Review of Dell Mini 9

Posted Mar 5, 2009 Jesper Berg

Comments
474
Likes
24
Dislikes
5

Full review of Dell Mini 9

Dell was actually quite slow in catching up with the netbook craze, and it took until late last year for the Irish manufacturer to release this model.

The Dell Mini 9 sums up everything you expect from an average netbook; it comes with the standard 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, Intel GMA950 graphics and a choice of a small solid state drive or more roomy hard drive. Moreover you get to choose from either Linux (Ubuntu) or Windows XP Home as the primary operating system.

So, why should you buy the Dell Mini instead of one of the other myriad netbooks out there with the exact same specs? For one thing the starting price is very low, just $249, but that gets you a mere 4GB SSD, so most potential buyers will probably add a few bucks for more storage space. Nonetheless, it is still very affordable.

Another great thing about the Mini 9 is that you can get it in a variety of colors and decorations, although this will also cost you extra as per Dell's business model. The 'standard' color is glossy black (and it is very glossy I might add). The screen on the Mini is good, and doesn't have that large frame that many other netbooks have. On the downside, the keyboard feels more cramped than average, but that comes as no surprise on a 9-inch netbook.

Performance and Conclusion

The battery lasted just over 3 hours, which is completely acceptable. For some reason we couldn't get WorldBench to run on the Dell Mini, but the WPrime 32M test finished in 124 seconds.

If you feel like buying a low-end version and upgrade it later (with cheaper parts) you will be happy to learn that it's very easy to access the internal components, as they are grouped together beneath a panel next to the battery.

If you're looking for a netbook, the Mini 9 should definitely be taken into consideration - it's a solid, highly customizable little laptop available at a very attractive price point.

Edit: Although it would be amazing if the Mini indeed came with a 2.6GHz Atom, it was of course supposed to read 1.6GHz. Thanks Usman for the bump.

Dell Mini 9 Technical Specifications

  • Processor Atom N270 1.6GHz
  • Memory 512MB-1GB
  • Harddrive 4GB-64GB
  • OS Linux (Ubuntu)/Windows XP Home
  • Weight 2.3lbs
  • Screen 9
  • Screen resolution 1024x600
  • Graphic Card Intel GMA950
  • Battery Life 3:07

Pros

  • Very Affordable
  • Lots of Options to Customize
  • Good Battery Life

Cons

  • Overly Glossy
  • Small Keyboard

Comments

  • By:

    Verification Code
    Verify (type this text in the box below the image)

Similar Dell laptops

Newsletter Sign-Up

Most Popular Laptops & Gear

  • 1. Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Entertainment Notebook P...

    Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Enterta

  • 2. iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

    iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

  • 3. MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook - Core 2 Duo 2.4...

    MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook

  • 1. EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

    EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

  • 2. Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & Shoot Digital Came...

    Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & S

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

  • 1. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 2. iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable

  • 3. iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable

  • 1. BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

    BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

  • 2. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

Powered by
PriceGrabber.com

Latest Updates

  • ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

    The Eee PC has a slightly faster Atom processor and a faster FSB compared to the previous models. While this is not enough for anyone to upgrade, it could certainly attract first-time netbook buyers. Read More

  • Dell Vostro A860

    When price and performance must share in compromise, few laptops on the market readily answer the call of duty. When it comes to getting high quality at an affordable price, the Dell Vostro A860... Read More

  • Dell Mini 9

    By now Dell has a full range of netbooks in sizes 9", 10", and oddly a 12" model, of which we’re looking at the smallest 9-incher here. Read More

More Reviews

More Top Lists

  • Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009

    Yet again, Apple's professional geeks will offer up sessions and hands-on code probing and testing at Moscone West in San Francisco. The dates for 2009 are June 8-12. Read More

  • E3 Expo

    The E3 Expo - also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is the one trade show to visit to get the latest news from the computer and video games industry. Read More

  • CeBIT - Hannover 3-8 March

    Unlike CES, CeBIT is open to the public, so there's no need to be a press or industry affiliate to have a look at this massive trade show, which is the largest in the world. Read More

  • International CES 2009

    Find out all you need to know about the 2009 International CES. It features 2,700 exhibitors, including companies who manufacture products or provide services for the audio, digital imaging, home... Read More

  • Mac World Conference

    Make sure to make a note about the Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, January 5-9. If you're a Mac user and wish to meet equivalent people in the industry this is the place for you. Read More

More Events

More Apple

More Linux

More Microsoft

Editor's Choice

  • Top 10 Laptops for Geeky Girls

    Not everyone wants their laptops to be basic and drab. With laptops becoming more portable by the year, they're taken into the public eye and flaunted for all to see. Below is a list of the top... Read More

  • Top 10 Technologies of 2008

    Laptopical's T.J. Aaron summarizes the breakthroughs in technology of 2008. As we are nearing the end of 2008 - find out what made his Top 10 of the most successful and talked about technologies of... Read More

  • Top 10 Netbooks

    The netbook world has gotten increasingly crowded, and until the massive popularity of the form factor wanes this trend will only increase. Beyond Asus and Acer, major corporations like Dell, HP... Read More

Latest Laptopical.com tweets