MSRP- $390
Best Features- Sleek design; great battery life
Worst Features- Smaller than average hard drive; pricey for a netbook
Conclusion- For those looking for a netbook without signing a contract with their cell phone company, the Dell Inspiron Mini may be a good option. However, there are options with larger hard drives that cost less.
This Dell Inspiron Mini 10 review covers the basic retail configuration for the iM1012-687OBK. This version is the basic configuration found in retail stores that carry Dell products. While this may not be the most inexpensive netbook on the market, it may be worthwhile. You can find Dell Inspiron on sale and save money too. Here’s a basic look at what you can expect with this configuration.
Click here to get the Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK 10.1-Inch Netbook for only $381.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Review- Specs
You’ll get the same basic computing with the Dell Inspiron Mini as you would most other netbooks in the market. The 1.6GHz processor is about average, and will give you the same basic speed as you would get with other models. You’ll also get 1GB memory, 160GB hard drive, a 10 inch screen, and the whole system with the AC adapter is under 3 ½ pounds. Windows 7 Starter is included, which will give you basic computing applications.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Review Pros
As this Dell Inspiron Mini 10 review will point out, there are several benefits to this machine.
The biggest difference between this and other netbooks in the same category is the design. The Mini 10 has a much sleeker and more attractive look. The display hinge is placed towards the rear of the system as opposed to closer, giving a slight forward slope. The bottom areas of the keyboard where your wrists will rest have a texture that takes away from the normal flat appearance. Rounded corners round out the design. When it comes to netbook designs, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 got it right.
The keyboard is also roomier than you may expect for a netbook. Often used keys such as Tab and Shift are full size as opposed to half size like many other manufacturers. This makes going from a full sized keyboard to the smaller netbook keyboard much easier and seamless.
The speakers are also surprising for the small Dell Mini.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Review Cons
For all of its value, there are several areas where the Dell Mini 10 is lacking.
For the price you would expect built in Wi-Fi, but it’s not available. You also won’t find Bluetooth connectivity.
The resolution is in line with most other machines in this category, but again, for the $350 price tag, $100 over the competition, you would expect the resolution to be higher and stand out more.
The touch pad has seen no improvement either. It’s still wide and awkward to use, just like the other Dell netbooks on the market.
The price can be a bit disappointing as well. Most other netbooks in this category average $299, and the Dell Mini runs right around $350. If you spend some time looking, you can save money by finding a decent Dell Inspiron Mini online for cheaper, but that takes away from the instant gratification that many people look for.
Bottom Line
This isn’t a bad netbook to have. For many people, the extra $150 you’d spend is worth it just for the design. The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 review points out that this looks much less like a cheap toy, and more like a laptop.
Click here to get the Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK 10.1-Inch Netbook for only $381.
