Dell’s entry into the netbook market is official with the release of the Inspiron Mini 9. Two options are currently available in New Zealand: Black, and White. The Americans get to choose between a range of hardware specifications, operating systems (including Ubuntu Linux) and, most importantly, several glossy colours. Still, our two models are at the top of the hardware scale – apart from the lack of a Linux option, there’s little to complain about.

The netbook’s construction is stylish and very solid. While it’s probably not advisable, it feels like you could drag the Mini 9 around by its screen without too many ill effects. The lid is made from reflective, fingerprint-gathering plastic and the underside has a good, non-slip feel.

The Mini 9 features a gorgeous LED display with TrueLife technology. This provides excellent contrast with deep, true-to-life blacks and vibrant colours. The only disadvantage is a narrow viewing angle: I found that moving forwards or back just slightly would radically alter the contrast and wash out those perfect blacks. The optimal angle can be hard to find, especially when using the Mini 9 on your lap.

Unlike a lot of netbooks, the Mini 9 features a conventional touchpad with buttons below rather than to the side. I’ve always found these the easiest to use and Dell has provided a touchpad that although a little on the small side, is comfortable and easy to use. It does lack the nifty multi-finger abilities of the Asus Eee PC’s pad, but the Mini 9′s scroll zones along the edge are actually a bit more responsive (if a tad more mundane). Adding to the overall slickness of the design, the touchpad is seamlessly integrated into the keyboard wrist rest – there’s only the slightest of depressions to mark its presence.

The Mini 9′s stock Windows installation isn’t overly cluttered, containing a few Dell utilities and the freely available OpenOffice.org suite. Start-up time from powered off cold is around 45 seconds, equal to the other Windows XP-based netbooks I’ve seen. Shut-down time is also pretty quick – there’s little reason to leave the Mini 9 switched on between uses and that’s great for battery life.

Dell’s Inspiron Mini 9 is a strong competitor in the netbook race. While it doesn’t push any boundaries, it combines functionality, portability and style – tempered by just a few manageable annoyances. Overall, probably the best netbook on the local market barring the Asus Eee PC.

Harley Ogier

TECH SPECS

Inspiron Mini 9
Netbook PC
$699

OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows XP Home
DISPLAY: 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 LED with TrueLife
CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom (512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
MEMORY: 1GB DDR II
STORAGE: 16GB SSD
CARD READER: SD (SDHC)/MMC/Memory Stick (Pro)
CONNECTIVITY: 802.11g Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 2.0, 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet, 3x USB 2.0, VGA-out, audio out/microphone
CAMERA: 1.3MP webcam
SIZE: 232 x 172 x 16.8mm
WEIGHT: 1.04kg+ (depending on configuration)

Contact

www.dell.co.nz

Pros

• Stylish, solid construction

• Great contrast on display

Cons

• Odd keyboard layout

Verdict

• A slick little netbook at a competitive price

Also Consider

• ASUS Eee PC (Tone 72)

This Review is from Tone Issue 75.

What do you think?