Dell Inspiron Mini 10 10.1Inch Obsidian Black Netbook
March 6, 2010 by admin
Filed under $300 - $400, Dell, Products
The Mini 10 is everything you want in a mobile companion and more. It may be small, but you’ll be surprised by all the fun features packed inside. Be productive with a keyboard 92 percentage the size of a traditional laptop keyboard. Enjoy a beautiful view with a seamless display surface1 and 16:9 aspect ratio. And stay connected with advanced wireless options. You can also view high-def TV with the included digital TV tuner. *Based on Dell Lab testing. Battery life varies by configuration, operating conditions and other factors. Maximum battery capacity decreases with time and use. ....read more Average Customer Rating
Brand: Dell Model: iM10-3324OBK Price: $399.99 |   | |
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4 out of 5
Hands-on Review
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I got this Mini 10 on Cyber Monday for $299. For this price, I give it a 3 instead of 2 stars.
There are many rumors in the review section. I can’t speak for others, but the one I got has the following configuration:
COLOR: Obsidian Black
PROCESSOR: Intel®Atom®Processor Z530 (1.6GHz/533MHz FSB/512K Cache)
DISPLAY: 10.1″ Widescreen Display (1024×600)
BATTERY OPTIONS: 56WHr Lithium-Ion Battery (6-cell)
MEMORY: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
HARD DRIVE: Samsung 160GB, 2.5inch, 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
WIRELESS CARDS Wireless 802.11g (1397) Mini Card
INTEGRATED WEBCAM: Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
TV TUNER: Dell Internal Digital TV Receiver (ATSC)
VIDEO CARD: Intel®Graphics Media Accelerator 500
MOBILE CONNECTIVITY: No Mobile Broadband
OPERATING SYSTEM: Genuine Windows® 7 Starter, 32bit, English
OFFICE SOFTWARE: Microsoft Works 9 DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
WARRANTY AND SERVICE: 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Dell is selling the same configuration for $514.
Since upgrading the RAM is not possible, in order to gain some speed, I swap in a 30GB SSD, and use the 160 GB HDD as external hard drive.
The touch pad is not easy to use. It’s too small for me. One might want to tweak the settings a little bit, ie: turn off the Zoom feature.
There are no HDD light! Given the system is sluggish (with HDD/Win 7/1 GB RAM), and without the HDD light, I can’t tell if a big task is still loading or simply stuck.
The SD card reader is half-size. When I insert a SD card, half of it is outside the case, instead of completely sealed inside it. So leaving it in all the time might not be a good idea, especially if you are carrying it in a backpack like I do.
Even Z530 supports VTx, but you can’t add RAM to this Mini 10! With this design and configuration, Dell should use Atom N280 instead. It would make more sense to me.
Decent Little Monkey
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I got this in the cyber monday lightning deal that went sold out in a few seconds and let me say that I wouldn’t have been too disappointed if I had missed the deal now that I got this thing on my hand for a few days. First of all the screen is a bit too small for my taste and I didn’t realize until after the purchase that amazon was selling the 1024×600 version not the 720p version that has been in most review. Second, the Windows 7 is slow, which is nothing new, but apparently I had expected a responsiveness closer to a smart phone, and Windows smart phone is not at all that fast by the way. I have a great suspicion that 2GB memory instead of the non-upgradeable 1GB could have made a great deal of difference in this manner. However, a mixed curse with Windows 7 Starter will limit the number of applications open at a time to total of 3 so 1GB is probably never going to be a problem just because of this self-imposed crippling of the OS. In this respect to the non-upgradeable memory, running full-blown WindowsXP is probably going to shoot you in the foot more than the Windows7 Starter. But on the good part the TV reception is great and the software works, albeit slow to respond in changing channels. Youtube video runs smoothly but since the screen is so short I found myself having to go full screen most of the time instead of watching within the window. The shortness of the screen also makes most of the real estate consumed by the toolbars in the browser to be very annoying, except for Chrome which barely has anything on the top. I guess if I had laid my hand on this item before I purchased it I wouldn’t have been too eager to click on the lightning deal, but for the price I don’t think I could claim it as a terribly poor machine although I would gladly spring another $100 for the larger resolution and 2GB memory and then it would be just perfect. For now, this is great as a quick companion for emergency use on the road when the regular laptop is just a bit too much hassle to lug around.
In defense of the Dell’s track pad
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Even though I have been playing with my Dell Mini 10 for less than a week I feel compelled to address an issue that seems to be a universal concern: the track pad. Reviewers’ complaints are unanimous: the track pad “sucks.” Well, let me say out front, I love the Dell’s track pad so much so that I programmed the track pad on my MacBook to behave in the same way. First, the buttons on the Dell track pad are not meant to be used; they are there just for show. The way to activate the function of the left button is to point the cursor where ever you want it and tap once with one finger. A double tap will grab a selection. By default the selection is released when you lift the finger but you can change that in the tack pad behavior utility. I recommend that the grab release be changed to a tap rather than the default lift. The two fingers scrolling is a standard feature of the MacBook and works really well on the Dell too. I disabled all the other gesture possibilities like zoom and rotate as I will probably never use them. I can always turn them back on an as-needed basis once I become more familiar with the proper functioning of the track pad.
Now for the other features: The Dell’s Z530 processor is slightly slower than the N280 on my wife’s Toshiba NB205 which is the machine I am able to compare to. I got the Dell rather than the Toshiba for the TV tuner and the HDMI output. The tuner is a bit of a disappointment as it does not tune all the stations available in my area. But let’s not dwell on that, it is a problem I will try to solve in the next few weeks. Watching TV is not my top priority. The HDMI connection is very handy to plug the Dell in my HDTV and stream movies from Netflix without any problem. While the Z530 is a little slower than the N280 the Dell’s graphic chipset is slightly faster than the Toshiba’s and keeps up with the movie steam with few hicups (it is difficult to determine if the few lock ups are due to the network, wireless connection, or processor). And the wireless connection to my Airport Mini is flawless.
As far as external appearances the Toshiba beats the Dell hands down. The Dell is nice looking but the glossy black housing will never be clean once you touch it. The Toshiba has a ribbed surface that does not show fingerprints at all. Over all the aesthetic of the Toshiba is just better thought out.
The keyboard feel and layout of the Dell are perfectly fine. Now if only Windows 7 was more like OSX the Dell Mini 10 would be close to a perfect system.
Mini Dell Laptop
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I am simply loving this laptop. I got this in Lightning deal on Thanksgiving 2009 and was of great price. Windows 7 starter OS, Great Looks and off-course 6 cell battery.
Best purchase I have made in a long time!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got this when I saw the Cyber Monday sale and recieved it yesterday (Thursday). I had been wanting a Netbook for a long time as my Dell Laptop is almost 8 years old and is too big to carry around much. I put off buying one until Windows 7 came out and just happened upon this deal.
First let me say that Amazon is the best for offering this deal, too bad not everyone was able to get it for $299. However even at Amazon’s regular price I would say this Netbook is worth it, just not at Dell’s normal price ($[...]+ on the Dell website). I have not used my notebook for games of DVD playback in a long time so this netbook was perfect for what I needed. The hard drive is plenty big enough to load Itunes movies and music for road trips (I had pondered buying an Ipod touch before I saw this)and the wifi access is excellent. My agency has an Office 2007 deal which allowed me to install Office 2007 Enterprise for my at home personal use for only $[...]!!
The only thing this Netbook lacked that I wanted was Bluetooth connectivity which I resolved by purchasing a Bluetooth adapter off Ebay for $[...], works with my GPS and Microsoft Streets & Trips with no problems.
Bottom Line: If you need a computer thats portable and offers most of the functions of a full sized computer, this will not disappoint you!!
Great Netbook
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this Dell during a lightening deal special. I had researched netbooks, and have purchased many laptops along with my recent Macbook purchase.
The Windows 7 operating system is great. This Mini-10 came with a surprise Digital TV. I had read the specs and made the purchase believing it wasn’t in the package. It is a fun addition. I loaded Microsoft Office 2007 and found that the netbook I bought for my husband for internet and email use, is also going to be a handy productive tool. The keyboard size and screen is good, not too small.
I love it and look forward to giving it as a gift. Great price – I have searched and checked including Dell’s specials. It can’t be beat at the $299 price. I would even have made the purchase at the post holiday $349 price. It will be great for reading ebooks as well.
Terrific Netbook
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Note: I use computers for my work but don’t pay much attention to details about them. I’m sometimes willfully ignorant of the details of my work computers, so this review (for better or worse) will not be a super technical one focusing on specifications and related details. I wanted a simple computer to use outside of work, and that’s what I got here. I received this Dell Netbook a few days ago and wanted to share my initial impressions of it.
I do a great deal of writing for my job and need to have frequent email access. I have a Dell Notebook but find that it’s a bit of a hassle hauling it around anywhere, so it ends up staying at home most of the time. When I saw this Dell’s Netbook on sale, I thought it might be ideal for my needs. In particular, I wanted something very lightweight that would allow me to access the web, answer email, access PDF documents, and edit documents. This Dell does all that and much more.
My job buys all my computers (the last computer I purchased myself was a Commodore 64 when I was a kid!), so I was a bit nervous purchasing it. I checked out reviews here and elsewhere and they seemed to indicate that the Dell Netbook would work well for my needs. However, I was concerned by some accounts of netbooks being slower than laptops and having many of other deficits. Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded (it isn`t slow and I have low needs for extensive computer memory anyway). I’ve never had to unpack a computer before (the IT people at my job have that honor), but it couldn’t have been easier. I was literally using my new Netbook within minutes. Everything was preloaded and ready for use.
I was hoping that it would come with Microsoft Word, but it instead includes Microsoft Works Word Processor, which I`d never used before. When I tried to open a Word document from my email, I was prompted to download Word Viewer. The two programs are compatible, but it is a bit of a hassle converting documents back and forth. Otherwise, I’m extremely pleased with my purchase. The Netbook is not slow in accessing the net even with numerous programs open at the same time. It is super lightweight — not much bigger or heavier than a large hardback book. The battery in the back does stick out a bit, although that actually helps make it more stable on a flat surface. Even straight out of the box, the battery lasted well over 5 hours. Other features include a webcam, adobe, media player, explorer — all the standard items you’d expect. As I mentioned, I don’t pay much attention to computer specifications and whether it has this feature or not. I simply don’t use my computers for anything too complicated. However, for what I need, this Dell Netbook more than exceeds my expectations. The Netbook’s portability make it ideal for carrying it around and travel. I think it would also be a great starter computer for kids and teens.
HDMI (out), HDTV Digital TV Receiver, Windows 7, 6-cell, 1024×600 display, 160 GB HD, 1 Gig Ram, Wireless (802.11g), Atom Z530
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
[ UPDATED ]
My (Cyber Monday) Dell Mini 10 arrived today and I love it already. When I took the Mini 10 out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the bulge under the bottom rear of the unit (the six (6) cell battery). I spotted a funny object in the box that turned out to be a tiny little antenna. This confirmed the HDTV Tuner inside. I turned Mini 10 on and went through the brief setup. The keyboard feels good. Fascinated by the built-in HDTV, I affixed the tiny antenna next to the camera with the supplied mount, turned it on and waited while it scanned the available digital channels. It found all the local channels. The reception is great. I forgot about my new computer and admired the great TV reception for the next three hours.
After playing with the touch pad for a few minutes, I realized that a brief tap served as the mouse double-click (nice). HDMI, HDTV Tuner, Windows 7, 6-cell battery. This is a great little computer and a great deal. Same configuration sells for $514.00 on the manufacturer’s website[...] . Even at $399 you save $115 ($514 – $399 = $115) The 1366×768 Display costs $75.00 more ($589.00)
I plan to uninstall the free MacAfee antivirus trial and replace it with the excellent free Avast Home Edition antivirus ([..]). The included Microsoft Works word processor program is better than my old version of Microsoft Word 2000. More than adequate for my needs. Windows 7 Starter is lite, fast and great for my needs. Great Cyber Monday deal. Thanks Amazon for putting together a great unit for a great price!
[Inside the box: Dell Mini 10, Antenna, Antenna mounts (suction cup and top mount), Inspiron Setup Guide, Four (4) DISKS (already installed on computer): (1) Windows 7 Starter Operation System, (2) Application, (3) Drivers and utilities (4) Dell Disk.] Screen Resolutions: 1024 x 600.
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UPDATE: (config on my system)
* HDTV internal Digital TV Receiver (ATSC)]
* Mini TV Antenna
* HDMI (out)
* 10.1″ Widescreen
* (1024×600) Display
* 1.3M Pixel Webcam
* 6 Cell Battery
* Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card (802.11g)
* Windows 7 Starter,
* Processor: Atom 1.6GHz Intel Z530 (512K Cache)
* 1GB DDR2 SDRAM Memory
* 160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
* Integrated Intel 500 Media Accelerator
* Electric Adapter
Do not hesitate on Lightening Deals!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was right there clicking on the spot where the “Add To Cart” button would appear and I got it and paid for it immediately. It arrived on my doorstep 36 hours later! I inspected it upon delivery and it is exactly as advertised. My son will be very pleased on Christmas morning. A tremendous deal and thankful for Amazon. In fact, spent about another $1000 at Amazon yesterday buying gifts for immediate and extended family. In fact, I got 3 different Lightening Deals that all sold out almost immediately. Those who aren’t getting the good Lightening Deals, work on your technique!
Regards,
Loyal and Frequent Amazon Customer
Amazon Lightning Deal – Ripoff
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I too set at the computer and hit the add to cart button as soon as the deal was available but no joy. I wasted a lot of time waiting for the deal – thanks for nothing.
Amazon’s “Lightning Deals” – from the bottom of the deck.
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Like the previous reviewer, I recommend this netbook at the $299 price.
Too bad Amazon made so few of them available on their Cyber Monday “Lightning Deal” offer. I clicked “Add to Cart” in the first second it was available, but it was sold out. At $399 you can do better elsewhere.
I see Amazon has removed the previous negative reviews on this point, so read this one fast before it’s “Sold Out” too.
Inspiron 1010
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I just got my dell mini 10 today. paid price $299. was it worth it? no.
this is inspiron 1010, you cannot upgrade the ram.
Mine just arrived
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Looks like a very nice netbook. My daughter will be very please for Christmas. I’m happy on the $299 price tags, thanks Amazon black Friday!