Dell’s Launches Extra-Affordable $299 Inspiron Mini 10v

Netbooks are, by definition, affordable, but Dell’s Inspiron Mini 10v, announced today, stands out as especially inexpensive, thanks to its $299 starting price. The 10v has an Intel Atom N270 CPU (the orginal Mini 10 had the Z530 or Z520), options of Windows XP or Ubuntu, 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a built-in webcam, and a three-cell battery standard. It  comes in various colors: Obsidian Black, Alpine White, new Cherry Red, Promise Pink (U.S. only), Ice Blue, Jade Green and new Passion Purple.  It has the same chassis as the original Inspiron Mini 10 we reviewed. Dell also announced an extended color selection for the Inspiron 15, a 15.6-inch entry-level notebook starting at $399. The color lineup now includes: Jet Black, Alpine White, Ice Blue, Pacific Blue, Cherry Red and Promise Pink.