NetbookTech

Dell’s Cyber Monday deals are in full effect and they’re now offering the Inspiron Mini 10v netbook for a $279. At this price you get a system with the following specs:

• Intel Atom N270 processor clocked at 1.6GHz
• Microsoft Works 9
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution widescreen display
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB 2.5 inch 5400RPM SATA HDD
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 3 cell, 24 WHr Lithium-Ion battery
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Obsidian Black color

You have 22+ hours left with this deal as of the time of this writing.

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Do you have a Dell Inspiron Mini 10v? Are you feeling a bit adventurious?

If the answer to both question is an affirmative yes, then you might be interested in hearing Dell has released a highly experimental version of the Google Chrome OS for the Mini 10v. This image is based on the source code released by Google last week with some minor tweaks to get it working for the Mini 10v.

According to Doug A at Direct2Dell, there are some “caveats”. They are as follows:

• Could take 5-10 minutes for the Chrome OS network connection manager to “see” the wireless access points
• Issues with connection manager and underlying components which can easily break or cause the system to hang
• No reboot or shutdown option in the menu – press power to reboot the system

As you can guess, this is unsupported software so use it at your own risk. Make sure to back up your system before hand!

Read more about the installation process and details about the image over at Direct2Dell. You can download the USB key image file at http://linux.dell.com/files/cto

Those of unfamiliar with Google Chrome OS can read more about the OS at http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os. (or you can check out the below video on what si Google Chrome OS):

Amazon is currently offering the Dell Inspiron Mini 10v (1011) for $299.99 – savings of 11% (or $36 dollars) off the regular price of $335.99. This Obsdian Black colored netbook has the following specs:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB 5400 RPM HDD
• 10.1 inch display
• Intel integrated graphics
• Windows 7 Starter Edition
• Up to 8 hours of power

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Those of you waiting to pick up a customized Dell Inspiron Mini 10 or 10v netbook will be happy to hear that Dell has officially expanded the Dell Design Studio to now include those two netbook systems.

Originally announced a few weeks ago, Dell now allows customers to personalize the look of their Mini 10/10v with artwork based on:

• MLB Team Logos
• (PRODUCT) RED artwork
• Designs from popular designers and artists like Derek Welch and Korakit

You can read more about this by heading over to Direct2Dell and then checking out the Design Studio here.

Dell and Canonical announced last week the availability of the Ubuntu Moblin Remix Developer Edition for the Dell Inspiron Mini 10v netbook.

Ubuntu Moblin Remix Developer Edition is a new Linux distribution combining the core Moblin version 2.0 interfaces, libraries, and applications with the internals of Ubuntu Linux 9.04. The distribution is called a “Developer Edition” since it’s still a “work in progress” – (which means the rest of us might call it an Alpha or a Beta version but whatever).

Ubuntu Moblin Remix Developer Edition can be purchased factory-installed on the Mini 10v at www.dell.com/ubuntu. You can also download the Ubuntu Moblin Remix installation image at the Dell Moblin wiki page here – http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Moblin.

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Dell enhances their netbook product lineup today with the introduction of the new lower-cost Mini 10v netbook. The Mini 10v has similar features to the Mini 10, is available in seven colors, and will have a starting price of $299. Here are the basic specs to the Mini 10v:

• Intel Atom Processor N270 (the Mini 10 has the Z520/Z530)
• Windows XP Home Edition (although Ubuntu is available – just not for less though)
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 576 display
• 1 GB SDRAM
• 120GB 2.5 inch 5400 SATA HDD (the Mini 10 has the 160GB HDD)
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• Wi-Fi
• 24 WHr Lithium Ion 3 cell battery
• 92 percent keyboard
• Built-in webcam
• Starting price of $299

The standard color for the Mini 10v will be Obsidian Black but you’ll be able to choose from Alpine White, new Cherry Red, Promise Pink (US), Ice Blue, Jade Green and new Passion Purple for an additional $40 dollars.

Now a small word of warning: Like the Mini 10, it appears the 10v’s RAM amount is fixed to 1GB in its current iteration. It’s unclear whether this means the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard right now but we’re guessing it is if it follows the current Mini 10. Dell is supposed to release newer Mini 10’s that are RAM upgradeable down the road. In the meantime, it’s still hard for us to recommend going with a system with only 1GB of RAM – especially if you install Windows 7 on it.

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