Digital Home Thoughts: Dell Inspiron Mini 9: Not The Netbook For Me

This is my review video of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9, Dell's first step into the world of low-cost netbooks. The Mini 9 that I ordered has Windows XP, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, 16 GB solid-state flash storage, 1 GB of RAM, a 4 cell battery, and an 8.9 inch at 1024 x 600 resolution. The Linux-based versions start at $349 USD, and the XP-based versions start at $399. If you get the XP-based version with every option, it's about $480 USD.

There's a lot to like about the Dell netbook, but it's not without significant shortcomings from my perspective. On the plus side, the build quality is top-notch. In fact, I'd venture to say that it's the best-built Dell notebook I've ever had my hands on. It feel very solid and durable, with a fit and finish that's light years above other netbooks. Considering how cheap most other netbooks look, you might think that's not saying much, but holding the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 in your hands just feels...good. The keyboard is a bit on the small side, but that's not unusual for a netbook with an 8.9 inch screen.

That's about the best thing I can say about the Dell Inspiron Mini 9, because the rest of the problems are quite glaring in my eyes. I go into detail in the video about the problems, but in short, the screen is extremely glossy but lacks the intense contrast such screens usually provide, and Dell's insistance on going with SSD (solid state storage) drives limits this netbook tremendously. If you don't need to store much on your netbook, and are going to use it like an Internet terminal, this won't be an issue. But if you're like me, and want to use FolderShare to keep a copy of all your documents and photos with you, suddenly having 10 GB of available storage space is a problem. There are also several curious software glitches - Dell loaded Bluetooth software and Webcam software on the unit I ordered, which lacked Bluetooth and a Webcam. The unit also changes resolution after booting, making for an awkward first 30 seconds of use. The fact that there's so much software starting at boot, including an anti-virus scanner, makes what should be a zippy notebook feel sluggish.

Other than the screen, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is an impressive piece of hardware - it's just a shame Dell didn't put similar effort into the software image they created. Software can be changed though, so if you're willing to uninstall the things you don't want, and if Dell can release a fix for the resolution changing issue, this might be just the netbook you're looking for. Be sure to compare it to the MSI Wind though, which is the only netbook I've kept so far - I find that the MSI Wind offers a lot of value for the dollar, and I prefer the bigger (10 inch), matte screen. Looking for a video review of my MSI Wind coming in the future.

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Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog.