Digital Home Thoughts: Dell Mini 9 Now With Optional AT&T 3G

"It's never been much of a secret that the Dell Mini 9 has been 3G-ready from day one, and Vodafone customers have been able to get a 3G-equipped model direct from the carrier for a little while now, but it looks like folks in the US can now finally get in on the mobile broadband action as well, with a built-in 3G option now configurable on Dell's site. Unfortunately, anyone that already took the plunge on a Mini 9 is out of luck, as the $125 upgrade is only available new orders (and only available on Windows XP-equipped models). If that doesn't preclude you, however, you can also expect to get a $120 rebate if you're willing to sign a two-year contract for AT&T's DataConnect service, although it looks like you'll also have to put up with a delay in your ship date at the moment."

The beauty of the cellular networks is their pervasive data connectivity. It's a perfect fit for a device like the Dell Mini 9; without data connectivity its usefulness would be subtantially reduced. But it will cost you: if you're willing to pony up $60 per month, AT&T will provide that service in the US. And if you're willing to commit to two years AT&T will rebate you most of the cost of the modem. Personally, I can't see using the service enough to justify the cost, but what do you think?