Compare Prices on Dell INSPIRON MINI 9
When I saw the Eee PC's, I knew I would eventually gain one, or some other kind of netbook. This Dell is a dream, and it does the basic stuff I want-- email, web, video playback, iTunes, and word processing. This is not a gaming PC, something for graphics or modeling software, not for any kind of software that takes up a lot of RAM and processing power, and it's probably not friendly as a main PC for most people. It's a glorified PDA for people who want something more than a PDA, but care for the portability. That said, if this is making your mouth water and doesn't sound like a step backward in technology, you've near to the apt spot.
I looked into the Dell Mini 12s, but decided against one because they're simply not as portable. The Mini 12 has a bigger cloak, keyboard and hard drive position, but that also makes the PC bigger and less portable. The Mini 9's smaller keyboard will require a bit of adjustment, epecially if you exercise the F keys very remarkable since they're integrated with the second row of letter keys. I don't have a jam with the size of the shroud, but I can eye how some might. Try to see at one of these in person before you catch if you judge it might be an bid.
The Mini 9 will handle 2GB of RAM, but it can only be shipped with up to 1GB because of the software license with Windows XP. Thank you Miscrosoft for another slap in the face! I mean, anything's better than getting a machine with Vista on it, but REALLY. Dell also establish the RAM cap on the Mini9s with Ubuntu, which really makes no sense... Anyway, it's nothing to pop begin the veil, attach in your extra GB of RAM, terminate it, and have the zippiest exiguous netbook around. (I believe it will handle a 4GB stick, but then you're looking at power and heat issues.) When you turn it on, it's ready to go in no time, even without a memory upgrade! Also, decompress the drive. Compression doesn't effect that powerful position and it runs better. If hard drive site is an whine, add an external drive, thumb drive or SD card.
It doesn't approach with a DVD drive, but how often do you really employ one? I only consume mine to install software and to rip my CDs to iTunes. I don't do either of those things when I'm out and about, and remember, it's all about that portability! Eventually you will need to assume a DVD drive, but you might not need one upright away. Also belief on investing in an external mouse if you don't like touchpads. This one is particularly irritating because it's so limited. I can't really comment on how this or anything else affects battery life, since I rarely accelerate on the battery. The speakers are really diminutive, so have some headphones on hand if sound is a spot for you.
I got it and immediately covered it with one of those sticker skins later to support it from getting scratched. It's a glossy effect that you fair know is going to pick up sandpapered if you carry other stuff in your bag. (And who doesn't? ) I also got the webcam and bluetooth options, even though I have no utilize for either of them. That was because hubby will eventually inherit this when I seize something else, so I wanted him to be able to expand this however he would need.
My only other gripe is that when you employ this in public, you come by a lot of people coming up to interrupt you to talk about it. It's not Dell's fault, but if you need to procure something done, don't do it in Starbucks where you'll be interrupted about every 30 seconds. Advance on, it's the 21st century! It's difficult to do anything in an environment like that. I had the same spot with my PDA and folding keyboard, and when it started to happen again, I wanted to bellow... but my Mini won't let me.
Overall, this is 4 1/2 stars, but the drawbacks are nothing when I can set this in my purse, go to Borders, do my thing, and salvage out without the achy shoulder. I always wanted a slight laptop like this, light enough to carry around, limited, with PC power and feel. Now that I have one, the sky is sure, birds are singing and velvet ropes have parted-- well, not really, but this is about as end as I can collect.
I am writing this review from my Dell Mini 9 with 1 gig ram, 8 gig solid dwelling hard drive, running Windows XP. The keyboard is smaller than fleshy sized, but very easy to touch type with. The atom processor and 1 gig of ram handle running XP without a hitch. I loaded Microsoft Office Home/Student edition (minus OneNote) and it too runs graceful. The MS Office suite was loaded using a $35 external USB CD drive I bought for this computer. Because this is a Windows computer, the fresh hardware was recognized and loaded automatically. The wireless connection works smoothly and seeks out a connection well. I have worked on fetch networks and using public WiFi, all using the internet easily. The cover has good resolution. I can race music on the Media Player, browse the internet and edit word all at the same time.
An 8 gig hard drives seems minute, but the built in SD card slot can act as your document storage. I dumped mighty of the pre-loaded programs that I would never consume which leaves nearly 2 gigs on the built in hard drive. I have 35 albums, almost 4 gigs of photos and a bunch of documents on the 16 gig SD card and I tranquil 8 gigs of room for more there. I write documents to the card using a Windows briefcase that syncs with back-ups on my desktop.
If you are looking for a simple laptop/travel computer, this is a friendly choice.
This unit is mountainous for sitting on the couch and checking email and general browsing. I hated holding the heavy 15" laptop while try to do simple things like this.
It was also bought for a second laptop so when the distinguished is in the hands of my wife, I had something to consume. I figure this is sizable for taking out of town.
My young daughter is now taking ownership of it. She thinks the size is perfect for her.
So far, I esteem it. It is light with unbelievable battery life. I got the Linux Ubuntu software instead of the Windows Vista. It is about the same navigation as Windows and learning curve is next to nothing. Instead of Internet Explorer, it comes with Firefox which is expedient browser. Linux is even better than Apple's OS; I am impressed.
Configuring the mini into my wireless network was a fling.
I looked at the ACER in a Staples store and did not like it. The DELL conceal is mighty better quality.
Take a study at the DELL OUTLET for these units also. I paid 279 dollars plus shipping and tax for "Previously Ordered" Mini 9. I upgraded the RAM myself to 2 Gig from Crucial for about 32 dollars. I bought a SDHC 8 Gig card to supplement the 4Gig internal storage.
