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| | Features | Dell Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook Computer Inspiron Mini 10v 1GB DDR2 SDRAM Intel Atom Processor N27010.1 inch Widescreen Display (1024x600) 160GB, 2.5inch, 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
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| | Description | The Mini 10 is everything you want in a mobile companion and more. They may be small, but you'll be surprised by all the fun features packed inside. |  |
| | Product Details | | Package Length: | 14.3 inches | | Package Width: | 9.5 inches | | Package Height: | 3.9 inches | | Package Weight: | 4.4 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: | based on 14 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 14 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 35 found the following review helpful:
Surprisingly comfortable, innovatively useful Mar 16, 2010
By Scott Showalter
"purefusion"
Dell's Mini 10v is simply a breath of fresh air in an ever-cramping netbook market. Particularly, it's ingenuity make it the most-comfortable, most-useful netbook around.
===== It's Comfortable ===== Most netbooks are unusable to me, especially where the keyboard is concerned. Most netbooks' have either tiny keyboards, or their keyboards just aren't typing-friendly. I frequently work on laptops, so I'm used to the low-profile, "chiclet-style" scissor-switch keyboards that are (or at least used to be) most common in laptops, and in fact I love them.
I'm referring to the type of keys that are flat and flush with the palm rest, and have a little flange or lip on the edges (where the space is between the keys). Such a design makes them spill-resistant, but also makes typing a breeze, as they won't inflict wrist strain due to tall keys or keys that require more force to press. So, this thing is certainly a dream to use.
===== It's Innovative ===== The touch pad is small, yet clever, allowing you to press down on the bottom-left/bottom-right corners of the pad to left-click/right-click (respectively), rather than wasting space by implementing separate buttons. The touch pad is also very touchable, as its texture and finish is matte, rather than glossy, making it much more conducive to swiping your fingers across than most of the other netbooks I laid fingers on.
Most netbooks' touch pads were glossy, making your skin shear and resist the dragging gestures. I find such a feeling to be nearly as annoying as fingernails on a chalkboard! The other netbooks were also noticeably covered in oily smudges and finger grease, both inside the track pad and also on the wrist rest. Instant turn off for me on anything but the Dell! The Mini 10 on the other hand was smudge free, thanks to their use of an oil-resistant softly-textured palm-rest.
===== It's Brilliant ===== The display is crisp and bright, and it isn't too shabby outside either, though I recommend using full brightness when being used outdoors. My only complaint about the screen is its native resolution is a bit low for my tastes, which I hope isn't just a personal preference. I'd rather see more on the screen than to see things big and close up. However, this is par for netbooks anyway. You should look into this Sony (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PII4HW?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) if you absolutely must have a higher definition display while maintaining the small form factor of a netbook.
===== It's Media Friendly ===== The built in HD media excellerator and the 9:16 ratio widescreen 10.1" display is great for watching hi-def movies on the go, with one very important exception: you must have an external DVD (or Blu-Ray) drive. I recommend this Samsung (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C1BBU8?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) which sports a sexy look, on par with the Dell 's own appeal, without sacrificing functionality. Video playback is generally smooth and very few hiccups in playback have been experienced. The TV tuner featured in the similar model (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EEP3J8?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) is really the only media-friendly feature really missing.
===== It's Capable ===== Great for writing and surfing the Web (after all, surfing was the original presmise of the netbook, hense the name). Just be sure to keep your browser tabs to a minimum and not install too many Firefox extensions, and you'll be fine. Media plays alright, including Web videos, Flash sites and Flash games. As long as you aren't trying to multi-task by running several other programs at once, you should be just fine. The memory card reader is an added bonus. I didn't think it would be all that useful, but it is a life-saver when traveling.
This machine features Windows XP, which runs okay. Windows 7 would be more ideal, as the OS is optimized for the netbook, and it even outperforms XP in several areas, so you can't go wrong in using it. While some of the other Mini 10's feature slightly better Atom processors (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00361G10S?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8), the GMA-950 Intel graphics chip used here tends to make this model more conducive (less painful) for implementing OSX, but I'll leave it at that.
===== Processor and Battery ===== The Dell Mini 10v features the Intel Atom N280, a 64-bit-capable single-core processor supporting 2GB max ram. It supports Hyper Threading, so mild (but not wild) multi-tasking is possible, within reason. Try not to run more than two apps simultaneously for best performance and battery life. Intel Speedstep Technology is also built in, helping you save battery life. We averaged about 7-8 hours compared to the boasted 9.5 using the 60WHr 6 cell battery.
===== What I Loved ===== * Keyboard design - 92% full-size! * Touch pad design - genius usability features * Wrist rest - comfortable, remains clean/streak-free * 3 USB ports - 2-left/1-right is dandy for using a USB mouse * 9:16 ratio display - great for movies (see above for DVD solution) * Keyboard + Touch pad design - seriously! It hits the mark spot-on!
===== Dissapointments ===== The things we would have liked to see were: * 802.11n support - wave to the future already! * 1024x600 resolution - would have preferred at least 1280x720 * 5400 RPM hard drive - would have liked a faster SSD (even if smaller) * Windows XP - Win7 is more optimized for netbooks, XP isn't * No TV tuner/HDMI hookups - this is becomming more standard
I hope you've found this review to be helpful! :)
31 of 36 found the following review helpful:
Makes a fine Hackintosh! Apr 10, 2010
By Shoot Me
"The Messenger"
[Please note that since the time of this original review (Early April, 2010) Apple has introduced a new 11.6-inch MacBook Air! I advise that you fully explore what that machine has to offer when taking into account my review below. A lot can change in the computing industry within 6 months! While I still believe the Dell mini Hackintosh to be a viable choice for economic reasons, I believe that if you can afford it you will gain a much more enjoyable experience from the new 11.6-inch MacBook Air. To sum it all up: If I could do it all over again I would have saved my money and put it toward the new MacBook Air. I based my decision on Apple's firm stance that NetBooks are crap and that that Apple will never make one. It is debatable whether the new 11.6 Air constitutes a NetBook, but I think it is fair to assume that this new tiny breed of MacBook will devour the market share of many competing NetBook manufacturers. I have no regrets about the money I've spent (perhaps erroneously) on my Dell mini 10v because finally we have an Apple product that bridges the gap between the Mac and the iPad! So let us rejoice! I would like to believe that the popularity of the Hackintosh mini has played a part in Apple's decision to release a competing product. If the end-user stands to benefit then I have done my part. Namaste!]
This is the best netbook currently on the market for those who seek to create a Hackintosh.
Why would you want to do this? - The MacBook Air is expensive and still rather large. - The iPad is more of a giant iPod touch than a computer. - Apple does not make netbooks and they never will.
Basically it's for people who want an ultra-portable and ultra-affordable computer but can't stand Windows and don't understand Linux.
How do you do this? Google "Hackintosh 10v" and read Gizmodo's article. It tells you everything you will need to know.
Who should do this? Somebody who is at least computer savvy enough to understand the Gizmodo article.
What are the benefits and drawbacks?
Benefits: - Small and lightweight - Cheap (cheaper than the cheapest iPad!) - Can run OS X! - Has 3 USB ports (more than most MacBook Pro models and certainly more than the MacBook Air!) - Because of USB expandability you can add more storage space (via flash drives) and a 3G modem for internet anywhere. - Has an impressively long battery life (even longer with the extended battery pack) - Optional solid state drive (more durable) - Has a built-in camera for Skype, iChat, etc.
Drawbacks: - The trackpad is not up to Apple standards (gee, I wonder why?) but still usable with some tweaking. - Be cautious when installing OS X and also when doing the updates. Do your online research so you don't "brick" it. - Installing OS X on PC hardware is technically not legal, and it voids your warranty and support eligibility. - The solid state configuration is only available in 16GB (same as base-model iPad). - Some Mac applications do not accommodate a screen resolution this small. But there are workarounds (see Gizmodo article).
Conclusions: For not being Apple hardware, the "Mac" you can make out of this is damn good. If you can afford it, just buy a MacBook Air because you will get the full Apple experience as it is intended to be. But if you are more of a do-it-yourselfer on a limited budget or just a hobbyist looking to experiment, it might perfectly suit you. Like the Air, it has no optical drive for CDs/DVDs, so make sure you're OK with that (there are alternatives). This makes a good secondary computer to accompany a desktop Mac. With just 1GB of memory you should NOT expect this to be ideal for graphic design, multimedia production, and so on. But it does make a nice affordable solution for web browsing, emailing and even developing software for the Mac and/or iPhone with maximum portability. I hesitate to recommend this to anybody who is looking to switch from a PC to a Mac because a Hackintosh is not a Mac... it's a hack! It is a unique computing experience that satisfies the needs of a certain market and it's nice that the option exists.
I am not advising that you create a Hackintosh, nor am I claiming to have done so, nor am I responsible for your doing so. But if you choose to do it, have fun! If you screw something up while attempting to hack your machine you have no right to demand that Dell or Apple help you. As long as you understand that, do whatever you want! But it can be done, and rather easily. I believe that for some people a Hackintosh is the best option, and the Dell mini 10v makes for a fantastic Hackintosh! Happy hacking....
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
The only Dell product I truly love... Apr 30, 2010
By Patrick Bianchi I'm a Mac guy, but the Dell Mini series is the only Dell product that I actually love. After having a Mini 9 for over a year and loving it, I decided to step up to a 10v for the slightly bigger screen and MUCH more acceptable keyboard. For what it is, this is a FANTASTIC computer. It has just enough to get some casual web browsing, light word processing (too small to write a novel on), and media playback done. Its 160GB hard drive is perfect for a netbook, and makes it much easier to dual-boot it, like I do. I have Windows 7 Ultimate and a Unix-based OS that's "named after a cat" loaded on it, and it performs FLAWLESSLY with both. It's also VERY quiet. There's no fan and the hard drive is very quiet and can only be heard when the computer is very close to your ear.
As you may already know, the Dell Mini line has a sort of cult following as being very versatile and hackable computers. There's a site called [...] that will tell you anything and everything you need or want to know about this machine. It allowed me to take my stock 10v and upgrade it with Bluetooth, 802.11n, and 2GB of RAM. These upgrades help to make it an even more capable machine.
What do I use mine for? Well a number of things, really. I always carry it with me, since it's so small. I pull it out to send a quick e-mail, check Facebook real quick, etc. But one thing that it does really well is play emulated console games (SNES, NES, Genesis, etc.). I do that on an almost daily basis. It's fun to relive the old school games from my youth, and on a perfectly sized machine for it. It's just so portable, and that's what I love most about it. Capable and portable. The only thing it really can't handle is Flash-based video, which I blame Adobe for since Flash is so power-hungry. However, playing video of all kinds and resolutions in QuickTime or Windows Media Player is not a problem. I wouldn't try to play a Blu-ray rip on it, but 720p and below shouldn't be a problem.
My ONLY complaint about this machine is that the touchpad is far from perfect. There are times where it will incorrectly interperet finger gestures when scrolling or going to click one of the "hidden" buttons. The bottom left and right corners of the pad have buttons underneath them for the left and right mouse buttons. While this saves space and is ultimately a great idea, it could've been implemented better I think. But with a little practice and getting used to the quirks, the touchpad is very useable overall.
So in the end, if you're looking to get into the netbook game, this is the perfect machine to do so with. It offers the best a netbook can, plus the extra ability of being able to (with a little work) experience "the other side" of the computing world. With it's easily upgraded components, long battery life, bright screen, comfortable keyboard and overall great performance I highly recommend you consider the Mini 10v. It's been discontinued from Dell, but is still widely available around the Internet and on auction sites. If you don't plan on hacking, the standard Mini 10 is available from Dell and should be just as good.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Don't buy it Aug 07, 2011
By lizi shoov london I bought it six months ago. A month ago I flew, with the landing I found that the screen was destroyed (with no physical cause). Call the company's customer service resulted in disappointment. Although the product was purchased a short time ago they refused to take any responsibility for product quality - would not see the screen, would not replace or repair the product. We will never buy another Dell product again!.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Great Hackintosh, not a great Netbook Jan 27, 2011
By MC01 Pros: - Purchased to experiment w/as Hackintosh, and in that regard it was a good deal. W/RAM upgrade, Mac OSX DVD & new 8GB USB thumb drive, total cost was ~$500. -- Still $200 cheaper than Mac Mini, and $500 cheaper than MacBook Air. - OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 works fine w/the latest NetbookMaker/Installer combo (0.8.5Pre), if done properly & run NBI again after 10.6.6 install to fix Wi-Fi. - Allegedly pretty easy to dual boot if you want to set that up. I haven't yet. - Runs XCode & iPhone SDK, but pretty slow to compile & test even very basic apps. Hoping RAM upgrade will help.
Cons: - Graphics quality is pretty poor. Looks like a cheap bank ATM touchscreen. - Both XP and Mac OSX responsiveness are slow, despite having almost nothing installed. Don't know yet how much RAM upgrade will help or if it's just a function of processor speed. - 1GB RAM is WAY too low, and it's apparently going to be a massive pain to upgrade to 2GB. (RAM upgrade is possible, but requires disassembling the ENTIRE machine! But, there are step-by-step videos online showing how to do it, so I'm gonna try!) - Came with Windows XP SP3 installed instead of Win7. Looked pretty crappy after being on Vista/Win7/MacOS for a while.
If you can find this w/2GB RAM or maybe even Solid State Drive, it'd probably be a better experience. Alternatively, if you run Win7 w/USB drive as "Speed Boost" (should be possible - I don't have Win7 installed), that might help as well. Mac OS X doesn't seem to have any kind of "Speed Boost" option - at least none I've found so far.
Can probably find this elsewhere online for cheaper than this seller. Apparently it was as low as $250 from Dell, but has been discontinued. If you're looking for a basic Windows Netbook, don't bother w/this - get something newer (obviously). If you're after a Hackintosh & are computer savvy enough to follow the instructions for that, this works fine.
See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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