Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook Review

We review the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook computer.

Dell’s introduction of a Netbook laptop goes to show that these uber cheap mini style laptops are here to stay.  

The Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook is a sweet little machine that stays competitive with Asus and other Netbook manufacturers and even goes a step above by offering a solid amount of configuration choices.

At the time of this writing you can configure a Dell Inspiron Mini with up to a 16GB solid state hard drive, Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, Bluetooth,  1GB of RAM, Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux OS, higher resolution webcam, and more.

Size wise the Dell Inspiron Mini’ measures in at around 9.0 inches wide by 6.7 inches deep, 0.6 to 1.2 inches thick, and it weighs in at only 2.3 pounds.  Screen size is approximately 8.9 inches diagonally.  Design wise the Mini 9 looks very close to Asus’ 9-inch Eee PC 901.  It is also slightly thinner than the Eee. 

Color choices at the time of this mini review include glossy black white, red, and pink.  We do however anticipate more colors to come in the near future so keep an eye out for them.  Of course you always have the option to go with a skin if you want that custom look or color.  

Super Small Netbook Computers

As with any Netbook, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 has a modified keyboard to maximize productivity and feel. 

Because of their tiny nature this is a must, and in Dell’s case with the mini 9 they decided to increase the size of the letter keys but sacrifice other keys a bit such as the caps lock and tab key. 

Dell also omitted the F1 through F10 function row keys and instead made them alternate keys. 

Takes a little time to get used to the smaller tab and caps lock keys but overall the larger letter keys are actually pretty cool, especially if you have larger hands. 

Input/Output options on the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 include a VGA output, 3 USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot, Ethernet jack, 802.11 b/g wireless, optional Bluetooth, and your standard headphone and microphone jacks. 

Screen size measures in at 8.9 inches with a screen resolution of 1024x600 pixels.  While it doesn’t seem like a lot of pixels, you will find that on screen elements like web pages etc. are big enough to be functional.  

Finally above the screen resides a webcam and below you will find the mini’s two stereo speakers. 

Inside the Dell Mini 9 you will find some fairly standard specifications for a Netbook including Intel’s awesome Atom processor.  While not a super fast screamer, the Atom processor keep in mind is specifically designed for these super small low powered notebooks and well they do what they were designed to do. 

The Dell Mini 9 handles basic web browsing and email, instant messaging, and other basic takes with ease including music playback and more.  Push the Mini 9 too much and you will find it slows a bit of course, though this is to be expected with your typical Netbook. But nevertheless performance was adequate.

Battery life on the Mini 9 was decent despite the Mini 9 operating with only a 4-cell battery. We achieved approximately 4 hours with moderate usage that included web browsing and word processing. Not bad! 

Overall we feel the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is a solid little Netbook computer system.  While some of us here didn’t quite like the Mini 9’s keyboard configuration, we do feel many of you will actually appreciate the larger letter keys for day to day typing.   Add to that the Mini 9’s good battery life performance and solid configuration options offered by Dell and you having a winning Netbook computer.   

Dell Netbook Shopping

A large selection of Dell Mini Inspiron netbooks including Mini 9, 10.1, 12-Inch and more.

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See also:

• Asus Eee PC Pink Netbook Review
  
  
• How To Pick Out the Best Netbook Computer
  
  
• Pink Apple Mac Laptops
  
  
• Colored Laptops Buying Guide

• Pink Laptop Guide - Includes Apple Laptops

• Comprehensive Laptop Buying Guide

• Laptop Comparisons
  
  

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