Dell Inspiron Mini Series

{{short description|Line of computers by Dell}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2014}} {{redirect|Dell Mini|the smart phone|Dell Mini 5}} {{infobox computer | type = [[Subnotebook]]/[[netbook]] | os = [[Dell Ubuntu Netbook Remix]] [[Microsoft Windows XP]] | release_date = 2008-2010 | related = [[Dell Inspiron]] }} The '''Dell Inspiron Mini Series''' is a line of [[subnotebook]]/[[netbook]] computers designed by [[Dell]]. The series was introduced in September 2008 amidst the growing popularity of low-cost netbook computers introduced by competitors.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="min-width: 60%;" ! colspan="6" |Inspiron Mini models |- ! colspan="2" | | rowspan="6" | !2008 !2009 !2010 |- |12" | rowspan="3" |Main |12 (1210) ! colspan="2" | |- | rowspan="3" |10" |10 (1010) |10 (1012) |(1018) |- ! |10n ! |- | rowspan="2" |Value |10v (1011) ! colspan="2" | |- |9" |9 (910) ! colspan="2" | |}

== 9 Series == {{Infobox computer | image = [[File:Dell Inspiron Mini 9.jpg|230px|Dell Inspiron Mini 9]] | caption = A Dell Inspiron Mini 9 | developer = [[Dell]] | type = [[Netbook]] | connectivity = 10/100 [[Megabit|Mbit]] [[Ethernet]] [[IEEE 802.11g-2003|802.11b/g]] wireless LAN [[Bluetooth]] Optional/Standard (depends on region) [[VGA]] 15-pin output Audio; headphone/mic jacks 3 [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] ports 4-in-1 Flash Memory card reader, WWAN (Mobile Internet) | storage = 4/8/16/32/64 [[Gibibyte|GB]] [[Solid-state drive|SSD]] | os = [[Windows XP]] Home ULCPC SP3, [[Dell Ubuntu Netbook Remix]] with and without [[Moblin]] | input = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]] [[Touchpad]] [[Microphone]] 0.3 or 1.3 [[Megapixel]] [[Camera|Webcam]] | memory = 512 [[Megabyte|MB]], 1[[Gigabyte|GB]] or 2[[Gigabyte|GB]] | cpu = Diamondville Intel Atom N270 (1.6 [[Gigahertz|GHz]]/533Mhz FSB/512K cache) | display = Glossy 8.9" (22.6 cm) 1024x600 [[liquid crystal display|LCD]] (133 [[dots per inch|dpi]]) | weight = {{cvt|2.28|lb|kg}} | price = Starting at $349, $359, or $409 with [[Ubuntu]] (8.04-10.00); or starting at $399, $499 with [[Windows XP]] and features | discontinued = May 29, 2009<ref>[http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2009/06/01/bidding-adieu-to-the-dell-inspiron-mini-9.aspx], "Bidding Adieu to the Dell Inspiron Mini 9"</ref> }}The '''Dell Inspiron Mini 9''' (also called the Inspiron 910), was announced on September 4, 2008, as a [[netbook]] set to contend with other low-cost ultra-portables such as the [[ASUS Eee PC]] and [[Acer Aspire One]]. The Mini 9 was also sold as the [[Dell Vostro#Vostro_A90_and_A90n|Dell Vostro A90]] by the Dell Small Business Unit.

The Mini 9 began shipping on September 16, 2008, starting at US$349.<ref name="engadget">[https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/dells-inspiron-mini-9-pops-official/ Engadget], “Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 pops official – starts at $349”.</ref> It is built by [[Compal Electronics]], which also makes the [[MSI Wind Netbook]] and the [[HP 2133 Mini-Note PC|HP Mini-Note 2133]].<ref name="apcmag">[http://apcmag.com/up_close_with_dells_mininote.htm?page=3 Apcmag], “Up close with Dell’s Eee PC killer”.</ref>

It is Dell's first netbook. It was retired on May 29, 2009.<ref name="engadget2">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/dells-mini-9-vanishes-from-retail-site-as-red-studio-xps-16-ret/|title=Dell's Mini 9 vanishes from retail site as red Studio XPS 16 returns (update: Mini 9 is on the outs)|website=engadget.com|date=May 29, 2009 |access-date=2018-05-18}}</ref>

===Features===

====[[Solid-state drive|SSD]]/[[Ubuntu Netbook Remix]]==== Dell initially shipped versions of the Mini 9 with only partially usable storage, after models were built using a software image that fit just the basic 4 GB SSD. Standard operating system upgrades later fixed the issue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/dell-inspiron-mini-9-ships-with-annoying-disk-partition-5065657|title=Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Ships with Annoying Disk Partition Error|website=Gizmodo|date=October 19, 2008 }}</ref>

====SSD==== The Mini 9 uses a very special SSD drive. It is a 50 mm solid state module (MO-300A) with mini PCIe interface. It uses IDE/PATA signal, so replacing it with a module with SATA signal won't work, although it will fit in the socket.

====Battery capacity====

In January, it was suspected that some units were shipping with 24 watt-hour capacity batteries, labeled as 32 watt-hours. The low-capacity batteries appear to be those manufactured in [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/12/18/some-dell-mini-9s-said-to-be-shipping-with-smaller-batteries/|title = Some Dell Mini 9s said to be shipping with smaller batteries| date=December 18, 2008 }}</ref> It was later determined that the software used to examine the batteries was incorrectly reporting the capacity and has since been reported to be fixed with an upgrade of the BIOS.<ref>Mark Wilson, December 19, 2008. [https://gizmodo.com/5114269/dell-denies-mini-9-undersized-battery-claims-testing-concurs-with-dell Dell Denies Mini 9 Undersized Battery Claims, Testing Concurs with Dell]</ref><ref>2009-05-01 [http://www.mydellmini.com/forum/a04-bios-is-here--t2230s30.html My Dell Mini: A04 BIOS is here...] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123162643/http://mydellmini.com/forum/a04-bios-is-here--t2230s30.html |date=January 23, 2009 }}</ref>

=== Specifications ===

* '''Processor:''' Intel Atom N270. * '''Memory:''' 512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz. * '''Chipset:''' Intel US15W Express. * '''Graphics:''' integrated Intel [[GMA 950]]. * '''LCD:''' 8.9" LED-backlit widescreen with 1024 × 600 resolution. * '''Storage:''' 8 or 16 GB SSD (Windows XP Home Edition SP3 32-bit), or 32 GB (Ubuntu Linux version 8.04.1) SSD. * '''Optical Drive:''' None; {{color|gray|External USB 8X tray-load dual-layer DVD+/-RW.}} * '''Battery:''' 4-cell (32 Whr) lithium-ion battery. * '''Camera:''' 0.3 MP webcam. * '''Wi-Fi Card:''' Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g mini-card. * '''Bluetooth:''' Dell Wireless Bluetooth Internal 350 (2.0). * '''I/O ports:''' 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Fast Ethernet port, 1 3-in-1 memory card reader, 1 VGA output, 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, and 1 power adapter port. {{Clear}}

==10 Series==

===Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1010)=== The Mini 10 (1010) is a netbook with a 10.1" screen that was designed to fill the gap between the Mini 9 and Mini 12. It began shipping on February 26, 2009 with a base price of US$399.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/21022/dell-launches-10-inspiron-mini/|title=Dell Launches 10″ Inspiron Mini – OSnews|website=www.osnews.com}}</ref>

It has the [[Intel Atom]] Z520 and Z530 processor configurations. The default Mini 10 model has a 16:9 widescreen display with a 1024×600 (originally 1024×576) or 1366×768 (described as 720p) HD resolution and an [[HDMI]] port. It uses the [[Poulsbo (chipset)|Poulsbo chipset]]. It can be customized with GPS or integrated TV tuner. The service manual displays two full-height MiniPCI-E internal slots, and one half-height. It is unclear whether the connectors are all in place, but the manual shows one full-height TV tuner in place.

The device also features a [[multi-touch|multitouch]] touchpad. Provided with a driver from Elantech, it can be used for scrolling, 3 button operation, dragging, resizing, rotating pictures and system shortcuts as Start Menu and Explorer (on Windows), browser back and forward, minimizing and maximizing windows, window switching, desktop showing and hiding, and running custom commands.

===Dell Inspiron Mini 10v (1011)=== To fill the gap left when the Mini 9 was discontinued, Dell introduced a 'value' version, the Inspiron Mini 10v, which ships with a standard [[VGA]] connector, 1024×600 resolution display (1024×576 on early models) and the same Atom N270 processor that the Mini 9 used (an optional upgrade to the N280 was briefly later available.) In fact, the 10v has nearly exactly the same hardware as the Mini 9 and, as such, is also able to run [[Linux]]. The Mini 10v has since been discontinued. :(The Dell Mini 10v is one of, if not the most, popular or 'compatible' netbook and/or laptop to be "[[Hackintosh|Hackintoshed]]".)<ref>Herrman, John [https://gizmodo.com/5389166/how-to-hackintosh-a-dell-mini-10v-into-the-ultimate-snow-leopard-netbook Hackintosh a Dell Mini 10v] [[gizmodo]] 2009-10-24</ref>

==== Dell Inspiron Mini 10v Nickelodeon Slime Edition ====

The Inspiron Mini 10 Nickelodeon Slime Edition was created from a partnership between Dell and [[Nickelodeon]]. The laptop had a white lid with the “slime” design, ran [[Windows XP]] and had a custom “slime”-themed GUI made using [[StarDock]]'s MyColors. It included parental controls using [[McAfee]]'s Family Safety. System folders were blocked as well. The desktop featured gadgets linking to Nickelodeon's website and another that linked to [[Whyville]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dell Mini Nickelodeon Edition|url=https://www.pcmag.com/archive/dell-mini-nickelodeon-edition-246246|website=PCMAG}}</ref>

===Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012)=== The Mini 10 (1012) has a similar form factor to the older Mini 10 (1010) and 10v (1011); it is distinguished by the use of the newer [[Atom n450]] processor, and its supporting chipset. The HDMI port is also replaced with a standard VGA connector.

===Dell Inspiron Mini 10n=== Dell released the Mini 10n based on the Mini 10. The only difference between the 10n and the 10 (1012) is the installed OS has been changed to Ubuntu [[Moblin]] Remix Developer Edition, bridging Canonical's Ubuntu and Intel's Moblin graphical environment and Atom optimizations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2009/09/moblin-2-arriving-via-dell-with-moblin-ubuntu-remix-netbook.ars|title=Moblin 2 arriving via Dell with Ubuntu-Moblin remix netbook|first=Ryan|last=Paul|date=September 25, 2009|website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

Dell no longer preinstalls full Ubuntu releases on the Mini 10n. Because this model uses a standard Intel platform, Ubuntu (or almost any other up-to-date Linux distribution) can be installed by an end user.

The Mini 10n hardware is the same as the newer version of the Mini 10 with the Atom N450 CPU, 160G disk and NM10 video. It does not have an available option to add the “media processor” upgrade as on the Windows version of the 1012 which can allow better performance for full-motion video, particularly from HD sources.

=== Dell Inspiron Mini (1018) ===

On August 19, 2010, Dell Europe announced the introduction of the Dell Mini 1018. This new Dell Mini features the Atom N455 CPU, which supports DDR3 memory. Design has also been tweaked, and stated specs include 7+ hours of battery life on the 6-cell battery (unconfirmed). As of January 2011, the model has been made available in Asia. The Asian release of the 1018 features 1 GB of DDR3 RAM and is shipped with Windows 7 Starter as well as Office 2010 starter.

However, the N455 is actually 64-bit and [[Hyper Threading]] capable, and thus is actually capable of running 64-bit variants of Windows 7.{{Citation needed|date=October 2018}}

=== Specification comparison === {| class="wikitable" ! !Mini 10 (1010)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-mini10_setup%20guide_en-us.pdf|title=Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1010) Setup Guide}}</ref> !Mini 10v (1011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-mini10v_setup%20guide2_en-us.pdf|title=Dell Inspiron Mini 10v 1011 Setup Guide}}</ref> !Mini 10 (1012)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-mini1012_setup%20guide_en-us.pdf|title=Dell Inspiron Mini (1012) Setup Guide}}</ref> !Mini 10v (1018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-mini1018_setup%20guide_en-us.pdf|title=Dell Inspiron Mini 1018 Setup Guide}}</ref> |- !Released | colspan="2" |2009 | colspan="2" |2010 |- !'''[[CPU|Processor]]''' | * [[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] Z520 (1.33 [[GHz]]) * [[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] Z530 (1.60 [[GHz]]) | * [[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] N270 (1.60 [[GHz]]) * [[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] N280 (1.66 [[GHz]]) |[[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] N450 (1.66 [[GHz]]) |[[Intel]] [[Intel Atom|Atom]] N455 (1.66 [[GHz]]) |- !'''[[Computer Memory|Memory]]''' | colspan="3" | * 1 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[DDR2 SDRAM]] * 2 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[DDR2 SDRAM]] |1 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[DDR3 SDRAM]] |- !'''[[Chipset]]''' |[[Intel]] [[System Controller Hub#Poulsbo|US15W]] Express |[[Intel]] 945GSE Express |[[Intel]] [[Platform Controller Hub#Tiger Point|NM10]] Express | |- !'''[[GPU|Graphics Processor]]''' |Integrated [[Intel]] [[GMA 500]] graphics |Integrated [[Intel]] [[GMA 950]] graphics |Integrated [[Intel]] GMA 3150 graphics ([[Broadcom Crystal HD|Crystal HD Broadcom Media Accelerator]] optional) |Integrated [[Intel]] GMA 3150 graphics |- !Display Panel | * {{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} [[LED]]-backlit display with 1024 × 600 resolution * {{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} bright [[LED]]-backlit display with 1366 × 768 resolution and [[TrueLife]] * ''Early models had 1024×576 resolution'' | * {{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} [[LED]]-backlit display with 1024 × 600 resolution * ''Early models had 1024×576 resolution'' | * {{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} [[LED]]-backlit display with 1024 × 600 resolution * {{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} bright [[LED]]-backlit display with 1366 × 768 resolution and [[TrueLife]] |{{convert|10.1|in|cm||abbr=on}} [[LED]]-backlit display with 1024 × 600 resolution |- ![[Hard disk drive|Hard Drive]] | * 160 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM * 32 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[Solid State Drive|SSD]] | * 160 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM * 16 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[Solid State Drive|SSD]] |160 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM 250 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM | * 160 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM * 250 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SATA]] at 5400 RPM |- !'''[[Optical Disc Drive]]''' | colspan="4" |None. External drive available. |- ![[Battery (electricity)|Battery]] |3-cell (24 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] 6-cell (56 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] |3-cell (24 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] 6-cell (56 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] |3-cell (24 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] 6-cell (56 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] ''Some [[Battery (electricity)|batteries]] for this model had a capacity of 60 [[Watt hour|Whr]]'' |3-cell (24 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] 6-cell (56 [[Watt hour|Whr]]) [[Lithium-ion battery]] |- !'''[[Wi-Fi]] Card''' | colspan="2" | * [[Dell]] Wireless 1397 [[802.11b]]/[[802.11g|g]] * [[Dell]] Wireless 1510 [[802.11a]]/[[802.11b|b]]/[[802.11g|g]]/[[802.11n|n]] mini-card |[[Dell]] Wireless 1397 [[802.11b]]/[[802.11g|g]] | |- !'''[[Bluetooth]]''' |Internal [[Dell]] Wireless Bluetooth 365 (2.1 [[Bluetooth#Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR|EDR]]) | colspan="3" |Internal [[Dell]] Wireless Bluetooth 365 (2.1 [[Bluetooth#Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR|EDR]]) |- !Ports and Slots | * 1 Kensington lock slot * 3 USB 2.0 Ports * 1 Fast Ethernet port * 1 HDMI output * 1 headphone jack * 1 microphone jack * 1 3-in-1 memory card reader * 1 power adapter connector |1 Kensington lock slot 3 USB 2.0 Ports 1 Fast Ethernet port 1 [[VGA]] output 1 headphone jack 1 microphone jack 1 3-in-1 memory card reader 1 power adapter connector |1 Kensington lock slot 3 USB 2.0 Ports 1 Fast Ethernet port 1 [[VGA]] output 1 headphone jack 1 microphone jack 1 3-in-1 memory card reader 1 power adapter connector | |- !'''Camera''' |1.3 [[Megapixel|MP]] [[webcam]] |1.3 [[Megapixel|MP]] [[webcam]] |1.3 [[Megapixel|MP]] [[webcam]] |0.3 [[Megapixel|MP]] |- !Operating System | | | | |} {{Clear}}

==12 Series== {{Infobox computer | image = [[File:Dell-inspiron-mini-12.png|230px]] | caption = Front view of the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. | developer = [[Dell]] | type = [[Netbook]] | cpu = Intel Atom Z520 or Z530 | memory = 1 GB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz | os = [[Windows XP]] Pro | graphics = integrated Intel GMA 500 | display = 12.1" Glossy widescreen with a 1280 × 800 resolution and TrueLife | storage = 40, 60 or 80 GB PATA HDD at 4200 RPM | power = 3-cell (28 Whr) or 6-cell (56 WHr) Lithium Ion battery. | camera = 1.3 MP webcam | connectivity = 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Fast Ethernet port, 1 VGA output, 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, 1 3-in-1 memory card reader and 1 power adapter connector }} The '''Dell Inspiron Mini 12''' (also known as Dell Inspiron 1210) was released online on October 16, 2008 and announced on October 26, 2008 as a larger counterpart to the Mini 9. It was mainly created for the [[netbook]] market, with a secondary goal of competing with [[subnotebook]]s. It began shipping on December 8, 2008, with a starting price of $549.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://downloads.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-mini12_setup%20guide_en-us.pdf|title=Dell Inspiron Mini 12 (1210) Setup Guide}}</ref> The netbook originally shipped with Windows Vista Home Basic SP1 32-bit, but an option for XP Home SP3 32-bit was added a month later. Furthermore, it was criticized for being slow with Vista. It was retired on August 7, 2009.{{Citation needed|date=October 2018}}

===Features=== It features a 12.1 inch (1280×800) WXGA True-Life widescreen display running on a 1.33 GHz or 1.6 GHz [[Intel Atom]] Silverthorne CPU, and comes bundled with Windows XP Home or Ubuntu 8.04. It comes with 1 GB of RAM (the maximum for the device), a 40/60/80 GB [[hard drive]], and a small speaker located above the keyboard.

For connectivity, the device carries [[WiFi|Wi-Fi]] and 3 [[USB]] ports. A 1.3 MP [[webcam]] and internal Bluetooth are available as options. The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 is 1.1 inches thick and weighs 3.2 pounds (with six-cell battery), or 2.8 pounds (with three-cell battery).

In dell black and silver colour. The outside is shiny black. On site one-year warranty by Dell.

=== Specifications ===

* '''Processor:''' Intel Atom Z520 or Z530. * '''Memory:''' 512 MB or 1 GB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz. * '''Chipset:''' Intel US15W Express. * '''Graphics:''' integrated Intel [[GMA 500]]. * '''Display:''' 12.1" LED-backlit widescreen with 1280 × 800 resolution. * '''Storage:''' 32, 40 or 60 GB PATA HDD@ 5,400 RPM. * '''Optical Drive:''' None; {{color|gray|External USB 8X tray-load dual-layer DVD+/-RW.}} * '''Battery:''' 3-cell (24 Whr) or 6-cell (48 Whr) lithium-ion battery. * '''Camera:''' 1.3 MP webcam. * '''Wi-Fi Card:''' Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g mini-card. * '''Bluetooth:''' DelI Wireless Bluetooth Internal 350 (2.0). * '''I/O ports:''' 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Fast Ethernet port, 1 3-in-1 memory card reader, 1 VGA output, 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, and 1 power adapter port.

===Successor=== While not labelled an "Inspiron Mini" or marketed as a netbook, the [[Dell_Inspiron#Inspiron_1110_.28Inspiron_11z.29|Inspiron 11z]] has replaced the Mini 12 in most markets and occupies a similar position in the model line.

==See also== {{commons category|Dell Inspiron Mini}}

*[[Comparison of netbooks]] *[[Dell Mini 5]] *[[Quiet PC]]

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:Dell laptops|Inspiron Mini Series]] [[Category:Subnotebooks]] [[Category:Linux-based devices]] [[Category:Netbooks]] [[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2008]] [[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2010]]