Dell has launched a new ultra-portable computer it calls the Inspiron Mini 9. I’ve written about these little computers before, but this Mini will offer strong competition to HP’s Mini-Note PC, which is a really great machine in its own right.

According to the press release, the Mini 9 has a starting weight of 2.28 pounds (I think The Da Vinci Code in hardback weighed more.), an 8.9-inch diagonal screen with 1024×600 resolution, and built-in wi-fi. The standard version comes with Ubuntu Linux 8.04 — your chance to wean yourself off Windows. Or you can upgrade to Windows XP. (Why XP? Because the vendor saves money loading an outdated operating system and it doesn’t require the same hardware resources as, say, Vista.)

The $349 edition includes 512 megabytes of memory and a 4 gigabyte solid state drive.

Options include a built-in webcam with Dell Video Chat and built-in Bluetooth, which lets you accessorize your computing with Bluetooth gizmos like headphones, a mouse, and the like. You can also upgrade memory and storage, case color, add an external hard drive and a whole bunch of other components.

But the beauty of these devices is that you can keep it light and mobile. That may require relinquishing your hard and fast rules about what’s required for a quality computing experience (such as a DVD drive or extra battery).

Choosing to invest in a machine such as the Mini 9 is kind of like supporting Barack Obama — it’s time to start dreaming again!

Posted on September 5th, 2008 by dian