inspiron mini 12

Dell Mini 10v can do linux, linux, and more linux

By Bryan - Posted on 20 May 2009

It should be no surprise to long time readers that I'm a fan of both netbooks and the linux operating system. Earlier this year, I bought a Dell Mini 12 netbook with Ubuntu Linux and I'm still satisfied with my purchase.

Dell's Doug Anson recently showed that the Dell Mini 10v is quite capable of running the latest linux desktops. I like just the fact that Dell entertains the ideas of running something besides Windows on their desktops and laptops.

Linux available on the Dell Mini 12 Netbook

By Bryan - Posted on 17 December 2008

Dell Inspiron Mini 1210 Early Tuesday morning, Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP joined Windows Vista as available operating systems for the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. By Tuesday evening, I found myself ordering the Ubuntu version of the Mini 12 with the 6-cell battery and 80GB hard drive. Despite having installed Linux on countless systems, this will be the first time I've ordered Linux pre-installed for the client PC. I'm eager to find out how well Dell supports their Linux systems.

While the Mini 12 tops the end of the scale for netbooks due to its 12.1 inch widescreen, I believe the Mini 12 will be a perfect Linux replacement for my aging Averatec notebook. Although I wouldn't have minded a smaller netbook, the Mini 12 with its 1280x800 screen resolution and comfortable keyboard was just too enticing. Plus the thought of constantly needing to use the browser's scroll bars with the lower resolution (1024x600) of the smaller netbooks was a concern of mine.

Ready to order: The Dell Inspiron Mini 12

By Bryan - Posted on 13 November 2008

Ready to order: The Dell Inspiron Mini 12

The Inspiron Mini 12, Dell's biggest netbook, is now available to order! Almost one month ago, CMS Report was the first to break the news that Dell was readying their site for the release of the Mini 12. Current prices of selected configurations range from $549 to $649 which is about the expected price of this netbook.

Microsoft's Vista Home Basic is currently the only operating system available for the Mini 12. However, Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP on the Mini 12 are expected by the end of the year.

For the OS-minded shopper, the Mini 12 currently comes with Windows Vista Home Basic, but expect Ubuntu and Windows XP versions by the end of the year.

With a starting weight of only 2.72 lbs. and only 0.92 in. thick, current standard features on the Inspiron Mini 12 include a built-in webcam, 1GB of RAM, built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless, a sharp 12.1‑inch WXGA display and an ample keyboard.

I will personally be waiting for the Ubuntu version of the Mini 12 to be released before I make my order. I will be curious though how users will review the Vista version of the Mini 12 as I would worry about performance issues. More curious is when we'll see the first hacked Mini 12 running Mac's OS 10.x similar to what we saw with the Mini 9.

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Dell releasing the Mini 12 netbook this week?

By Bryan - Posted on 15 October 2008

Last year, I started looking for a linux laptop and ended up just migrating my old Windows laptop over to Ubuntu Linux. Since my personal preference is for smaller sized laptops, I have also been keeping an eye on the new low-cost netbooks. Currently, I'm leaning toward the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with Ubuntu already installed. However, my personal sweet spot for a laptop seems to be in the 10 to 12 inch range.

Today, at Dell.com I came across reference to a yet to be released Inspiron Mini 12 (1210)! While there have been rumors circulating on the Web that Dell will be introducing a 12.1 inch Mini netbook or (and) E Slim, I don't think anyone has reported seeing actual references of the Inspiron Mini 12 at Dell.com. Until now! Perhaps we'll be seeing the Inspiron Mini 12 released this week or possibly next week? If the price is reasonable and Ubuntu is available, this Mini 12 will be my next notebook.