Dell Inspiron Mini

Manufacturers: Dell

Class: Inspiron Mini

Model: Mini 10

Price: Rs.32,000 approx

Specs Overview:

• Operating System: Win 7 Home Starter
• Processor: Intel atom 470 (1.8GHz)
• RAM: 1 GB DDR3
• Hard Drive: 250 GB
• Battery: 6 cell, 7 hours max
• Display: 10.1” LED Display
• DVD-ROM: None
• Webcam: 1.3 MP Integrated Webcam
• Wireless: Wireless Network Card 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Dell Wireless Bluetooth Module

Unlike the past reviews, this time I have decided to focus on something that is becoming the trend very fast. Being a student I have seen many other students leaving the big bulky laptops and going for minis or net book.

So this week, we will try to find out if it’s a system for you or not.

Looks Stylish:

This little machine obviously looks stylish. Its compact and small design is definitely worth a second look. Its design is based on the larger inspiron laptops.

The ports and connectors are also placed neatly on the sides. There are no touch buttons on the keyboard like the usual laptops but still has accounted for that functionality in its keyboard keys.

No Multi Tasking:

In these mini machines, multi tasking can be done but not without difficulty. You can use programs like explorer, MS office and media player at one time but not anything heavier.

Basically it can perform multi tasking for programs related to lighter office work only. You cannot even have two parallel installations sometimes. You can not open programs like Adobe Photoshop or any such heavier 2 or 3 programs at a time. It would not generate an error or anything but its performance would be very slow.

Light as the Wind:

The laptop is pretty impressive in terms of weight even with a six cell battery. It weighs hardly a KG. The smaller screen size also makes it easier to work for a longer time because it does not cause stress for your eyes.

Carrying it around is almost as easy as carrying a cell phone with you. It would fit in a briefcase or a small carrying case with utmost ease.

Overheating?

Although I have used many systems myself, but I must say this is one of the best in terms of generating heat – because it does not get even a little hot after working continuously for 3,4 hours.

I have seen people using it even in blankets or bed sheets and never complaining about the heat. (But this definitely does not mean that you should try this too)

Windows 7 Starter:

Most of you will have no experience using windows seven starter editions because usually Win 7 Basic or Win 7 Ultimate is used.

Starter edition has some features missing as compared to other more expensive editions. I am not sure about how much starter costs or if it’s even available but Win 7 Basic costs Rs. 7,500 and Win 7 Premium costs around Rs. 9,000.

Some of the missing features are as weird as not having the ability to change your wallpaper. This thing, not being a problem, can be irritating for many users.

Pre-Installed Software:

There are some preinstalled software like Win 7 Starter, McAfee Anti virus and the basic programs that come preinstalled. In terms of software, this machine is not much to talk about.

Good Speakers:

The speakers are somewhat small but are good in terms of quality. Sound is usually not an issue and there is a headphone jack too in case you like to use head phones.

Underline:

It is a good system for office, home and business applications but only if you don’t have to run very heavy programs.