NetbookTech

Thanks to a video interview with a Dell rep over at Shufflegazine, we now know Dell plans on releasing updated versions of the Alienware M11x netbook. The updated systems will feature Core i3, i5, and i7 processor options (which presumably will be the new updated CULV processors announced today by Intel) and will continue to offer 11+ inch displays. I doubt we’ll be able to call these systems thin-and-LIGHT though..

[Check it out via Gizmodo AU]

For those of you who believe that nail polish colors rule, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Dell has added six new nail polish shades to the Inspiron Mini 10 netbook as part of a partnership with QPI. The six colors, all inspired by the city of Hong Kong, are Dim Sum Plum, Hot & Spicy, Jade is the New Black, Meet Me on the Star Ferry, Red My Fortune Cookie, and Suzi Says Feng Shui.

Dim Sum Plum:

Hot & Spicy:

Jade is the New Black:

Meet Me on the Star Ferry:

Suzi Says Feng Shui:

Dell announces a new “beauty” for the corporate world with yesterday’s introduction of the new thin-and-light Latitude 13 notebook. Taking design cues from the popular Vostro 13, the Latitude 13 is supposedly the “world’s thinnest 13 inch commercial client laptop” and comes with many of the same internal guts as those found on the Vostro 13.

Additional corporate features on the Latitude 13 include:

• Support for Broadcom TruManage technology and Dell ImageDirect service which lets IT create, update, and deploy system images 24/7 from a secure online location
• Desktop virtualization through certification from Citrix and VMware
• Customized security offerings including solid state drives, full-disk encryption, Trusted Platform Module control, and Computrace software
• Complete range of connectivity options including optional WWAN mobile broadband, Bluetooth, and 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi
• Optional external Blu-ray drive
• 13.3 inch display
• Weight of 3.36 pounds
• Intel ULV processor support
• Choice of Windows 7 or Windows XP

The Latitude 13 will be available in the coming weeks.

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):

Just wanted to pass this small news bit from Dell. If you’re a Major League Baseball fan and you’re interested in the Dell Inspiron Mini, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that Dell will be offering MLB personalization options for the Mini via the Dell Design Studio website (Dell is also offering these customizations for their Inspiron and Studio consumer laptops).

All 30 MLB teams will be available via the Design Studio with each team having three specially-created design choices (Fan, Classic, and Die-Hard designs). I’d get a NY Mets themed Mini.. if I’m not exactly proud of being a Mets fan right now..

The MLB design options will be available from Dell.com beginning next month (it seems like the Mini isn’t an option quite yet right now)

[Check it out via Krunker.com]

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.

[Check it out]

Well it’s about time. Dell is finally offering a 2GB RAM option for the Inspiron Mini 10 as part of a new promotional offer running on their website here. For $429, you get a system with the following specs:

• Intel Atom Z530 processor clocked at 1.6GHz
• 10.1 inch widescreen display
• 160GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• 28 WHr 3 cell battery
• 802.11g Wi-Fi card
• Intel GMA 500
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam

Also note – the GPS and digital TV receiver are not options for this configuration unfortunately. It’s a shame that you’re not getting a 6 cell battery for this price either.

[Check it out via Direct2Dell]

Netbook screen sizes keep getting larger. First came the 8.9 inch models followed by the now standard 10.1 inch panels.. and soon we’ll all have 11.6 inch panels for our netbook systems. According to DigiTimes, panel manufacturer, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), showed off two new panels last week – an 11.6 inch panel for netbook systems and a 13.3 inch panel for CULV notebook systems. More importantly, the company reportedly landed orders from both Samsung and Dell for their 11.6 inch panels which could signal a growth in this netbook form factor . I for one am waiting for the Lenovo S12 netbook to launch.. forget the 11.6 inch and give me a 12 incher!

[Check it out via SlashGear]

Dell extends their netbook product portfolio with the introduction of the new Dell Latitude 2100 netbook. Ideal for either educational or business markets, the Latitude 2100 has a new rugged design that includes a rubberized casing as well as an optional carrying handle. Other key features include a starting weight of 2.91 lbs, your choice of Windows or Linux, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet support, as well as a slew of options including solid state drives, touch-screen displays, and a webcam.

Key specs include:

• Windows Vista Home Basic SP1, Windows XP Home SP3, Ubuntu Linux 8.10
• Intel Atom N270 processor running at 1.6Ghz
• Intel 945 PM/GS Express Chipset
• Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 10.1 inch WSVGA (1024 x 576) LED display with optional touch-screen
• 512MB or 1GB integrated memory option with one memory slot for up to an additional 1GB of memory (total of 2GB)
• 3 cell or 6 cell “Smart” Lithium-Ion primary battery featuring Express Charge
• 65W AC adapter with cord wrapping
• Solid State Drives up to 16GB
• 5400RPM Hard Drives up to 250GB
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Dual Kensington Lock Slots
• Optional 8X DVD external burner
• 2 speakers
• Digital microphone, optional VGA camera
• 3 in 1 card reader
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• VGA
• Headphone/speaker out
• Touch-pad
• Measures 10.43 x 7.36 x 0.89 inches and weighs 2.91 lbs

Prices for the Latitude 2100 start at around $399

[Check it out]

[Check out the Dell Latitude 2100 spec sheet]

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.

[Check it out]