Weight: 2.3 lbs.

Reviews

Joanna Stern at LaptopMag.com does a great job reviewing laptops.  So let’s start with her review of the Dell Mini Inspiron 9 (Linux).    Some notable comments:

The Inspiron Mini 9 is one of the smallest and lightest 8.9-inch mini-notebooks we’ve seen.

The glossy 8.9-inch, 1024 x 600-pixel resolution screen provides enough space to fit windows to size and looked sharp from a variety of angles… tilting the screen back to its limit of 110 degrees didn’t cause glare.

While we weren’t bothered by the missing function keys (the middle row of the keyboard now performs double duty), the right Shift key has been shrunk and moved to the right of the Up arrow button, and the apostrophe key is located on the bottom row of keys. Both changes will cause problems for touch typists until they’ve adjusted.

Not only is Dell’s interface sleeker than both the Eee PC’s Xandros and Acer’s Linpus Linux Lite, but Dell’s Ubuntu version makes switching to the advanced desktop mode to programs easier.

We were impressed with the endurance of the Inspiron Mini 9’s four-cell battery. We managed to squeeze 3 hours and 12 minutes out of the battery with Wi-Fi on.

Despite its inferior keyboard, we recommend the Dell Mini Inspiron 9 over the Aspire one for those users interested in Linux.

Jerry Jackson at NotebookReview.com also does a nice job reviewing laptops.  In his review of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 he says:

The build quality of the Mini 9 is amazingly solid for a subnotebook of this size and weight.

In terms of upgradeability, the Mini 9 is much easier to upgrade than most netbooks currently on the market.

The keyboard on the Mini 9 is less cramped than what we’ve seen on the 7-inch and 8.9-inch ASUS Eee PCs, but the Dell keyboard is still very compact. Even though I’ve gotten used to typing on netbook keyboards, the first few hours I spent typing on the Mini 9 were quite frustrating as the small footprint and tiny keys require you to use a “hunt and peck” style of typing rather than traditional touch typing methods.

Also, there is no F11 or F12 key … which is bad for people who use F11 to maximize their web browser window or use F12 as a programmed shortcut key.

The glossy LED backlit display on the Mini 9 is nice and vibrant with rich colors and good contrast.

In terms of noise, our pre-production Mini 9 is quite remarkable in that it makes literally no noise.

Under normal use, backlight at 100 percent and using wireless for web browsing and watching several DivX movies at 75 percent volume, the Mini 9 managed to deliver three hours and 38 minutes of battery life.

Video Review

LogicTV provides a great 5-minute video review of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.

My Thoughts

Advantages:

• Thin and lightweight
• 4-cell battery strikes a nice balance between 3-cell (short battery life) and 6-cell (bulky and heavy).
• Good value

Concerns:

• Keyboard!  I thought with the function keys removed that there would be enough space to make the keyboard touch-type friendly.  I guess not.
• Heat.  Every reviewer mentioned how hot the netbook got.

Conclusion:

Great little unit, but the keyboard fails to meet my standards.  I hated my Asus Eee Pc because of the keyboard.  I loved the keyboard on my Aspire One.  The Dell Inspiron Mini 9′s keyboard would make me crazy again.