Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Series
Processor: Intel Atom N270, Intel Atom Z530Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 500, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
Display: 10.1 inch
Weight: 1.2kg, 1.3kg
Price: 250, 400 euro
Average Score: 72.3% - average
Average of 27 scores (from 29 reviews)
mobility: 74%, workmanship: 81%, ergonomy: 87%, emissions: 91%
Dell Inspiron Mini 10
Notebook Specifications
Notebook: Dell Inspiron Mini 10Processor: Intel Atom Z530
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 500
Display: 10.1 inch, 16:9, 1024x576 pixels
Weight: 1.3kg
Price: 400 euro
Links: Dell homepage Dell notebook section Inspiron Mini 10 (Series) Inspiron Mini 10 (Model)
Average Score: 71.73% - average
Average of 22 scores (from 23 reviews)
Source: CNet

As a master of the build-to-order PC, it's no surprise that Dell has managed to create a reasonably customizable version of the Netbook. While most vendors offer them as one-size-fits-all solutions (or with only very minor options, such as color and hard drive), the Inspiron Mini 10 has plenty of ways it can become the perfect Netbook for you. Dell's popular Mini 10 is the most customizable Netbook we've seen. Adding extras such as a higher-resolution display makes it more useful, but also blurs the price line between Netbooks and mainstream laptops.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/11/2009
Rating: Total score: 79% performance: 60% features: 90% mobility: 90%
Source: Laptop Mag

This netbook offers a high-def display and TV to go, but you’ll pay a steep price. At a time when some of the best netbooks cost between $349 and $399, paying $574 for the Dell Mini 10—almost the same price as the Gateway NV—seems too high. However, there is plenty of entertainment value in having a built-in TV tuner, especially if it means a backseat of quiet children on a long car ride. While we’re still nonplused with its finicky touchpad, we’re more than pleased with its excellent screen and keyboard. Factor in its lengthy battery life, and this Dell Mini 10 is a decent choice for those who want their TV on the go.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/03/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computer Shopper

The Mini 10 netbook gets jazzed up with a stunning design, a beautiful display, and a TV tuner. At $50 more than the original, it's worth the splurge. Compared with the netbook competition, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 with TV Tuner is a winner. The base price is below average, the performance is about average, the design is exceptional, and the TV tuner is downright cool. Even if you purchase the battery upgrade (which you should) and spring for the slick case design, you’re still paying less than the base price of most netbooks. And to boost the value quotient,
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 83%
Source: Reg Hardware

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is the polar opposite of the 10v. While the latter is designed to be a cheap as possible in the name of robust portable computing, the goal of the 10 proper is to be more a jack of all trades. Like all the current crop of Atom netbooks though, the lack of a decent GPU is an annoyance and, in this case, the HDMI port brings that annoyance into somewhat sharper relief.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/30/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Authority

The NC10 is also the better performer, as well as offering that staggering seven-hour battery life. The only real advantage held by the Mini 10 is its configurability - for instance, you can choose from six different lid colours (Cherry Red inexplicably costs an additional $81) or opt for decals ($145) - but the NC10 is better in all the ways that matter. It's possible Dell will come up with a world-beating netbook, but this isn't it.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/28/2009
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 80% mobility: 80%
Source: CNet

So far, Dell's netbooks have been hit and miss. We liked the cute Inspiron Mini 9, but were less enamoured with the under-powered Inspiron Mini 12, so we were keen to see how the Inspiron Mini 10 shapes up. We like the Dell Inspiron Mini 10's high-resolution screen and love its HDMI port. The annoying trackpad and awkwardly designed battery pack are big letdowns, however. Dell still has some way to go before it produces a really stunning netbook.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/16/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: IT Reviews

Dell's latest addition to its Mini range of netbooks is the Mini 10, a 10.1-inch screen unit that naturally sits in between the original Mini 9 and the larger Mini 12. Although the Mini 10 is an improvement on the Mini 9 and, for that matter, the Mini 12, Dell is still playing catch-up with the major players in this market, and it's hard to recommend this machine when you compare it with the other 10-inch netbooks available such as Samsung's NC10 and N110 and Asus's 1000HE.
50
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/25/2009
Rating: Total score: 50%
Source: vnunet.com

It took Dell a little while to get on the mini-notebook bandwagon last year, but when it did with the 9in Inspiron Mini 9, we were impressed with the results. Now there’s an updated version in the form of the 10in Mini 10. With poor battery life and unimpressive performance the Dell Mini 10 does its job perfectly well but at the asking price is less than impressive. Although it’s nicely expandable, the basic Mini 10 is expensive for what it contains and the battery life is unimpressive.
60
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Mobile Tech Review

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is marketed primarily as a secondary laptop for people who would like to take their light to moderate workloads to places where a full-sized laptop might not dare to go, and this is indeed who it will work best for. It’s ultraportable and inexpensive with performance levels that are impressive by netbook standards (and even fairly impressive by regular standards), so people who use it for its intended purpose will find that it fulfills their needs and even goes beyond them. I wish the memory were upgradeable, and issues with the heat and trackpad can be minor annoyances, but, even though I’m still a Mac guy, I have found the Inspiron Mini to be an excellent tool for productivity.
60
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Techradar

A great screen, but better options exist at this price. While the excellent keyboard and screen of the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 provide strong selling points, the limited mobility and poor components restrict usability. It's not that the Dell is a bad netbook – far from it – it's just that many better netbooks can be bought at this price.
70
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/29/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: PC Advisor

Battery life was the damper on an otherwise very well turned out netbook. In size, style, general performance and ergonomics, this Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is a must-see for any shortlist. Note, though, that the PC World model tested does not feature Bluetooth nor the hybrid USB/eSATA port that are standard for Dell-sold units. If you need a slightly faster 1.6GHz model and either of these features, look to Dell direct, with a £50 price premium
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/13/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% features: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Fudzilla

The Inspiron Mini 10 is pretty much a mixed bag, and although it shows promise and offers a few nice features and design concepts, it has a few serious shortcomings as well. For some reason Dell chose to launch it with a 3-cell battery, which doesn't provide you with a lot of juice. Most vendors are slowly phasing out 3-cell units in favor of 6-cell or 4-cell batteries, even on entry level SKUs. Of course, you can get a 6-cell power pack for the Mini 10, but you're basically paying for something you are supposed to get straight out of the box, and that's something no consumer enjoys. It's biggest downside is the $399 price tag. In case you want a 6-cell battery and a Z530, it will cost you $100 extra. Fortunately, Dell has announced a stripped down Mini 10v SKU for $299, and that sounds like a pretty good deal.
Preis 50
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/08/2009
Rating: price: 50%
Source: Pocket Lint

Overall, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is a fantastic package. The keyboard helps to make it one of the most comfortable and practical netbooks available and, unlike rival products from HP, it doesn't cost the earth. Performance may not be earth shattering, but it was never likely to be, and isn’t a great deal worse than other netbooks. Overall, the excellent usability on offer and the impressive machine makes this an appealing choice.
80, Leistung 60, Ergonomie 95
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/27/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 60% ergonomy: 95%
Source: PC Pro

Unfortunately, the Mini 10 cements Dell's current position as an also-ran in the netbook stakes. Its battery life is disappointing, and, although it's well-specified, it suffers in comparison to the Samsung NC10, which is just as portable, and has a better keyboard and mouse as well. It's also the better performer, as well as offering that staggering seven hour battery life. The price difference can be discounted - lose the Mini 10's coloured lid and you instantly chop £20 off the price - but the NC10 is better in all the ways that matter. It's possible that Dell will come up with a world-beating netbook yet, but this isn't it.
50, Leistung 50, Mobilität 50
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 50% performance: 50% mobility: 50%
Source: Laptop Mag

The Inspiron Mini 10 puts Dell into the 10-inch netbook race, but other netbooks provide better bang for your buck. While its compact form, nearly full-size keyboard, and glossy screen all create a nice-looking package, its finicky touchpad holds it back. Plus, at $449, the Mini 10 is the same price as the Samsung NC10, which is bulkier but offers a longer-lasting six-cell battery (and more than 6 hours of runtime). And the Mini 10 is $50 more expensive than the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE, whose six-cell battery lasts more than 7 hours on a charge. Once Dell begins to offer the Mini 10 with a six-cell battery, built-in mobile broadband, integrated GPS, and TV tuner capability, it will become more compelling.
60, Preis 50
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/06/2009
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 50%
Source: IT Reviewed

It seems that the popularity of the Internet on-the-go and social networking sites like Twitter, MySpace and Facebook, we’re all looking for gadgets that let us stay communicated 24/7. The problem with a laptop is that they’re generally too large, heavy and pricey to take everywhere with us. In addition, battery live isn’t that great. That’s where netbooks come in. Almost everything you want in a mobile companion, but sexy features cost extra.
75, Preis 50, Mobilität 80
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/23/2009
Rating: Total score: 75% price: 50% mobility: 80%
Source: PC Welt
DE→ENonline available, Medium, Date: 10/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 74% price: 40% performance: 52% features: 96% mobility: 60% ergonomy: 100%
Source: T-Online
DE→ENonline available, Short, Date: 10/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 74% price: 40% performance: 52% features: 96% mobility: 60% ergonomy: 100%
Source: ZDNet
DE→ENonline available, Long, Date: 08/11/2009
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 70% features: 90% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 90%
Source: Notebookcheck
DE→ENonline available, Long, Date: 07/18/2009
Rating: Total score: 87% performance: 40% display: 82% mobility: 95% workmanship: 83% ergonomy: 85% emissions: 91%
Source: Notebookjournal
DE→ENonline available, Long, Date: 05/19/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 50% features: 30% display: 70% mobility: 50% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 70%
Source: PCM
NL→ENonline available, Very Short, Date: 06/10/2009
Rating: Total score: 68% performance: 62% mobility: 76% ergonomy: 75%
Source: Les Numeriques
FR→ENonline available, Medium, Date: 08/07/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 40% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 80%
Dell Inspiron Mini 10v
Notebook Specifications
Notebook: Dell Inspiron Mini 10vProcessor: Intel Atom N270
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
Display: 10.1 inch, 16:9, 1024x576 pixels
Weight: 1.2kg
Price: 250 euro
Links: Dell homepage Dell notebook section Inspiron Mini 10 (Series)
Average Score: 74.8% - average
Average of 5 scores (from 6 reviews)
Source: Notebooks.com

Of the several netbooks I’ve owned, I am most satisfied with the Dell Mini 10v. Perhaps the only thing missing on this netbook that I’d like to have is Bluetooth, but at $211 the lack of Bluetooth wasn’t enough to prevent me from purchasing. Unlike the others that found their way to eBay, I’m certain that the 10v will have a long life in my household for years to come. I don’t rescind my previous argument that the MacBook Pro is all I need. Netbooks are still underpowered, largely overpriced, and quickly obsolete, but who wouldn’t grab one of these for $211?
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/15/2009
Rating: price: 40% performance: 40%
Source: PC Advisor

While we regrettably couldn’t test the entry-level Ubuntu Linux version of the Dell Inspiron Mini 10v at £199, we did find that the Windows version at £249 preserved the essential features of the original Mini 10, such as the wide, flat keyboard. To qualify as a netbook for daily use, though, the Dell Mini 10v is screaming for a decent 6-cell battery.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/08/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% features: 70% workmanship: 70%
Source: Comp Reviews

Dell's Mini 10v is their low cost version of their Mini 10 netbook and in many ways is a better choice. Little is sacrificed in terms of performance or design. Sure, it may have less hard drive space and switch up a few components, but it is still the same look just with a plastic exterior and fewer high end options. The biggest problem is the very small battery that will provide a very limited running time, but for $299 it does offer a fair amount.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/20/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: CNet

The "v" in the Dell Mini 10v's name is seemingly there to indicate value for thrifty Netbook shoppers. The system is in many ways hard to distinguish from its more expensive cousin and is one of the better under-$299 Netbook packages we've seen. Dell's Mini 10v keeps a lot of the features of the more expensive Mini 10, while dropping the price below $300. It's one of only a handful of $299 Netbooks that doesn't look and feel especially cheap.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 79% performance: 60% features: 60% mobility: 90%
Source: PC Mag

Dell may not be as aggressive as netbook-obsessed companies like Asus and HP, but it does have several of them under its belt. Though the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and the Mini 12 are slowly being phased out, that still leaves Dell's 10-inch netbook—of which there are two versions: The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (review coming shortly) can be configured with bells and whistles such as an "HD" screen resolution, a TV tuner, and mobile broadband. The Dell Mini 10v is one of the most affordable netbooks money can buy, and 8 hours of battery life isn't too shabby either.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Reg Hardware

The Mini 10v takes the netbook back to its Small, Cheap Computer ideal and the end product is difficult to seriously criticise - the rather dowdy styling, silly SD card slot design and crippled out-of-the-box Linux OS notwithstanding. Of course, the first is a matter of personal taste while the last can be fixed by a quick Ubuntu upgrade so that only really leaves the rather dozy SD card slot and that's really not a reason to not buy one.
85
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/29/2009
Rating: Total score: 85%
Comment
Dell: Dell Inc. is a multinational technology corporation that develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computers and other computer-related products. Based in Texas, Dell employs more than 82,700 people worldwide (2009). In 2006, Dell purchased the computer hardware manufacturer Alienware. In most countries, the laptops are directly sold to consumers by Dell and each notebook custom-assembled according to a selection of options. Market share regarding sales of personal computers in 2007 (market research IDC): HP 18.9 %, Dell 16.4 %, Acer 9.9 %, Lenovo 7.5 %, Apple 5.7 %
These graphics cards for notebooks are not suitable for games. If they run, they may run with graphical errors and very low frame rates. For gamers these chips are not suitable! Office and internet tasks are, to the contrary, no problem for these GPUs.
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 500: Integrated (onboard) graphics chip on the UL11L, US15L, and US15W chipsets with a licensed PowerVR SGX core. DirectX 10.1 support but because of low clock rates (100-200 MHz UL11L - US15) and only 4 shaders not suited for 3D games. The integrated video decoder accelerates the playback of HD videos (MPEG2, VC-1, AVC).
Only older games can be played fluently with these graphics chips (if they were not too demanding). Shared memory graphic cores in this category got the advantage of less heat production and longer battery runtimes. For office, internet, image processing, and video editing tasks these graphics chips are still useable without any restrictions.
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 is an integrated (onboard) graphic chip on Mobile Intel 945GM chipset. It is a faster clocked version of the GMA 900 and supports no hardware T&L (Transform & Lightning) accelleration (which is required for some games).
>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Atom: The Intel Atom series is a 64-Bit (not every model supports 64bit) microprocessor for cheap and small notebooks (so called netbooks), MIDs, or UMPCs. The speciality of the new architecture is the "in order" execution (instead of the usual and faster "out of order" execution). Therefore, the transistor count of the Atom series is much lower and, thus, cheaper to produce. Furthermore, the power consumption is very low. The performance per Megahertz is therfore worse than the old Pentium 3M (1,2 GHz on par with a 1.6 GHz Atom).
10.1: The netbook/subnotebook has a quite small display format. Nonetheless, it is a common format for netbooks. The advantage is, that the subnotebook/netbook can be small dimensioned and can be carried easily. Further the small display has the advantage, that it needs few energy, which improves the battery runtime and in consequence the mobility. The disadvantage is that the reading of texts is a bit exhausting for the eyes. It is difficult to use high resolutions.
>> To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
1.2 kg:
This subnotebook is one of the most lightweight of all notebooks and can be carried very easily. There exist hardly any models in this extreme class of weight. 7-9 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.
1.3 kg:
This subnotebook is one of the most lightweight of all notebooks and can be carried very easily. There exist only few sub-notebooks, which weight less. 10 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.
72.3%: This rating is bad. Most notebooks are better rated. This is not a recommendation for purchase.
>> Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.



