Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-USE010AM Obsidian Laptop with Integrated TV Tuner - Black Review
===== Comfortable, Innovative and Media Friendly, but Not Perfect =====
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. Its media handling features have a bit to be desired, but it makes out okay in that department too.
===== It's More than Capable =====
This Dell Mini 10v does more than just writing and surfing the Web (tip: keep your browser tabs to a minimum and not install too many Firefox extensions), but can also capture the TV signal, which is great if you have installed Windows 7 Ultimate for its Media Center, which can be had as OEM DVD for as much as Home Premium (this Mini 10v supports 32-bit edition only: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NGJO92?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8). Other media plays decently as well, including Web videos, Flash sites and Flash games. Don't run several other programs at once, and 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. The webcam quality is sub-par compared to most notebooks, but still a decent quality for a netbook I suppose.
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 cannot go wrong in using it. Some of the newer Mini 10's (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00361G10S?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) feature slightly better Atom processors if you want to get the latest and greatest, but are found to be lacking in things like TV capture support. In testing, I found all Mini 10 series netbooks to be similar, aside from improved performance and configuration-specific features (or lack thereof, in this case) such as TV-cards and HDMI output.
===== 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 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.
===== Processor and Battery =====
The Dell Mini 10v features the Intel Atom Z530, a 32-bit 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 5-6 hours using the 48WHr 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)
* Built in TV tuner with HDMI output
* 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
I hope you've found this review to be helpful! :)
Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-USE010AM Obsidian Laptop with Integrated TV Tuner - Black Feature
- 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 Processor (512K cache, 533MHz FSB)
- 1GB Memory; 160GB Hard Drive; Media Card Reader; 10/100 Ethernet
- Embedded Mobile TV Tuner; Built-in 1.3MP Webcam; Integrated Audio
- 10.1" Widescreen Display; Integrated Intel 500 Media Accelerator Graphics
- Genuine Windows XP Home (SP1); 6 Cell Battery; Wireless 802.11g Connectivity
Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-USE010AM Obsidian Laptop with Integrated TV Tuner - Black Overview
The Inspiron Mini 10 makes it even easier to stay connected to your world wherever you go. The new internal 802.11b/g WiFi connection brings you wireless technology. And the Inspiron Mini 10v’s small, virtually weightless design lets you travel light while keeping up with your blog, video chat, instant messenger and email so that you never lose touch with your family and friends. This Inspiron Mini 10 includes an Intel Atom Z530 processor and 1GB RAM. Store your photos and files on the 160GB Hard Drive and keep in touch with friends with the integrated webcam. The Inspiron Mini 10 allows you to take your entertainment away from home with the integrated digital TV Tuner, and allows you to expand your screen by connecting to an external monitor or TV using the HDMI port. Includes Microsoft Works, McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall (30-Days). 3 x USB Ports; 1 x Mic; 1 x Headphone/Stereo Speaker; 1 x HDMI;
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 17, 2010 14:38:31
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