“You don’t need to invent anything, you just have to do traditional research where you look at history and then compliment that with scientific research where you’re trying to do something new. That can lead to a lot in the business and technology sectors these days” – Bill Buxton
A chat with Microsoft Principal Researcher Bill Buxton, Part I
There has been some buzz for quite long around the Dell mini netbooks. Even more now when Dell has launched the new Dell mini 10″ with tons of new features and at a decent price.
I had the chance to test one of these babies. Paid $289 for a Dell mini 8.9″ at BestBuy (Canada).
Quick Review:
Pros:
- Aesthetics: These “little creatures” are unbelievable nice. The finish and details are top notch
- The screen is one of the best. I could say that they are at an Apple level. No dead pixels or defects whatsoever. The view angles are really good.
- The netbook is super quiet. You cannot even tell if it’s on.
- The ones I got came with XP. They were white (only top cover)
- Boot up was super fast
- Wireless, SD and USB slots work flawless.
- VGA and Ethernet ports
- Everything works under OSX from the beginning.
- All packaging was perfectly designed.
- It is “really” a mini Dell (mini laptop from dell)
- Traditional Trackpad (buttons at the bottom)
Cons:
- No Webcam (these is supposed to be standard now)
- 8Gb SSD is insufficient. If you want to install Windows 7 or OSX, you will need to spent some time figuring it out. IT is not as straight forward as it should be.
- No HDD led. Sometimes, you don’t know if it is doing something
- Battery tops 3 hours max (4 cells)
- Keyboard is not as good as HP or Asus.
- Some glare outdoors – bearable.
That pretty much sums it all. Hope it helps on your decision.
Detailed Specs from Dell:
Processors
- Intel® AtomTM Processor (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
Operating System
- Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition SP3
Memory
- Up to 1GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM.
Chipset
- Intel® 945PM / GS Express Chipset
Graphics
- Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
LCD Display
- Glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600)
Audio and Speakers
- One external speaker
Hard Drives
- Up to 16GB configured with a Solid State drive.
Optical Drives
- None
Ports
- USB 2.0 (3)
- Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45)
- 15-pin VGA video connector
- Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 mic-in)
- 4-in-1 Media Card Reader
- AC adapter connector
Power
- 4-cell 32WHr Li-Ion Battery
Camera
- Optional 0.3MP or 1.3MP webcams
Wireless
- 802.11g mini-card
Bluetooth Options:
- Bluetooth® Internal (2.0) mini-card
Ports, Slots, Chassis
- USB 2.0 (3)
- Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45)
- 15-pin VGA video connector
- Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 Mic-in)
- 3-in-1 Media Card Reader
- AC adapter connector Dimensions & Weight
- Width: 9.13″ (232mm)
- Height: 1.07″ (16.8mm) front / 1.25″ (31.7mm) back
- Depth: 6.77″ (172mm)
- Weight: Starting weight of 2.28 lbs. (1.035 kg)3(8.9″ display, 4 cell battery). Weights will vary depending on configurations and manufacturing variability.
Playstation Home
SCEE’s confirmed that Home will launch tomorrow “evening,” although a specific launch time isn’t available as yet, a rep said this morning.
Sony announced this morning that Home’s open beta will be available for all PS3 owners ads a free download as of tomorrow, December 11.
Source: VG247
Tags: SonyHome, Home, PS3, playstation
Dutch gaming website PS3-Sense posted a video of Playstation Home. The video shows a few new features and spaces. The good part of all this is: It is for FREE! We would be able to enjoy this virtual Social Network using the PS3 for FREE 
