Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Launch Imminent

We have just received word from Dell that their highly anticipated Inspiron Mini 10 netbook will be available for sale starting tomorrow. Initially, QVC will be selling the Mini 10 with a proprietary software and accessory bundle, but the Dell website will have units for sale starting on February 26 as well.

The unit QVC will be offering tomorrow will be based on the Intel Menlow platform. It will have the Mini 10's signature 10.1" wide-screen SVGA display, an Intel Atom Z530 1.66GHz processor with a 533MHz front side bus, 1GB of RAM, a relatively spacious 160GB hard drive, a 1.3MP integrated webcam, and 802.11G Wi-Fi in addition to 10/100 wired Ethernet. The systems will be available in six colors at launch, and will run Windows XP initially, but Dell will also be rolling out Linux and Vista options at some point in the future.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 sports three USB ports, an integrated multi-card flash reader, headphone and microphone jacks, SRS audio enhancement technology, and an HDMI output. And initial configurations will include a 3-cell battery that offers about three hours of battery life.

Dell plans to offer optional TV tuners, a 720P HD display, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Design studio personalization over the next few months. A 2GB memory option and other Z-family Atom processors will eventually be available as options as well.

Dell direct versions of the Inspiron Mini 10 will be priced at around $399 and up depending on the configuration; the QVC version will be sold at a somewhat higher price due to its software and accessory bundle, but final pricing wasn't clear. The full release with specification is available below...

DELL SCORES A PERFECT 10 WITH ITS LATEST ADDITION TO THE INSPIRON MINI FAMILY

• Ample Keyboard – 92 percent of full size
• Video-Friendly Screen – 10.1-inch “Edge-to-Edge” 16:9 Widescreen Display
• QVC Shoppers Get First Look

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Feb. 19, 2009 – Dell today launched the Inspiron Mini 10, a mini-notebook that adds keyboard comfort and even more entertainment-friendly dimensions to the Inspiron Mini family. Like the Inspiron Mini 9 and Mini 12, the Mini 10 is a compact, easy-to-carry Internet companion featuring wireless and entertainment capabilities to help keep kids, tweens, teens, travelers and “Tweeters” chatting, blogging, streaming content, sharing photos, watching videos and more.

The Mini 10 is scheduled to debut for advance orders today on QVC at 9 p.m. (EST). A full Mini 10 overview is available at Dell.com, and the system will be available for purchase directly from Dell in the U.S. and other countries beginning Feb. 26.

Products and services like the Inspiron Minis, the Wasabi handheld wireless printer and the Dell Design Studio are redefining value, personalization and customization for connected mobile lifestyles.

The News:
Features available today on the Inspiron Mini 10 include:

• Sleek design and starting weight of only 2.86 lbs.
• Roomy keyboard – 92 percent of full-size for comfort and ease of use.
• Multi-touch gestures touchpad – navigate the screen using simple movements to rotate, scroll and zoom documents and photos.
• 10.1” WSVGA “edge-to-edge” 16:9 widescreen display.
• HDMI output for enhanced entertainment connectivity
• Internal WiFi.
• Built-in Webcam.
• Windows XP.
• 1 GB RAM standard and 160GB hard drive, providing ample capacity for mobile applications, content creation and storage.
• Expanded color palette options to express your personal style: Obsidian Black, Alpine White, Cherry Red, Promise Pink, Ice Blue and Jade Green.
• Fully featured QVC configuration includes free shipping, a 4GB SD memory card and pre-loaded productivity software.
• Available in the U.S. on Dell.com beginning Feb. 26, with a starting price of $399.
• Also available online in other countries beginning Feb. 26.
• Dell Remote Access is designed to link directly to home-based digital materials from any Web-connected device.
• Dell offers exclusive online file storage – ranging from a free basic plan with 2GB of storage space to 100 GB – providing Inspiron Mini users with a simple way to manage their digital lives.

Mini 10 optional features planned for later this year include:

• Internal digital TV tuner, HD resolution and external USB DVD player options for an optimized video entertainment experience.
• Ubuntu and Vista operating systems.
• Bluetooth.
• WWAN.
• Internal GPS.
• 2 GB RAM.
• 120 GB and 250 GB hard drives.
• Solid state drives.
• Popular Design Studio images to express personal style.