Dell Inspiron Mini 1011 Netbook Review – New Atom N450
Written by Lee
Overview
The Inspiron Mini 1011 is the fourth variant of Dell Mini 10 series in the UK, the recent Models included Inspiron Mini 10,10c and 10v. With another addition to this range makes a clear indication of how the market place for netbooks has grown recently. The Mini 1011 is yet again a brilliantly crafted masterpiece from Dell that tries to resolve the needs of users who seek to benefit from having to own a stylish netbook which offers all basic computing features and maximum portability, all at a bargain price.
Design Features
The core focus of this great netbook has been maximum portability and to keep users connected while on the go. The Inspiron Mini 1011 notebook was designed has allowed keeping the overall size and weight to the minimum, and the result has been a beautifully crafted machine which weights under 1.35 Kgs which has an excellent finish due to the use of quality materials and sure to make a style statement wherever you go.
Screen and Keyboard
The Mini 1011 comes withe the same 10.1 inch widescreen view LED Backlit display, which delivers impressive visuals while watching movies or graphics. Our experts have ran in to a debate discussing the screen specs of this laptop. It slightly compromises on the viewing angles, meaning you cant view the screen from the sides or when tilted very high or low. But on the reverse some counter arguments which have been made are worth considering too. The supporting argument supports the idea of having less flexible viewing angles. As a matter of fact this can be a great feature while using this laptop in public as this will not allow people sitting next to you to view your screen.
Although the keyboard is a typical miniature keyboard which is a standard for many netbooks, but after some testing we agreed that the Dell specialists have been on their toes to perfect the usability features. This small keyboard is extremely comfortable to type on, the spaced out keys provide an excellent grip and a touch sensitive feel. This is also essential to Dell’s vision of providing a perfect travel companion which could allow you to communicate efficiently on the move.
Hard Disk and Processor
It comes with a 160GB hard disk which allows ample storage space for your data. This is by no means a small hard disk if you compare it to the netbooks launched a year back with only 20GB hard drives. The 160GB hard disk size is almost the standard size for netbooks these days. However the processor this time is the new Intel Atom N450 which according to Intel is one of the smallest processor chips available on the market to deliver an energy efficient performance allowing users to use their netbooks for longer hours. The processor clocks 1.66 GHz with a 512 KB L2 Cache and allows it to run continuously for 3 hours from a single charge.
Other Specs
It also come with a basic web-cam to allow video chat, standard WiFi, 10/100BT Ethernet LAN and 3 Usb ports and a 5 in 1 multimedia card reader.
Our Verdict
Considering its remarkable weight of under 1.35 Kgs, we think Dell has done a great job by wrapping up so many good features inside this tiny shell. If you seek a reliable and value netbook which has all essential computing features then the Dell Inspiron Mini 1011 can be perfect solution for you.
Limited Time Offer
Currently Dealgiant has limited time offers on the Dell Inspiron Mini 1011 Netbook and you can get yourself a free laptop when you subscribe to mobile broadband from a trusted UK supplier. See Deals below.
Dell Inspiron Mini 1011 Netbook Specifications
Intel Atom N450 Processor for portability (1.66 GHz, 512 KB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Starter edition Operating System
1GB Memory
160GB Hard Disk Drive
10.1″ Wide Screen LED Backlit display (1024 x 600 pixels)
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Wireless enabled (802.11b/g)
Built-in Ethernet 10/100BT network interface
3 USB ports
VGA out for external displays and projectors
Built-in Webcam with microphone
5-in-1 Media Card Reader
Only weighs 1.3Kg
Up to 3hrs Battery Life
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I purchased one of these from PC World On-Line (£199 in the sale). I was disappointed with the Note Book, especially the key board and mouse and returned it for this reason. The battery life also seemed very short. I purchased a HP Mini 210-1012sa instead (£50 more in slae) which seems to be all round a better Net Book. I was always anti HP and pro and loyal Dell customer until now.