NetbookTech

LaptopMag has followed up their first look of the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 netbook with a full blown review now up on their website. The Mini 12, in case you already forgot, is the 12 inch big brother to the Inspiron Mini 9 – featuring an Atom Z530 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 92 percent keyboard, a 1.3 megapixel camera, 60GB 4200 RPM HDD, Intel GMA 950 graphics, Wi-Fi, media card reader, and Windows Vista Basic SP1.

Here were some of the pluses identified by LaptopMag:

• Six cell battery provides 5+ hours of battery life
• 92 percent keyboard with full dedicated row of function keys
• 12 inch 1280 x 800 resolution display gives room for two windows side by side

Here were the negatives:

• Built-in speakers were weak
• Max of 1GB of RAM
• PATA/ZIF hard drive interface
• Weak performance under Windows Vista
• Sluggish 4200 RPM HDD

Here’s the verdict:

But while we applaud Dell’s efforts to make Vista easier to use with its flashy dock, the Mini 12 doesn’t have the right hardware to handle this OS. Plus, the 12-inch screen costs a premium; its price of $654 is about $150 more than the 10-inch Samsung NC10 ($499), which offers better performance, a bigger hard drive, and longer battery life. We suggest that buyers hold off until next month when Dell offers the Mini 12 with Windows XP or its customized Ubuntu Linux operating system.

Bummer. I had high hopes for the Inspiron Mini 12 – if only because of the 12 inch display. However the combination of a max of 1GB of RAM, a slow 4200 RPM HDD, and the use of Windows Vista, tells me the Mini 12 might only be appealing when the price drops way below $500 dollars.  Of course, if you like the other of a netbook but want the 12 inch display, then the Inspiron Mini 12 is really your own choice at this time.

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