Dell Mini launching Thursday?

Dell Mini Inspiron: One of the worst-kept tech secrets this year.

(Credit: Gizmodo)

Ever since Michael Dell was spotted toting a bright red ultraportable notebook around an industry conference earlier this year, there's been speculation about when Dell would unveil it as an official product.

That time is apparently this Thursday, September 4, according to Box.net, a company partnering with Dell on the ultraportable. Box.net makes OpenBox, an application for online file management that will be one of the preinstalled programs on the Dell Mini.

Box.net's inclusion on the PC indicates that Dell is targeting very mobile users. OpenBox is a hosted storage system, and it will allow access to almost two dozen online services like photo sharing, Facebook integration, file sharing, and online document collaboration tools.

Dell had no comment.

[Wisnaeme]

if the price is right, I am having one. Give me reasonable specs and keep the price under 700/£350 please.

[tsinger254]

Maybe it has a built-in cd/dvd device? That's always the drawback for me on the ultra-lights.

[jake49]

it's 9" it's kinda hard to put a cd drive in that

[ericaatnews]

We should know by tomorrow, but for now we can go by this link to the support pages for the Mini Inspiron. It says you'll need an external optical drive to play CDs/DVDs: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&dl=false&l=en&s=dhs&docid=54BC0325A7F2D6A7E040AE0AB7E11837&doclang=en

[solitare_pax]

The ASUS EEE series comes in at just under $500. - about the same size, with a cramped keyboard and very limited expansion options. Good for a student though...

[djjohu]

From their email to affiliates:

Launching Tomorrow!

The new Dell? Inspiron? Mini 9 gives you the
convenience of going anywhere with a companion that
doesn't get in your way. Designed with clean lines and a
refined shape, the Mini 9 will induce jealousy.

A STYLISH COMPANION
Easy to carry, starting at just 2.28 lbs* with an 8.9" screen.
Available in two classic colors: black and white.
Complete with its own full set of optional accessories
"Designed for Dell."

ALWAYS CONNECTED

Trek far and wide with your new companion with its long-lasting battery and new Intel® Atom? processors.
Your world is just a click away with advanced connectivity options, including internal WiFi*.


EASY TO USE
Large keys make it easy for surfing or blogging.
Look for Ubuntu MID Edition 8.04 (Linux) when customizing your Mini 9 or upgrade to Genuine Windows® XP.