Dell has joind the new netbook arena with their Inspiron Mini 9. I took a look at their site. It’s available with Unbutu or Windows XP. I configured up an Ubuntu machine with every possible accessory I could find and it came up to $524. The stock machine has an Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz), 8.9 inch display (1024×600, LED backlit), WiFi (b/g), 3hr battery.
You have options for 512MG or 1GB of RAM, 4GB, 8GB or 16GB SSD drives, Bluetooth, and two web cam options.
My $524 machine has 1GB of RAM, 16GB SSD, Bluetooth, 1.3 mega-pixel web cam and a TimBuk2 sleeve. The sleeve is what pushed it over $500.
Sounds like a great little machine. But, Ubuntu isn’t actually shipping right now, nor do they indicate what’s included with the Unbutu install. They don’t even have a ship date for the Ubuntu version.
Getting it with Windows adds $90, but this takes you to 1GB of RAM and the 8GB SSD. Dell is offering a $40 instant savings (only for Windows) so the net add is $50. Configuring a machine with the same options as the Ubuntu system above ended up being the same price (only after the $40 instant savings is applied).
I’d say it’s worth a look.
Update 9/15/08: My son ordered a Mini 9 over the weekend. I should be able to give a first-hand review shortly.