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

Not sure if this has been posted yet but here is a real boot time video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cWSgBdW3t0

The guy also has a demo of the sound.

I'm so torn between this and the EEE 901. I have a 701 currently and am lookign at getting one of these to potentially last me a couple of yrs. Im going more towards the Dell but waiting for a few more people to receive it and see what they say. Also waiting to see what deal Vodafone do on mobile broadband.

For me, the 901s battery life is a big plus, but it adds weight and worse, thickness. I would go for the 901, but I prefer the look and reported build quality of the Dell. Also the fact that mobile broadband would be built in is important too.

A lot depends on Vodafone UK pricing and part of me is also hoping the Vodafone ones will be in the nice red we saw in early photos

 

i will wait till oct 3 to get the inspiron mini 12
i am happy about this because i just cant get my head around to believe people are actually content with WSVGA screen.

the mini 12 i believe comes with a true HD WXGA screen.
it seems like this one is more geared towards students.

this is a list of atom CPUs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Atom_microprocessors now working!

*WSVGA -- 1024x600
*WXGA --- 1280x720 or 1280x768 or 1280x800

 

I always do comparison shopping between the Premier site and the regular Dell site and have noticed that the ATT card isn't currently offered yet on the regular site. Not sure why Dell does this, but I usually don't purchase there anyway since my military discount is better, no tax, free s/h and this time I got the ATT card.

I checked my order for dell specific id and found the following. Not sure if it helps.

Product Code = 55MBMC
Sku = 430-3222

 

The case is a really soft neoprene sleeve. There's no hard part of it, so it would work great as a protective sleeve to then put in another bag.

 

I wouldn't be so sure that October 3rd is the actual release date. The Mini 9 was delayed 2 months from the rumored release date....

 

Just to quickly chime in on the Acer aspire one since I know a lot of people are looking at it. I found one in stock at microcenter, even had a $50 gift card so I paid only $300. The unit was FANTASTIC. Hard drive was great, heat was a non issue. Speakers were bad, and under the unit so I couldn't hear they on anything but a flat surface. The unit did not like my external dvd drive, I had to use my encloser with a dvd-r that I had lying around to get it to boot from DVD. The Acer was everything I wanted, very fast, big HD, great looking screen, great form factor, GREAT price. I could not have recommend it enough..... until....

On the first one that went back, the unit wobbled. There was something wrong with the legs on the bottom, every time I put my hands down on the palm rest the unit shifted. Highly annoying. The fan noise was also really loud, but that was a know issue and I found a fan control program for that. Microcenter still had them in stalk so I decided to exchange.

On the second one that went back, which was something of a deal killer for me, was screen flicker. I was not aware of that as a major issue, but after doing some research it certainly is. It only happens on battery, and is more prevalent on the lower brightness settings, but once I started noticing a little flicker on some of the moderate settings I decided to take the unit back again. Acer acknowledged this as a problem and released a BIOS update to fix the flicker problem. As it turns out, all their fixed BIOS does is disable the lower brightness settings. Pretty pathetic, especially from a laptop that doesn't get that dim to begin with. If I can't use this thing on a night flight because it doesn't dim enough it's useless to me. I did not get another one because I had a friend that got a unit and his had the flicker as well.

The acer was great, but was just not going to work for me. Battery life was horrible, but I can get the APC external laptop battery for $55 so that was a non issue for me.

I purchased a I9, black, 16gb ssd, no camera or bluetooth, after tax and slow shipping $440, so really only paid $60 more than the acer. What I am dreading about the I9 is the hard drive space. I plan on traveling with he unit, watching a lot of xvid's so I'm hoping the SSD is up to par, I can't imagine it's not.

The going price for a 16gb SDHC is about $50, I'm upgrading to WinXP Pro anyway, what are the odds of being able to software RAID the SDHC and the SSD together? 32gb would be a good start, and probably enough space for me initially. I don't have to RAID them together, but it would sure make things a little easier.

Anyway, I ordered on the 13th and have a ship date of the 29th. I am dissapointed that there isn't enough room for even a small pata hard drive in there, but maybe we'll have some other options down the line.

Has anyone tried an XVID on the I9? Those hit the HD pretty hard, it would be nice to know for sure if those could play. If anyone has any questions about the AAO, I'll try and keep an eye on this thread...

 

Just to let you know, even the slower SSDs like in the I9 are STILL faster than 5400 RPM drives, and the nicer SSDs are definitely faster than even the 7200s...

So, I figure you shouldn't have any problems.

 

I just pre-ordered mine this morning. (ETA - 9/29)
An Obsidian Black.....16gb ssd, ect..... No camera or BT. (don't need it)
I've already owned an Asus EeePC just didn't like the look of it. Glad I read Jalpert's comment as it was between an Aspire one or the Dell i9 for me. I opted for the Dell this AM.

Also ordered a 2gb kingston upgrade & 16gb SDHC.

 

Just some info for those interested like I am. I spoke with Gavin over e-mail (the guy who did the unboxing video) about video quality. He said he was watching streaming video full screen from the BBC with zero issues. He still has the stock 1GB stick, so this is great news.

Edit: Oh he put a video up:

http://gadgetspot.co.uk/2008/09/14/streaming-video-on-the-dell-mini-9/

 

In terms of the Atom processor, ssd, and hd, there should be no video problems whatsoever. In fact, the acer is fully capable of playing 720p WMVHD, just not 1080p, but plenty of horsepower.

However, with video, problems with sites such as youtube have been reported (again with the acer) I guess it has to do with the Linux flash player is windows emulation or something of that nature and that had too much overhead for the system. Also, those linux systems shipped with 512mb ram, so again, that might have had something to do with it.

Either way, this thing should do video fine, I was just hoping for some 100% xvid confirmation, but I'm not worried about it...

youtube in windows ran fine.

 

I just ordered the base model with no options added for $452.48 from Dell.ca
in British Columbia , ETD is September 29th.

 

If you look at the picture in post # 393 (pic below) there is no open mini-pcie slot, so I don't know why and how Dell is selling a WWAN card for the Mini 9. Unless the solder an open mini-pcie connector when you order a broadband card through them. :confused2:



More info here - http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2008/09/dell-inspiron-mini-9-more-about-3g-and.html

 

I checked my order and estimated shipping is 9/28. I'll post pictures of the wwan card once received. Who knows I could be the first person with a built in card unless Dell screwed up.

 

Hey there!
And thanks....it looks like most of the orders are taking a little over 2 weeks based on order date & ESD!

That will be great to see pics of the card! Dell screw up????!!!! :yes:


Cin

 

I'd guess that those who change the configuration will get theirs Minis a little slower than those who order the standard ones.

Little detail questions are occurrind to me: Since the Dell has limited storage a USB powered external drive could prove more than useful. I wonder if anyone has checked to see if the ports can power one? Or an bus powered DVD writer?

 

If/and when I order my I9...I'm sure I will do some configuring...but I would want to avoid doing anything that could possibly make it slower

As long it runs..smooth and like it should I will be happy!

Has anyone checked to see what Nakuru is asking?


Cin

 

You can power 2.5 inch external hard drives and slim external DVD writer drives through USB.

 

Hurry up and send me my Mini already

 

Build stage is making me lose hair.

 

Hey! Im sure it will arrive before you know it!

LMAO!! The build stage = just a little more patience!

My bro' is ordering his today...but he said that he would not tell me the ESD..because he fears I will show up and take it from the DHL courier! LOL..I would never do that!

No, he will tell me the ESD, and prob's email his specs once he is done.
I can't wait to see his *exact* order! He's getting it in black!


Cin

 

Thanks and sorry, I should've made myself clearer. While in theory all USB devices should work with one another, life isn't that simple. Some bus powered USB devices, notably hard drives and writers, have a high power draw. Some USB ports, including thosse on some Inspirons, don't produce enough power to run them. Since netbooks are cheap low power devices I wouldn't be surprised if they had this problem.

Sometimes this can be overcome by a USB splitter cable, but that doesn't always work, so an extenal PSU is required which isn't what you want with a netbook.

 

I know most people don't have their unit yet, but has anyone tried or heard of wiring a usb thumb drive into the mini pci-e express slot? Seems easy enough to do, I'm sure there is a 5v somewhere pretty close on the board.

I can get a 32gb stick at microcenter for $80, the cheapest SDHC I found was $50, but it was only for a 16GB (also the highest capacity I could find). Between the cost savings, the convenience of having 32gb extra, and still being able to use the SD slot I think it's worth my time...

I know this is a very popular mod in the EEE community, I'll probably install it 21 days after I receive the unit (to make sure I actually want to keep it)

Anyone try or hear of any hardware mods yet?

 

My Order Status just changed from "In Production" to "Shipping"

















































Just kidding! <duck><run><hide>

 

^
|
| = Pretty funny....
|

 

LMAO! Agreed..Congrat's!!!! It's gonna be shipped to youze!

Cin.

 

Yay! Maybe the one I ordered 9/4 will ship soon? Still in production....

 

By the way, I ordered the Timbuk2 T-pack for $30. It came last week an is really a nicely designed, durable and versatile case. Now I just need something to put inside of it.

 

Good to hear. I ordered the red one... I think it will be home today when I get there.

I got it from the Dell Small Business site for $25.

 

It may...Maybe you should call Customer Care directly to find out the status? I have done that! (And also check the Automated Line and Online Order Status.....many, many times while waiting

Not bad, soon you will have something to put in it...Think of it that way )

I and other's would love to see a pic once you receive it, can you please post?

Thanks!

Cin

 

Guys,

Does anybody know what the heck the webcam on the ubuntu version is even good for? I've looked for a desktop video conferencing app for ubuntu and came up dry! I love ooVoo for windows but I see no plans for a linux version. Does anybody know of a GOOD conferencing app that ALSO works with windows clients?

Thanks!

(ps. anybody actually have their ubuntu mini yet?)

(pps. also, any windows based mini owners -- does it work with a _2_ gig soDIMM?? Why's the manual say 1gig is the limit?!?!)

 

Hi

I've upgraded mine to 2gb. I bought a Corsair 2gb PC2-5300 667mhz stick and it went in just fine.

I'm going to write a full review of how i'm finding the mini later on this week but at the moment i'm still very happy!

Oliver

 

Oh that's awesome, Oliver! I and the other's, I'm sure...are looking forward to your review!!!!


Cin

 

Sweet!! Still wondering about the webcam and Ubuntu -- kind of pointless if there's no good conferencing apps

 

Still waiting. I spoke to a Dell rep yesterday and they told me that my build (Ordered 9/4) is completed and it's being transported to the facility where finally packing etc occurs. Unfortunately this normally takes two days and it's been in this status for FOUR!

But I guess I should feel lucky...they aren't giving estimated ship dates when you order on the website anymore...so maybe they are having issues...

 

And Jabber...Dell is claiming that theirUbuntu build is 'custom' so maybe they are adding that functionality to it themselves. No evidence to back that up of course...just a thought.

 

I'd try Tokbox.com it is browser based. But, you're right there doesn't seem to be a point.

The 2GB will work on Windows.

 

"The 2GB will work on Windows."

Any reason ubuntu can't use more than one gig?

Also, I guess I'm a dumb arse -- SKYPE linux should work with the webcam (I pray)...

 

The Dell remix of Ubuntu won't see more than 1GB. That's not to say regular Ubuntu or Ubuntu Remix won't work with more than 1GB.

 

There was recently a discussion on slashdot about cross-platform videoconferencing in Linux. Ekiga was mentioned frequently.

 

Well, the good thing, is that it's going to be on it's way to you fairly soon..I understand the wait, however ~ when you really want something

So, just a bit more patience....(I am going to be feeling the same way whe I order)!!!

And, yes lucky...if they are no long providing the ESD's via website.


Cin

 

I also ordered mine on 9/4, with a ESD of 9/19 9 ( friday) with next day delivery (ETA Monday 9/22). I would not put much stock in the "in production" note on the orders. Mine went to "in production" the day after I ordered and has been there ever since. These units are pretty stock, I have to believe Dell gets the base units in from overseas pretty much ready to go and is just awaiting them clearing customs or whatever. I'm sure there is minimal (if any) actual production here in the US, I'd bank on even the packaging being done overseas. There are likely truckloads of these things flittering across the country to Dell's distribution centers as we speak. Its just a short matter of time. It wouldn't surprise me to find out they ship a couple days early or a week late.

I'd also bank on people getting their units not so much based on the order date, but rather on when Dell gets the big shipments of their specific configurations. One could guess if these things are efficiently mass produced, they likely make the specific SKU's in batches... all the ones with bluetooth and webcams at once, all the ones with just webcams... etc.... the lucky first owners will have picked the configuration that happened to be made first....

One way or the other, it shouldn't be long now. . .

 

Just called and my system is in the boxing stage. Online it shows as still in production.

 

Cool! Boxing.... my favorite stage, that means it's all wrapped up like a present ready to go.

not long now!

So you ordered on 9/6. I ordered on 9/12 and my ESD is 9/29

I've got a ways to go.


I ordered two of these, one for me and one for the wife. We'll share the external DVD drive though.

2 224-2669 Inspiron 910 Intel Atom processor N270, 1.6GHz, 533Mhz512K L2 Cache
2 311-9256 Obsidian Black Color with Gloss Finish
2 311-9255 1GB,DDR2,533MHZ,1 DIMM
2 320-7125 8.9 inch Wide Screen WSVGA TLLCD
2 320-7124 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
2 341-7610 16GB Solid State Drive (mini-card Module/PATA)
2 420-9249 Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
2 430-3219 Wireless 802.11g Mini Card
2 313-6897 Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
2 312-0775 32WHr 4-cell Battery
2 430-3221 Bluetooth 2.1 module via USB I/F (Option)


Can't wait for these to show up. I got the 1gb memory but now realize I should have stuck with 512mb since I plan to get 2GB for each of them when they arrive. I will also get a 16GB or 32GB SD card to keep in each of them. I have a Home Server with 2TB of storage, so I can map a drive to that when we're at home.

-----------------------------------

E1505 - 2.0 Core Duo - 128mb ATI - 250GB - 2GB Ram
E1405 - 1.83 Core Duo - 80GB - 1GB Ram (the wife's)

 

My order was finally accepted by Dell and now has a ship date of 10/1. I've attached a image that indicates that my order includes a WWAN Base in black Item Number 311-9260 which I'm hoping has something to do with the ATT WWAN card. Does anyone else have that included in their order?

 

Hey, congrat's that your order was *accepted*.....ESD is not so far off, really


Cin! :

 

I just called Dell to check on my order but it's still in production with a ship date of 9/22.

I asked about when the different colored ones will be released. The gal on the phone confirmed that they will be selling colored models but said there is "no specific date" for the release but that it would probably be before Christmas.

 

aglowlight, no WWAN base in my order. I orded the 8 GB Windows XP model in black.

 

Hopefully they will start releasing not just the mini but the 13 in other colors around Christmas time.

 

For those who plan on later upgrading to 2GB: is there any way to buy the Mini with the minimum 512mb cheaper than buying it with the 1GB? Seems like when I configure the system on Dell's website its cheaper to go ahead and order it with 1GB? That's a shame because I'm just gonna take that 1GB memory out when I pop in a new 2GB. Sort of a waste.

 

ya... unless you can put that 1 GB towards another system.