-
"I like my new best friend, but..." on by IAM_MATT
Pros: Absolutely silent operation, compact design, light weight, aesthetically pleasing, configurable to your needs.
Cons: The absence of an internal cooling fan causes warm operation. The keyboard takes some getting used to.
Summary: My configuration is the 16GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP, and 1.3 Megapixel webcam. I refused the bluetooth option because I knew I would never use it.
What I noticed right away when I turned it on was that it didn't make any noise whatsoever.
The keyboard: When I began typing, I immediately took notice of the Shift key on the right side of the keyboard being very small and this slowed me down a bit because I had to watch where my pinky was going at first. Also, the apostrophe/quotation key is in the same row as the space bar, which is very weird for me. Then I noticed that the 'Ctrl' and 'Alt' keys have been removed from the right side (they're still on the left). I also hit the 'S' key a few times when I meant to hit the 'A' key because of the compact placement of the keys. I remember thinking "uh oh" when I first saw the keyboard, but it's really not that bad. It's a little weird at first, but you get used to it quickly. However, I'm still trying to get used to the apostrophe being in the row of the space bar.
The webcam: When the webcam is turned on, a small white light illuminates to the left of it. Really, it's more of an indicator light than a flash. It's only there to let you know that it's on. I got the 1.3 Megapixel option and it works great. It even comes with some fun software that allows you to switch the background, put on a hat, sunglasses, etc... I thought that was pretty cool.
The speakers: Dell says it only comes with one, but there are actually two...weird. As you would expect with such a small space to work with, the sound isn't spectacular but it definitely does the job. There's not very much bass. This also came with some cool software that has an equalizer with some presets built in (pop, live, club, rock, jazz, etc...). You can also change the pitch of what you're listening to (plus or minus 4). There are also different effects you can choose (as if you're playing your music in a bathroom, hallway, stone room, auditorium, etc...). Lastly, I wish there was an indicator on the screen that would show up when you change the volume with the keyboard, but sadly, there isn't.
The indicator lights: Aside from the small white one next to the webcam, there are only two to the left of the track pad. The one on the left is for power. It lights up (white) when the computer is on (or charging, if the computer is off. If the computer is off and plugged in, the light will turn off when the charge reaches 90%). The indicator light right next to it is for low battery, which will light up (orange) when your battery reaches 10% (or whichever percent you decide to set yours to -- 10% is default). There are no other indicator lights like on traditional computers (such as the Caps lock, Number lock, and Scroll lock). However, if you turn Caps lock on, a small message on the screen will tell you (mine only did it the first few times, then it stopped showing up...I don't know why).
Well, I think that's pretty much it. There's no latch for the lid, like on some other models. It holds itself closed through the force of the hinges. I would recommend putting your finger in the way so it doesn't slam down on itself (no, it doesn't hurt) and try to close it gently.
I would NOT recommend anything less than the 16GB model, even if you THINK you won't have a lot of files on it. You have to consider all of the pre-loaded software that comes with it -- you only have about 9 or 10 USABLE gigabytes when you first turn it on. I recommend removing some of the pre-loaded software that you don't use to free up some space, but only if you really know what you're doing. Also, don't get anything less than the 1GB of RAM (unless you have a LOT of patience).
One more thing I forgot to mention earlier: Beware if you have something to install through a CD ROM. It has no CD ROM drive with it and it will cost you over 80 dollars to add that option on, according to the Dell website. That price may go down, but still, it's not worth it to me (I almost NEVER use CD ROMs). -
"Fast and versatile - but could use a little more juice" on by reciprocityjones
Pros: - Perfect size - exactly the size of a 200 page hardcover
- Great options. Mine has bluetooth USB, 16 GB SSD, XP and 1GB RAM. Handles movies and anything short of Photoshopping.
- Little crapware, lots of ports, and Screen is clear and bright.Cons: - Some crapware (Google desktop, McAfee, Dell's Online storage which is fee-based).
- Battery should've been a 5 or 6 cell instead of 4. It died 45 minutes short of a 5hr10min flight. Typically lives for 4 hrs per charge.Summary: It's my little duece coup. After the addition of a 16GB class 6 SDHC card (which should only be used for files, not applications, system or other software data), I absolutely have a tempest in a tea-kettle. It's as fast for simple processes and applications as the laptop I paid Dell $3300 for in 2003, and it's battery, as noted above, lasts almost long enough to make it through a coast-to-coast flight. (Though I would've upgraded for two more cells for another 30-50 bucks if Dell wised up and offered that.) Make no mistake, the Atom processor and 1GB of RAM will not have you photoshopping hi-rez RAW images or OCR-scanning large PDF files with Acrobat (though most other processes performed with Acrobat are relatively painless). Microsoft Works comes standard with the XP option and has done the job so far. Since Office is not a feasible option for such a limited machine, I would prefer it if Dell gave me option of no MS apps at all so that I could've thrown OpenOffice or some other small footprint suite on instead of tremulously contemplating a Works uninstall.
- Boot-to-surfing time for Windows XP plus Norton Internet Security 2009 was 1:38. That's pretty expletive fast.
- I have not yet received the external DVD-RW that Dell sold me with the unit, so no comment on whether that was a smart move.
- The SDHC card is a real nessesity. The great thing about the SSD drive is that the battery lasts much longer with low-current electron-based memory than with a motor-driven spinning plate. It also, I'm told, can take quite an impact, though I do not have any plans to test that theory. The additional SDHC card is both a low-draw second drive for files, as well as a handy substitute for a thumbdrive if you buy a $5 addapter. This is key for uploading fresh music and movies from your other machines without having to deal with more arduous transfer methods between boxes.
- I saw one comment about the glare on the screen. Insofar as that goes, it is true that the Mini 9 has a glossy screen, and not a matte screen, as some laptops do, for minimizing glare. However, a glossy screen is much harder and sturdier than a matte screen would be, which pretty much makes it integral for this type of ultra-portable, on-the-road platform. If I quickly throw this thing in a bag when my flight is announced, I don't want the impact damaging my too-soft screen (I hate discolorations in my display - they just bug me to no end). However, I need to add that, as far as glossy screens go, this is by no means "glare-y" as compared to other laptops I've used. You want to see glare-y, go look at one of the large screen Compaq's from three or four years ago. The Mini 9 does not produce enough reflection from a window or ceiling light behind you to pose any visibility issues. (At least not so far - I've only had it a week.)
- Aesthetically, it is attractive enough to have elicited several comments from people who have seen it. Personally, I like the looks and the line, but I think it could've used a little more spiffing-up. Again, though, I like my computers tough, and I would not choose to sacrifice any aspect of its durability for a marginally jazzier appearance. One's fashion statements should not derive primarily from one's netbook anyway.
- One thing that was not substantial enough to qualify as a "con" but which Dell should consider changing is the Wi-Fi signal standards available on the Mini 9. They only offer 802.11 b/g. I would've preferred b/g/n compatibility so that the computer could take advantage of the improved speed offered by "n" service as that standard becomes more predominant.
- Lastly, I really like the 1.3MP built in webcam. For the added $10 over the 0.3MP model, I don't see how you can't upgrade. Since my model now allows me to participate in high-quality video chatting/conferencing wherever I am, it has now become a total laptop replacement on business or extended trips.
- Like I mentioned earlier, unless you need to photoshop extremely large image files, perform extremely process-hungry tasks like Acrobat OCR scanning or play very graphics intensive games wherever you go, this computer ably performs everything you could need a computer to do on the road or in a coffeeshop. The bluetooth lets you print, scan or integrate with another bluetooth enabled computer wirelessly, the modern ubiquity of WiFi eliminates the need for any connecting cords in most urban areas, and the excellent touchpad eliminates the need to pack a usb or wireless mouse (I didn't buy one when Dell offered, and after using the system, I assure you it would be a waste of money, considering that the whole point of the system is to minimize its footprint in your luggage/backpack). If it wasn't for the pesky need to plug into a wall outlet occasionally, this system would totally self-contained and wire/leash-less.
- For the ladies: my GF assures me that this is the first truly purse-friendly fully-functional computer. -
"Great travel companion with good performance" on by juanchovies
Pros: Portable, fast boot, webcam and bluetooth are great for videoconferencing with cell phone. WiFi range is good. Battery life is good. Very quiet operation. Good screen.
Cons: Junk software bundled should be removed. With XP and updates you have about 9 Gb of the 16 Gb SSD.
Summary: This sleek netbook satisfies most of my travel needs. With a 16Gb Sd card and my USB portable HDD I have all the storage needed. For $18 I purchased 2Gb RAM upgrade and it was a great investment. Installed Office XP, Prism 5, Photoshop 7, EndNote, Messenger, Skype and iTunes and I can do all the work I normally did on my low-end dual core laptop, except that I'm not looking for outlet after 2 hours and my load is much lighter through TSA checkpoints. Now I have workspace on my coach tray table and do not worry about screen damage by the front seat aggressive reclining. For what I do on the road it is perfect.
-
"BEST NETBOOK I HAVE EVER USED!" on by firemedic37
Pros: Small, compact, sturdy, powerful (compared to other netbooks), and stylish. Is everything you need if you sre on the go and need something small and lightweight, I take it to school, work, coffee shop and even the gym.
Cons: Small SSD and the screen does not bend all the way back so somethimes it is hard to see the screen if there is glare.
Summary: A must have for anyone that is always on the go and needs something small and lightweight. It has Windows XP so it is very stable and trustworthy. I ordered mine as follows:
8 GB SSD
512 MB Memory
0.3 MP Webcam
When I got it I threw in 2 GB Memory and took less than 2 minutes and it worked perfectly. I also bought a 320 GB External Hard Drive and use that to back-up my NetBook and for extra storage at home (I save all my presentations and papers on it). My only real complant is the small SSD. But I did find a 32 GB SSD that works with the Mini for $100 and am going to order it soon. Otherwise this NetBook is faster than my Dell 1501 Laptop on the internet. A great product from Dell, does not need much improvements which is why I think Dell took their time in releasing it, to make sure the bugs were figured out and that it was going to be a great product.
Thanks Again Dell for the Mini 9 -
"Amazing netbook!" on by dalsanto3
Pros: Fast processor (with realistic expectations)
Lightweight, VERY portable
Great price (under $400)
Windows XP / Linux options
Eye-cathing design
Wireless internet and bluetooth optionsCons: There are a few awkward key compromises that take getting used to (especially moving the apostrophe key below the period and comma)
Summary: I absolutely love my Dell Mini 9; it's tiny profile is great for on-the-go computing. It runs Windows XP about as well as my office computer. However, to be fair, when asked to multi-task (say, if you have 4-6 tabs open in Firefox, start a video in Windows Media Player, and try to open Windows Explorer), you might experience a bit of a lag. This has a lot more to do with the stated limitations of the product rather than any fault of Dell or Intel in their Atom processors. They are low-drain, low-cost processors (with only 1 GB of ram) that can't do quite as much as more expensive chips found in full size laptops. However, in general, the performance is very zippy. It's not that you can't do browse the internet, watch a movie, or transfer files around. It's just that you might not want to do them all at the same time.
The screen is great. The images are crisp and clear. Also, having three USB ports its really convenient - as it allows having a hookup for a flash drive, a printer, and a CD Drive / Hard drive all at once. The glossy finish is very eye-catching (though fingerprint-prone) - and it really looks impressive.
Just as the CNET review says, the caps lock, tab key, shft, control keys are all tiny. This hasn't been much of a problem for me, as you just get used to being a little more accurate when you go to punch these keys. In all honesty, it never really slowed me down. Reviews I have read talk about the moving of keys like the dash or the F-row. In my experience, I use these keys relatively infrequently, and so it is not very frustrating at all. However, the keyboard compromise that is maddening is the decision to move the apostrophe key down to where the right alt and control button would be on a normal keyboard. This requires you to literally pick up your hand and punch the key every time you use quotes or a contraction. The other problem is that when you go to press that key where it normally would be, you end up pressing enter. So, if you're talking on gchat, and you go to click apostrophe, you'll click enter instead, sending your message. Otherwise, letters, numbers, enter, and space bar are all big enough to type on relatively comfortably.
Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. If you get one, though, just be ready to feel that any other laptop you use is heavy and clunky. This machine is perfect for watching a movie in bed, on a train or an airplane, and bringing to Panera / Starbucks to surf the web or work on a paper. Highly, highly recommended.
Write a Review
Compare to other s
Compare Selected
