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.
Update: Within the past couple hours the Mini 12's User Manual has been made available at Dell.com. Also, Engadget has picked up on this story with a link back to CMSReport.com! Our host server hasn't been tested with high volume traffic for a few months. I have a feeling the enthusiastic Engadget crowd is going to raise up the heat on the server...
Update 2: Basic specifications from the 1210 user manual shows that this netbook includes:
- the Intel Atom Z520 or Z530
- 1GB DDR2 RAM
- 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth, WLAN, optional WWAN
- 12.1 inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution
- two full size Mini Card slots with stand-offs premounted for half size support
- 3-cell or 6-cell battery options
- Total Weight: 2.73 lbs (1.24 kg) with 3-cell battery and 3.06 lbs (1.39 kg) with 6-cell battery
Update 3: A number of other gadget sites have picked up on this post. Some of those sites include, MyDellMini, SlashGear, UMPC Portal (good tech article), I4U, Crunchgear, and Electronista. It's really too bad some of my content management posts don't get this kind of traffic!
Update 4: Looks like Dell may have removed the link for the manuals to the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 (1210). Due to copyright issues, it likely isn't in my best interest to post the manuals online. However, if you have a specific question regarding the Mini 12 and think the answer may be in the manual, feel free to ask via comments here.
Update 5: As of Oct 22nd, no return of the manuals, but there is a BIOS A01 (Initial Release) available for the Mini 12.
Update 6: As of Oct 26, Dell announces the Mini 12 (via Engadget). Unfortunately, the Mini 12 is being released in Japan first before going global later in November. I posted a comment with the Japan spec options at Engadget as well as below. $600 USD...not bad and with Ubuntu Linux it should beat the price/convenience of a Macbook Air anyday.