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

the dell needs a 6cell or 9cell!! dam it dell why do they keep messing up

 

I think a larger battery is in the not-too-distant future. However, I highly doubt it will be a 9-cell. I guess that would set the Mini apart from the other netbooks though.

 

6 or 9 cell...I could go for the 6cell...I just wonder how much a 9 cell would alter the appearance..

Yes...I agree...the 9cell..think how that might look with current photos of the I9, though.


Cin

 

Yeah, I figured Dell would have offered a 6 cell upon release of the Mini. If they were to develop a nine cell for it, it would have to extend passed the rear of the Mini chassis and raise the rear end of the system up. It would definitely kill the sleek look and would probably add way too much weight for it to be worthwhile.

P.S. Nice avatar change!

 

Yeps...Maybe in the future there will be the release for the 6 cell, it would be nice...The 9 cell..yeah...would prob's *kill it*, and make it weighty!...Maybe by then more *colors* also! HA...I always sneak that in! lmao.


Cin

P.S. Thanks on the comp'

 

Yeah, I can see a 6 cell coming, but I think having a 4 cell over the standard 3 cell that many are coming with is at least a move in the right direction!!

 

Yeps, it is!! So we move from maybe the 4 cell to a 6 cell eventually!


Cin

 

Totally valid points... Where I was coming from was comparing the AAO to Lenovo T61 or HP business laptops which I have used mostly... From a materials standpoint the outer case of the AAO looks great and finish is very good.. no doubt... In terms of the keyboard (the one I had tried) had flex and the plastic used for the keys looked no better quality than an Asus 901. Compared to for example an HP business laptop the keys on the AAO didn't have the nice firm feedback after you pressed the key down.. also, the store model keyboard keys when looked at eye level where not all leveled together probably from the constant use (people trying out the keyboard) but then it's got to make you wonder how durable those keys really are... Even comparing an HP consumer laptop (dv series) to the HP business laptops is night and day in terms of the keyboard for example... Same with a lenovo ideapad vs. a lenovo T61...

This actually brings up a good point in that maybe some AAO keyboards flex more than others.. having done more research this seems to be the case from several users where they are reporting different qualities in the keyboard.

What I didn't like also about the AAO was high sounding 'click' feedback you get from the trackpad buttons. Just didn't feel high quality compared to say the soft deep click or soft cushioned presses you get from an HP, Lenovo laptop. Asus trackpad buttons also react like this...

All this really is your own personal preference really...

By the way... That is a great price for an AAO... for the price you really cant complain about anything...

 

hahah... no matter how low price UMPCs become, people will still complain about SOMETHING it's just human nature. *shakesHead* lol

 

I am disappointed by the pricing. As I mentioned in Cin's other thread, I don't see a differentiator here. The cool (no pun intended) thing is the lack of moving parts and passive cooling but is it worth the cost? And it really, deliberately, looks crippled to not compete with its larger brethren. Is Dell worried that people will stop buying regular laptops and only purchase these? Anyway, I expected better.

The A1 is the best deal of the bunch especially at the 160GB/1GB RAM for $399 price-point.

 

The AAO is currently the best deal out there right now... but it has to make you wonder what their margins are like.. it's gotta be very tight...

I still cant believe the Asus 901 is still around $550... and Asus apparently are saying their margins are tight... yes, the 901 has a greater feature set...

I think that the AAO had their prices cut in anticipation of the the release of the dell mini 9 and rumored prices of their machines... but who knows.... only time will tell...

So I have been hearing a lot lately that the UK mini 9 pricing was just outragous... As I live in both the UK and Canada I thought I check out which one was more expensive... both examples have the same specs...

mini 9 in UK costs = 299 GBP = CDN $562 (inc. VAT)

mini 9 in Canada costs = CDN $570 (inc. taxes)

last time I checked salaries in UK are also higher than Canada... and here in British Columbia Canada our cost of living is dramatically increasing each year...

 

*shakeshead* LOL..Agreed, It is human nature for complaining...but sometimes after complaining we find a bit of happiness!!! LOL
Stress the *sometimes* Nah, we do!

How is the Wind working out for you, good? I've been looking at the other brand *netbooks* and such....whilst still waiting on changes w/the I9

Hey! Well maybe, the pricing points will change the sooner than the latter !!(among other things).


Cin

 

this is one failure from Dell, does not have a competitive price, does not start from $299 as extensively rumored before, inferior features, and disappointing color options.

pass.

 

Yes....Nice, I'm not the only one who remembers the $299 rumored price point!

What other brand Netbook..were you thinking of looking at otherwise? Or, are you passing on a netbook entirely?


Cin

 

actually the Lenovo's are very intimidating. you get more for a netbook and im emphasizing on the storage capacity. 4 or 8 or even 16 gigabites are such a shame for a laptop, i have a Nokia N81 smartphone with built in 8gb's. and that puts current netbook capacities to shame.

i hate to be an early adopter of a new technology. i think i will wait one more year for the technology to ripe

oh, and im also very disappointed that they do not offer red. not because i want it, because you do

 

Yeps! Understand That's sad that Smartphones can do/have that capability vs. the new Netbooks coming *out-and-about*

Oh, I'm sure by waiting one year the Netbooks will indeed be *ripe*..With technology changing daily....I can only imagine the Netbooks 1 year from now...

Awww thanks...I really wanted it in red..and still have that hope that as soon as the first *marketed sales* of the I9 completes...it will bring changes in the color line, and such


Cin

 

So anybody actually bought this notebook yet? I am curious to see how people like it.

 

So, has anyone heard anything about when Dell might be doing updates to this netbook.. i.e. add more colors.. add a longer lasting battery, increase the screen size? I'm still on the fence on whether to buy the black version of this laptop after finding a good deal or to wait for Dell to improve this notebook.

 

I think those that have bought just this past Thursday...are awaiting for build to complete and delivery...

Nothing new yet....I think that after this first wave of sales goes thru..there could be potential changes.....I would say more colors...The increase in screen size is rumored to be another netbook to be released in Oct. or Nov.

And, I stress the word *rumored*

I myself am waiting on the *red* color...and maybe by then I will be interested in a larger size.


Cin

 

Thanks Cin for starting up this thread (and the one prior to this as well). I guess I'll just be patient and wait to see what else Dell cooks up for now.

 

Well, thank you! I think its a good thing...for those that have ordered the I9, going to be...and still *pondering* the idea

I have chosen to be patient, also...Though, I have found myself looking at other *brand* Netbooks...I'm going to stay loyal to this Dell Netbook and see what happens in the next month or so...


Cin

 

I'm looking at getting a netbook and have narrowed it down to the Dell and the AAO.

My question relates to both systems.


I am primarily looking at them for web/email stuff, but was also wondering if they will run MS Office with only 1 gig of RAM? Will the lack of fan on the I9 be an issue? I know the boot up may be a little slow, but will MS Office work after that point as far as taking notes, letters, small spreadsheets etc...

thanks,

smack24

I have found this forum after spending the last few years at notebookforums and I like the increase in traffice that is on this site.

 

No experience with netbooks, but Office 2007 runs acceptably on the old Pentium 4s at my school that have half a gig of RAM.

 

Yeah, the startup of any Office 2007 program does take a little bit, but once it's up it should work fairly smoothly.

Also, nice to have you here at NBR, and glad to hear that you like it here!!

 

Welcome to NBR ~ a great place to be..... SL already answered below!

Cin

Thanks for answering! SL!!!


Cin

 

Yep, MS Office should work just fine. However, if you get the Linux system you will need to use OpenOffice which looks and performs very, very, similar to MSOffice.

Hope you enjoy the forums and stick around!

EDIT: Dang... I was beat to it... by what seems like everyone Should have refreshed haha. Anyway... the OpenOffice info is still relevant.

 

I ordered the 16gb Windows version so I could get it as soon as possible, but I'd like to put Ubuntu on it. Anyone know how far along Netbook Ubuntu is, or another netbook-centric linux is?

 

I have to ask... why didn't you get the Linux version from Dell and wait a little bit? It uses the netbook version of Ubuntu already configured. Add to that the fact that it's much cheaper than the XP version.

 

You can try Ubuntu Remix or this

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile

 

I ordered the xp version, too...got an educational price with an add'l $40 discount, so basically got the high-end model w/ bluetooth for $400. Not bad. Itching to get my paws on it, and am already planning on configuring dual-boot with the linux build...only question is how do I get the build that's native to the i9? BitTorrent, most likely. Any wise sages want to chime in?

Also, just my .02 on the SSD vs. hard disk issue: i prefer the solid-state drives overall because of the lack of moving parts, low power consumption and lack of any noise (awful hd noises suck!), and with the ability to expand to a larger capacity drive, i'm putting my money on the SSD (literally).

Overall, I'm excited about the dell, and the reviews have all come back with great things to say about the build quality of the i9. Batteries will be forthcoming, guaranteed. As far as dell goes, i still have an axim x50 that works beautifully - they do tend to shine when deploying small form-factor equipment. Just my view from the gritty street.


ghost

 

I placed an order last Thursday. But I'm a bit worried about the chassis temps mentioned in the 'official' review on this site. I currently have a XPS M1210 and while I've enjoyed owning it for the last two years it gets uncomfortably hot on the bottom when using it on the couch etc. Can't find a apples to apples comparison, but some folks said the M1210 gets close to the same temps (37 degrees Celsius) the Mini 9 gets around the wireless card. The MSI Wind looks like it runs cooler...

 

Sweet! Congrat's on the order! What is your Estimated Delivery Date?

Here I pulled these 2 specifics from the review done here:

My thinking is that it could run warm, but not badly ..but I can deal with that! Once it comes out in my *red* it's ordered! LOL...


Cin

 

I read those two sections and while I agree they DO sound optimistic the pics that show the measured temps seem a bit more ominous.

I'll trade heat for performance but I think a Netbook should run cold...

Oh and estimated ship date is 9/19.

 

I understand...but think of it this way...you are getting the I9 in less than 2 weeks, and you have to try it out for *yourself* to actually really see

That's why you never know...you may get it and it run's just the way you want it to!!!!!

(I try to be the optimistic one) lol!


Cin

 

Yeah, I think that most netbooks run a little warm, but for me I have been pleasantly surprised at just how cool my MSI Wind runs even under pretty heavy strain.

 

Very true...and you know you have yourself a nice netbook!


Cin

 

Anyone know when any retailers like Best Buy or whatever will be carrying it? The coupons I'm finding don't really do much, and neither does the student discount. The shipping and handling itself, even for the 3-5 days basically ruins all that. Also, would the base price be more expensive if I were to buy it from a store instead of Dell.com ? It's just it would also be more convenient, because with shipping estimates like they are, I can't be sure whether it would reach me before Fall quarter starts.

 

Hey, as of now...I believe the I9's are only available on Dell's site directly....

I think in the near future...there is a good chance you will be seeing them at B&M stores such as Best Buy...it's just the waiting game now on further changes on the I9. If, and when availi' at the B&M's, etc....I think the price points may or may not be a little different.

As always, the pricings at local stores....are usually different then buying via Dell direct..to entice you into there savings for the sale!


Cin

 

On the Dell site it says up to 1GB does that mean that's it's max? I want something with at least 2GB.

 

It can only use 1 GB with the Ubuntu they send. You can use 2GB with Windows though.

 

OK Guys...Thursday 9/11 (woah 911) will be one week that the I9's were released (not that I'm keep track or anything)

I want to know if anyone is hanging on til the end of September to see if any new colors are released, better pricing and/or additional coupons will be rolled out!

I'm hanging in there til 9/30....NOW What about you????

(yeah I say 9/30...maybe even longer - now that's loyalty)

And, how do you feel today about the I9...the same?


Cin!

 

I think it'll be at least a month or two before any coupons are released. I am waiting until people start receiving their orders and such before I decide. I still have the Lenovo S10 on order and it's actually cheaper and a little bit bigger. We shall see though.

P.S. Congrats on 2000 posts!

 

Ordered mine on 9/6 with XP, 16GB and all available upgrades. Estimated arrival date is 9/23.

I used a $55 off coupon + free overnight shipping and am happy with the discounts. I can't see Dell offering more than $100 off so with the savings on shipping, $25 - $30 isn't enough for me to wait. I wanted black so not waiting for anything there.

I've also got an EEE 1000h and an Asus One on the way. I'm going to put them head to head for a week or so to determine which one I like the best. Would love to give the Lenovo S10 a shot but am not waiting until October. I've got a feeling the Dell will win out.

 

Halon, let me know between the Mini I and the 1000H what you think.

 

the DEAL-Breaker for me is the screen size!
i dont understand why dell didnt opt for 1280x800 resolution
anthing bigger than 1024x600 and i will already be all over this thing

or is it because of the hidden 3g card inside. i mean will browsing on 3g run too slow on a higher resolution hence the 1024x600 cap

 

Happy to...

 

Resolution has little to do with the data transferred, only how it is displayed.

I've got a Sprint EVDO card plugged into a portable router and speeds are quick. I have no problem sharing the connection between 3 computers with snappy page loads on each. 3G should be similar.

 

Yeah that's what I'm thinking! I can't wait until the peeps receive their order so we can see pics and reviews, and such!

Oh yes the Lenovo order....that will bide you enough time to decide :tongue: :laugh:

Oh, thanks on the congrat's that was nice

Cin!

 

ROFLMAO.... I really don't think that you have seen an 8.9" screen before...

If you had, then you would know that 1024X600 is PLENTY, and that 1280X800 would be way too small to read... you'd have to have your face constantly less than 6" from the screen.

 

Ok guy's thanks for the feed back!

And, Halon X....9/23 really isn't that long off if you think about it! ; )


Cin