"Dell's hot-selling Inspiron Mini 10 netbook is getting better with a fresh new look and longer battery life to go along with technology enhancements and easy connectivity capabilities that make it a fashionable and functional must-have for on-the-go people. Updates to the Mini 10 include optional high definition entertainment bundles that deliver rich, smooth playback of streaming HD video in addition to Web surfing, email, listening to music and sharing user-generated content in real time. Dell expects the redesigned Inspiron Mini 10 to be available the first part of January 2010."

My first thought? I sure hope those aren't the only colours - I'd pick white over any of those neon colours. Bleh. Are neon colours really mass-market appealing? Beyond that though, this is lookin' pretty good! The Inspiron Mini 10 will feature the new Intel "Pinetrail" Atom CPU, still chugging along at 1.6Ghz but now with reduced power consumption, the Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator, an optional 1366 x 768 display, Windows 7 Starter, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB or 250 GB hard drive, optional WWAN, optional GPS, optional TV Tuner, and best of all, the new case can apparently accommodate a 6-cell battery without it humping out the back. Does 9.5 hours of battery life sound good to you? Hell yeah it does! Prices will start at $299. I'll be the first in line to order one...if only to find out if Dell improved that nasty trackpad from the last generation. I sure hope they did. The full press release is after the break.

DELL MAKES INSPIRON MINI 10 EVEN BETTER WITH NEW DESIGN AND LONG BATTERY LIFE

•Entertainment Netbook Offers Go-Anywhere Fun for Everyone

•Great Battery Life Keeps People Online for Hours

•Optional High Definition Display, Surround Sound Enrich Media Experience

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Dec. 21, 2009 - Dell's hot-selling Inspiron Mini 10 netbook is getting better with a fresh new look and longer battery life to go along with technology enhancements and easy connectivity capabilities that make it a fashionable and functional must-have for on-the-go people. Updates to the Mini 10 include optional high definition entertainment bundles that deliver rich, smooth playback of streaming HD video in addition to Web surfing, email, listening to music and sharing user-generated content in real time. Dell expects the redesigned Inspiron Mini 10 to be available the first part of January 2010.

The new design with 10.1-inch display includes a textured, smudge-resistant palm rest, sculpted keys and, for the Inspiron Mini 10 mobility bundle, extended-life battery offering up to 9.5 hours of operation. The Mini 10 can be personalized with a broad range of optional colors or hundreds of optional custom artwork designs available in the Dell Design Studio.

The Inspiron Mini 10 will be offered in the coming weeks in a selection of bundles with distinct features like an HD display, Broadcom Crystal HD media accelerator, surround sound capability, built in HDTV tuner for over-the-air local HD broadcasts, or built-in Wi-Fi location enabled GPS that provides people with real time information to nearby restaurants, landmarks, maps and entertainment.

Built-in wireless connectivity Connectivity: Where wireless access is available. Additional access charges apply in some locations. provides easy, quick access to the Internet and e-mail. Some models feature Bluetooth and Mobile Broadband communications Mobile Broadband: Subject to wireless provider's broadband subscription and coverage area; additional charges apply., too.

Highlights:

•New Intel Atom N450 processor at 1.66 GHz

•10.1-inch display with standard (1024x600) or High Definition (1366x768) display available in coming weeks

•Built-in speakers with available SRS Surround sound

•HDTV tuner and location-aware GPS configurations available in coming weeks

•Bundles with Broadcom Crystal HD for smooth HD playback coming in Q1

•Built-in 802.11 b/g wireless with available Bluetooth and Mobile Broadband

•1GB Memory: Significant system memory may be used to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors. DDR2 memory at 800MHz

•160GB Hard Drive: GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less. or 250GB hard disk drive storage

•Choice of 3 or 6-cell integrated battery with up to 9.5 hours of battery life (Inspiron Mini 10 mobility bundle only).

•Choice of Windows 7 Starter or Windows XP Home, Ubuntu operating system option available in the coming weeks

•Lightweight: Starting at about 2.75 - 3.1 pounds Starting at Weight: Weights vary depending on configuration and manufacturing variability. with a 3-cell battery Battery Life: Based on preliminary lab testing. Varies by configuration, operating conditions and other factors. Maximum battery capacity decreases with time and use. Battery life of 9 hours and 34 minutes for the Mini 10 Mobility bundle is achieved using Mobilemark2007 battery life testing benchmark with a system configuration that includes 60WHr 6 cell battery, Windows 7 Starter Operating system and 250GB Hard Drive.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is expected to be available in early January from Dell and select configurations will be available in retail outlets worldwide in the coming weeks. Prices start at $299.

Quote:"The Inspiron Mini 10 continues to offer some of the best mobile entertainment options available in a great-looking, compact and lightweight design," said Brian Pitstick, general manager of Dell's mobile products. "With an even better look and great battery life, we think Mini 10 is the perfect companion PC for anyone who wants to be entertained and connected wherever they go."