Barely a couple months ago, computer maker Dell introduced the ultraportable Mini 9 netbook, designed to appeal t folks who want basic email, Web browsing, and social networking capability in as small (and cute) a package as possible. Now, it seems everything small is destined to get bigger again: today Dell announced the Inspiron Mini 12, which is basically the same idea as the Mini 9…but with a 12.1 inch display.
Designed to appeal to "tweeters" (and maybe their terrorist friends?) the Inspiron Mini is just 0.92 inches thick and weighs 2.72 pounds. The system is built around either a 1.33 or 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, runs Windows Vista Home Basic, comes with 1 GB of RAM, and either a 60 or 80 GB hard drive. The 12.1-inch display offers a 1280 by 800 pixel resolution driven by Intel GMA500 integrated graphics; the Mini 12 also packs 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, and a 5-in-1 media card reader.
For now, the Inspiron Mini 12 is only available in Japan, but will launch globally next month with starting priced under $600. Dell also says it plans to offer the Mini 12 with Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP pre-installed before the end of 2008.
