THE OFFICIAL: Dell Inspiron 9 (Mini I) Thread...

Guys how does it actually *feel* typing on it, compared to say a 1530 or just a larger notebook?

Do you find that your keystroking is slower? Or, is it just getting used to it?


Cin!

 

Mine is at the local DHL facility. If only they would've shipped it out a day earlier I would have it by now
Instead I have to wait until monday.

 

There is definitely a learning curve. I can type about 112 WPM on a standard keyboard. I don't even want to try and see what I'm typing on this. It's not unenjoyable to type on it, it's just weird. When I went back to typing on a regular keyboard, I was adjusted to the Mini and kept making mistakes.

 

I agree that there is a learning curve. The right shift key is so small and oddly placed that I am slowly learning just to always use the one on the left. Like someone already mentioned the apostrophe is also very odd.

I just tried running a 20in widescreen LCD running at 1680x1050 and it worked just fine... See the picture

I also tried to take a picture using the 1.3 camera, but the default setting is super low resolution so it is tiny.

 

Thanks for the information! I would imagine it will take some getting used to..but when you have it downpat your good to go!

Nice...thanks for your input, also! Ooh I like the pic of the the I9 w/the 20"..sweet!

And that pic' you took with the camera is actually pretty good! It's very pretty picture!


Cin

 

Yeah I am kind of ticked off. I took advantage of that $99 promo deal because I was ordering a laptop for my father for his birthday... My I9 ESD is 10/17!

 

Same boat here.

 

You must have ordered the Ubuntu version. Those were pre-orders. Why get ticked off about it?

 

So the dual core Atom processors have started to ship to manufacturers.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/20/intel-officially-ships-1-6ghz-dual-core-atom-330-processor/

 

I just tried World of Warcraft on it using an external USB hard drive. It was playable if all the graphics settings were at the lowest. Only about 12-20 FPS on average but if you just wanted to be able to quickly log on to check the AH or do a trade, it would work just fine.

 

That is true, but from what I understand they take 2 times the power of the single core atom processor. So you are trading off speed for less battery life. My understanding was that for now its only available in little low voltage desktop computers that will be coming out.

 

1.Can It run CS 1.6 with 30 < framerate?

2.How long would it take to arriave at my door step? (any shiping delyes?)

3.does it come with the normal version of xp or a tiny 1?

4.are there any coupons I can use (would I be able to get a student discount?

Thx!!!

 

Here check this thread..it's a dedicated thread to the I9..you will be able to find some great answers in there from fellow peeps who now have their I9's
THE OFFICIAL: Dell Inspiron 9 (Mini I) Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=294926

Hope this helps with some of you q's!

Cin!

 

quote from the intel article:

"The newest member of the Atom family is designed specifically for nettops, which are affordable desktops purpose-built primarily for web surfing, email, and basic Internet usage. The dual-core Intel® Atom™ Processor 330 features a 1.6GHz processing core, 1MB of level 2 cache, an 8W TDP"

keys points:

1) "for nettops, which are affordable desktops"

2) "8W TDP" - the mobile version would consume way less... (for example, current Atom single core consumes 2.5 W)

All, these are "desktop" or as they are being termed "nettop" processors... the mobile version wont be out till next year...

 

for those wanting to see the dual display work for the mini... found this...

http://gadgetspot.co.uk/2008/09/20/dell-mini-9-netbook-dual-display/

 

Thanks for sharing this linky with the info, George!


Cin

 

Very nice, can't wait for more colors to come out so I can pick one up.
For anyone who has a mini how does it run with multiple programs (Messenger, Browser) and dual display running.

 

Thanks for asking this Doug! I was thinking about this a bit earlier...and forgot til you posted!

I'm sure the answer shall appear shortly!!!!


Cin!

 

Thank you very much , now I don't have any worry on 22 inch LCD.

 

PS - I brought my mini with me when I went away this weekend. After lugging around my 5-year-old 15 pound latitude 840c, I just stuffed the mini in my backpack and didn't even feel that it was there. It's wireless capabilities are good, it boots up fast, using firefox is no problem and taking care of essential business was a snap.

The only "con" remains the keyboard. I normally type *very* fast, but within an hour of my first use, I learned that whenever I need the '-' or right shift key that I have to stop, and finger peck the right key and then continue on my way.

I *love* this thing.

 

1.) 1.6 is source right? So no, prolly would run it at <15 fps since it uses integrated graphics. (Very Very Rough estimate, my old Macbook with x3100 could run it at 30fps 1024x768 though. Little bit of hicccups though) You will prolly be able to play 1.5 on it with playable fps.

2. ) There are currently some shipping delays because there is some part shortage
look here: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20080916PB201.html


3.) There is currently no discount; I work at a computer retail store, I asked my manager why we are not bringing the netbooks in, he told me that the mark up on those things are so little that it is not profitable comparing to bigger mainstream laptops

 

np. glad to share any info...

 

This is such a pleasant surprise. I thought these netbooks are only capable of outputting to 1024x600. I had the Acer Aspire one Linux version for one day and it could only output 1024x600 on my LCD screen! Thanks very much for posting the link! I can't wait until I get my hands on mine!

 

Ooh..This is the kind of post I like to read about the I9!!!! :yes:

You can really see how much you enjoy it!

A definite + for those possibly still *pondering* ordering!

Thanks!

Cin

 

Does anyone know whether the Dell Mini can be hooked up to a tv? Can I get a simple VGA-to-S-Video cable to make it work? Or does the Mini's VGA not support S-Video out?

The only thing stopping me from taking the plunge is the video output capability. I will mainly use this device to surf the web and watch online videos. It would be great if it had HDMI or DVI, I can connect it to a TV when I want to watch movies on a larger screen.

The Dell Mini is perfect for me. Others complain about the keyboard, but I love it, it would be the exact keyboard I would come up with had I done it myself. I like the SSD and the fact that there's no fan. It's lightweight and can easily be carried along. It looks gorgeous. And it has all the ports I use, except HDMI and maybe eSATA.

Don't think I can wait until the Dell Mini 2, though.

 

I've read several reviews of the Mini and it seems like the battery life is all over the place. Someone people say they get as much as 4.25 hours, some say as low as 2.75 hours. I know that stuff like screen brightness and wifi usage effect life, but I would like to know what you guys are getting on average.


Thanks

 

If you look at this thread...peeps that are starting to receive their I9's, are posting information regarding how it's working out for them...Look's like Oliver (see post 309, page 7 ) said about 3 hours on his:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=294926

Of course, more I9 owners will add their input!


Cin

 

Actually CS 1.6 came out WAY before CS Source, and even CS Source came out back in 2003... so while I am not sure that Source would run on the I9 I would definitely think that it would run 1.6.

Here's a link on gaming performance with the MSI Wind which uses the same CPU, GPU, RAM, and a similar in speed HD. :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FLQC1qZiCY

 

I tried CS:Source, it doesn't work. When it starts up it gives some error about the video card "does not appear in our database" but it lets you continue, then before you even get to the main menu it throws some memory exception error.

 

interesting note... for us Canadians the price of a mini starts at $399 cdn... what is interting is that this is the "special pricing" and it expires on the 25th Sep... I called dell Canada and the $399 is indeed a special pricing... as i understand the US prices are also have the special intro offer of $399 usd...

will us Canadians see an increase in price from $399? I wonder...

 

CS 1.6 was released b4 Source.

I checked the MSI wind playable games wiki & it lists red alert 2.... Yay!!!

So is there anyway to buy a mini 9 without having to wait for 2-3 weeks?

If not, then should I get a MSI wind or a Hp Note Mini?or the acer aspire? ..etc

Edit:

Is this a good deal? Http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/sys/847651867.html

 

Well first off if you do go another route I highly suggest the Wind.

Secondly, I think that unless you wanted all of the accessories that come with that craig's list offer I would just buy direct.

Hope this helps!

 

Hey George, I would hope that you wouldn't see an increase in price.

It would be nice if the $399...was kept as a *standard* starting price. If, not what do you think it may start at thereafter, as standard?


Cin

 

If I go direct I would have to wait 2-3weeks right?

Also which is better the mini 9 or the wind? And is it possible to buy the wind from best buy or any other store?

How long does delivery take if I order the wind online?

Thx!

 

What sort of games have you guys tried out on it so far? I'm running The Sims off my SD Card flawlessly. That game is pretty outdated though.

 

I have been playing Lumines, runs great. It is a very addicting puzzle game that you can find on Steam.

Anyone have any advice on where to find a decent sleeve that fits the mini well? Dell has a TIMBUK2 one but it is currently sold out. I really like TIMBUK2 stuff but since it is on back order, I figure should look around at other options?

Also, anyone know where to get a cheaper AC adapter for it? $60 from Dell seems a bit much considering I can find ones for my M1530 for like $30 shipped.

 

Amazon has a few cases/sleeves listed:

http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Slee..._sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1222045773&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Slee...1_12?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1222045773&sr=8-12

http://www.amazon.com/Reversible-Sl...1_14?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1222045773&sr=8-14

http://www.amazon.com/Inspiron-Note...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222045884&sr=8-27

I haven't seen a third party adapter for sell yet.

 

This is a bit girly but I like it - $20.99 and they shipped it free. It'll work until I find a more protective case I like. Now, if Dell will just ship my I9 to put in it!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BY0W98

Unrelated but also a great deal: I'm used to a mouse and my I9 will have bluetooth so I went looking for a bluetooth mouse. Since my I9 is going to be white, I found this shipped free for $21.99 when I used Bill Me Now to get $5 off.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TG4BA0

I'm a bit of a deal junkie.

 

Hey, thanks for the linky's

Is anyone feelin' the reversible sleeves that Amazon has listed?

http://www.amazon.com/Reversible-Sl...1_14?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1222045773&sr=8-14


Cin

 

Oh, I like that sleeve..but I'm a girl....so! ...It would be even more cool if it had more color options!

And, I have that MS B.Tooth Wireless 5000....you will enjoy it very much! It's a nice mouse! Very compact, and the batttery lasted me about 6 months before it needed to be replaced!


Cin

 

They essentially perform the same, but the wind is a slightly bigger netbook.

The Wind has a 10.1" screen versus the I9's 8.9"...

This extra size also adds a larger keyboard for the Wind...

The only other main differences are that the Wind has a matte screen and the I9 has a glossy screen, and that the Wind comes with an 80 GB 5400 RPM HD and the I9 comes with varying sizes of SSDs up to 16 GB from Dell.

Hope this helps! And if you have more Wind questions please check out my review here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=288005

NOTE: The Wind is available through Best Buy, and through many online retailers like Amazon and New Egg.

 

A bit Girly.... understatement of the year. Nice mouse tho.

 

I wanted something a little different. I had an Eee 701 before and the plain black sleeve was kind of a let down and it seemed to catch lint. This being girly is okay with me (being a girl; albeit an older girl) and I think being so busy a design will work in my favor as far as lint and stuff is concerned. It's even more girly in person but seems well made. Other colors would be cool. I'm sure there will be a lot more options before long.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BY0W98

 

I got an e-mail this morning that mine shipped. The e-mail says it'll be here today, but the website says tomorrow. Not sure which is true, and it sucks because no one is there today. I might have to call in sick tomorrow.

 

You ordered the morning of 9/11 and I finally got the bugs worked out of my order the evening of 9/12. Maybe mine will ship tomorrow evening!!!

 

The reversible sleeves look like they're well made and they're cheaper than what I ordered, even with shipping. If I had seen these first, I might have had a harder dicision to make but I still like my girly one.

 

I was just about to ask this to everyone...

Who has ordered some time AFTER launch date and has shipped?

I ordered mine on 9/12 but it's still in Build stage.

Has anyone that has ordered on say, 9/8 or later entered Boxing Stage or better yet, Shipped?????

 

Ordered On: 9/16

XP/16GB SSD/1G RAM/Bluetooth/1.3MegaPixel Cam/Black

Estimated Ship Date: 10/7
Estimated Arrival Date: 10/9

Order Status: In Production


Is there actually an order status that is called "Build Stage" or will the status say "In Production" until it's changed to "Shipped"? I have seen quite a few posts claiming their order was in the "Build Stage", but I don't see that as one of Dell's options for order status in their FAQ.

 

STRYKER412 above says his was ordered 9/11 and shipped this morning. Mine is still in build.

 

Call 1-800-433-9014 and enter your 9 digit order number. It'll tell you what stage of the production status it is.

Dell used to put these stages on the website, I don't know when or why they stopped.

It will go from build to boxing, then shipped. Boxing stage includes boxing it up overseas and flying to the US or wherever, and won't show shipping until the shipping company gets it. By then it's real close to final destination.