Dell netbook sports HDMI port

By Jonathan Angel
2009-02-20

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Dell has announced a netbook sporting both a 10-inch display and an HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) output. Available soon with Ubuntu 8.04, the Inspiron Mini 10 includes a 1.3GHz Atom Z520 or 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, 1.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, and optional, integrated...

ATSC tuner.

(Click here for a larger view of Dell's Inspiron Mini 10)

Dell's Inspiron Mini 12
(Click image for further information)

As with its earlier Inspiron Mini 12, Dell is using Intel's Z5xx Atom CPUs ("Silverthorne"), rather than the 1.6Ghz Atom N270 processor found in most netbooks. The Z5xx Atoms are smaller, use less power, and mate with an integrated chipset that saves even more power. It should, therefore, run cooler and last longer on batteries, although Dell has not published battery life claims.

Dell's Inspiron Mini 10
Dell touts the Mini 10's video prowess, with an integrated HDMI port (below) and optional ATSC tuner. The only other netbook we know of with an HDMI output is Asus's high-end N10, which uses an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics processor.

Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 has a novel HDMI port
(Click to enlarge)
HDMI aside, Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 has other typical netbook ingredients, such as 1GB of RAM, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a memory card reader, three USB ports, and audio I/O. The initially offered operating system is Windows XP Home, installed on 120GB or 160GB SATA hard disk drives, but a Ubuntu 8.04 option will be available soon.

While Dell is a proponent of wireless broadband, offering its earlier Inspiron Mini 9 for as little as $99 bundled with an AT&T data plan, the Mini 10 lacks an ExpressCard slot. However, the device's 802.11a/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 capabilities are said to be provided via PCI Mini Card slots, which apparently provide scope for a cellular modem. Both mobile broadband and integrated GPS will be future options for the device, according to a posting on a Dell company blog.

Speaking of options, while the device's 10-inch display packs 1024 x 576 pixels as standard, a 720p (1280 x 720) version will also be offered, according to the company.

Available in black, white, pink, red, blue, and green, the Inspiron Mini 10 features a keyboard that's "92 percent the size of a standard keyboard." The netbook weighs 2.86 pounds with a standard three-cell battery. A six-cell battery will also be available, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by Dell for its Inspiron Mini 10 include the following:

Processor -- Intel Atom Z520 (1.33GHz) or Z530 (1.6GHz)
Memory -- 1GB of RAM (soldered-in, not expandable)
Display -- 10.1-inch display with 1024 x 576 resolution (1280 x 780 is a planned option)
Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam
Storage -- 120GB or 160GB hard disk drive
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
Wireless:
- 802.11g or 802.11a/g/n wireless networking
- Bluetooth 2.1
- GPS (forthcoming option)
- ATSC tuner (forthcoming option)
Other I/O:
- 1 x HDMI port
- Audio headphone out and mic in
- 3 x USB
Expansion:
- SD/SDHC/MMC/MS card reader
- 2 x PCI Mini card slots (occupied by WiFi and Bluetooth cards)
Dimensions -- 10.28 x 7.19 x 1.25 inches (261 x 182.5 x 31.77mm)
Weight -- 2.86 pounds (1.3kg) with three-cell battery

Availability

The Inspiron Mini 10 will ship next month for prices starting at approximately $400, according to Dell. More information on the Inspiron Mini 10 may be found on the Dell website, here, and in a company blog entry, here. Also, the device is pictured in a slideshow offered by our sister publication eWEEK.com, here.

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