Ubuntu v of Dell Inspiron Mini 9 now available

trap4

I've been waiting and waiting and finally the Ubuntu version of the Mini is available on Dell.ie. Putting in my order right away

Mort5000

Which browser, games, office type application do you use with that?

Alanstrainor

trap4 wrote: »

I've been waiting and waiting and finally the Ubuntu version of the Mini is available on Dell.ie. Putting in my order right away

Hold your horses there, just to note, that the ubuntu version only has an 8Gb solid state drive, compared to the xp's 16Gb. Might be worth your while buying the xp version and installing ubuntu yourself?

Voodu Child

Yeah, the XP one is better value (imo). For the extra 50 quid you've got the XP licence and a bigger drive. Even if you don't want the XP licence, it'll help the resale value. Actually, you could probably dual boot and still have more room than the Ubuntu one.

trap4

SSD size is not an issue - I'll mainly be using this netbook for browsing and Skype. XP has no advantage over Ubuntu from that point of view and AFAIK Ubuntu will boot up quite a bit quicker.

Alanstrainor

trap4 wrote: »

SSD size is not an issue - I'll mainly be using this netbook for browsing and Skype. XP has no advantage over Ubuntu from that point of view and AFAIK Ubuntu will boot up quite a bit quicker.

Well, the point is, not that windows is better, more that for the extra 50 you're getting double the Hd and an xp license. When you receive it, you can just install ubuntu anyway seeing that it's an open source OS.

trap4

Believe it or not I actually ordered the XP version in the end but for one reason and one reason only - the Ubuntu version only offers a 0.3mp webcam (can't understant it) and Video Skype is an important use in my case so the 1.3mp webcam on the XP version is more than necessary.

Only for that I'd have zero reason to pay 15% more.

Cormic

trap4 wrote: »

Believe it or not I actually ordered the XP version in the end but for one reason and one reason only - the Ubuntu version only offers a 0.3mp webcam (can't understant it) and Video Skype is an important use in my case so the 1.3mp webcam on the XP version is more than necessary.

Only for that I'd have zero reason to pay 15% more.

I have already submitted a request in their ideas site abut this. It is truely stupid that the Ubuntu version has less hardware with a FREE os and is only 50 euro less.

I am thinking that MS is involved in these shananagins.

biologikal

Surely the 0.3 is a typo. You'd be hard pressed to find a camera phone with a 0.3 these days.

Cicero

Hey all..very interested in getting a Mini 9- currently have a big weighty laptop (about 10 stone in weight) so need something more portable to/from college course.
Could I ask, would programmes like dreamweaver and 2nd life work on something like a Mini 9? Any assistance/advice welcome. I would still keep my main laptop, but would like something like the mini 9 if it was a workable alternative

Alanstrainor

Well, i suppose, if you're considering the Dell, you'd probably want to consider other netbooks around that kind of price range. Check out the Msi wind/Advent 4211, eee 901, eee 1000h, acer aspire one etc. They all have the same processor, but different screen sizes and hard drives. I have the Advent 4211 (exact same as the msi wind) and i have the full Adobe Design CS3 installed, and it works fine, so long as you're not doing intensive stuff on it, it works fine.

trap4

Cormic wrote: »

I have already submitted a request in their ideas site abut this. It is truely stupid that the Ubuntu version has less hardware with a FREE os and is only 50 euro less.

Well I just had it confirmed by a Dell employee that the 1.3mp webcam is only an option on the XP version for the moment, so the Ubuntu version truly does come with a 0.3 webcam. How utterly ridiculous is that? :mad:

Cormic

It is pretty poor alright. On the US Dell site you can spec up the Ubuntu machine to the same as the XP one. I played with an Ubuntu Mini 9 recently and it was pretty cool.

Dell are apparently bringing out a 12 inch laptop, which will be slightly bigger then the Eee 1000.

Garth

remember if you order the one with XP but have no intention of using your licence, you can decline the windows EULA and get a refund from Dell for it. Not easy but it makes a point, and if enough do it, they just might sort themselves out!

http://tombuntu.com/index.php/2007/05/25/the-windows-tax-at-dell/

http://www.linux.com/articles/59381

Cicero

Many thanks for the reply. Will certainly explore the other options you have mentioned before deciding.