Dell has joined the Intel’s Pine Trail Atom-based platform by launching a new version of the Mini 10. The new Dell Inspiron iM1012 features Intel’s Atom N450 CPU paired up with NM10 Express chipset and Intel GMA 3150 graphics, 2GB of DDR2 memory, either a 10.1-inch WSVGA 1024×600 or a 10.1-inch 1366×768 display, and up to 250GB of SATA HDD space.
Dell has given the Mini 10 a major design overhaul as well. That includes a battery that no longer sticks out of the bottom of the netbook, a new keyboard layout and textured wrist wrest. Unfortunately one thing that hasn’t received a major update is the touchpad, which features integrated mouse buttons on the touchpad that are tricky to use instead of dedicated left and right buttons. Dell have opted to drop multi-touch gestures as there wasn’t much demand for the feature.
The less bulging batteries, however hasn’t compromised battery life. According to Dell, the Dell Inspiron iM1012 lasts for nine hours, nearly four hours longer than the original, thanks to the new energy efficient processor.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012 Key Features
- Slim and portable design
- 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the display bezel for easy video chats and conferencing
- Spill resistant keyboard
- Dell DataSafe Online backup service to back up data to a safe, remote storage site using a broadband connection.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012 Specification
- Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium
- Processor : Intel Atom Processor N450 (1.66GHz, 512K L2 Cache)
- Display : 10.1″ Widescreen Display (1366×600)
- Chipset : Mobile Intel NM10 Express chipset
- Graphics : Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics
- Memory: 2GB DDR2 RAM
- Storage : 250GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
- Wireless Data Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1 module via USB I/F with EDR Integrated Network Adapter
- Input/Output: Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports
- Flash Media Slot : 3-in-1 Card Slot (SD, SDHC, MMC)
- 1.3 MegaPixel webcam with integrated microphone
- Audio: High Definition Audio 2.0
- Keyboard : 92 percent full-sized with curved keys for easy typing, spill-resistant
- Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
- Battery: 56WHr Lithium-Ion Battery (6-cell) for 6 hours of battery life
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.8 x 1.3 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
Software Included with Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012
Dell provides a variety of software to help ensure that the Dell Inspiron Mini 1012 is easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:
- Microsoft Office 2010 Starter – Purchase of a Product Key required to activate to a full Office 2010 suite
- Windows Live™ Essentials
- Dell Support Center to quickly access Dell service and support from an icon on your desktop that provides automated fixes, software upgrades and tools to help keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently
- DellConnect Remote Assistance allows Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection
User Reviews
Going by the 34 user reviews the Dell Inspiron Mini 1012 10.1-inch Netbook has received an average of 4 stars out of 5 stars.
Most of the reviews had a positive tone like these words from one reviewer “Dell’s Mini 10 1012 is simply a breath of fresh air in an ever-cramping netbook market” They also had this to say “built sturdy but is fairly lightweight and is easy to carry around”.
The feature that received most positive comments was the keyboard, one of the reviewers mentioned that as the top reasons to buy this netbook. They also mentioned the placement of the touch-pad and buttons being very well placed. They also raved about the 1366×768 resolution on a 10.1″ display making it easy to watch wide screen movies.
One of the big complaints about the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 iM1012 was the amount of bloatware Dell preloaded on the machine. One of the dissatisfied had this to say about the touch pad, “touch pad has a mind of it’s own” and was difficult to use at times.
Overall the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 iM1012 has received most positive reviews with a smattering of negative points. Based on that, we would not hesitate to recommend this Dell netbook.
Where to Buy Dell Inspiron Mini 1012
We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers.
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012 Netbook (Ice Blue)
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Older Models with Windows 7 Starter, 1GM RAM, 1024×600 Display
Dell Inspiron Mini iM1012-799OBK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Obsidian Black)
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Dell Inspiron Mini iM1012-799JGN 10.1-Inch Netbook (Jade Green)
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Dell Inspiron Mini iM1012-799CRD 10.1-Inch Netbook (Cherry Red)
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Optional Upgrades
Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module
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Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]
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Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 – 1 User-3 PC [Download]
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Dell Inspiron Mini 10 1012 Netbook Video Review
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