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S. Showalter said:
Review by S. Showalter for Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Mini 1012 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook – Up to 8 Hours 8 Minutes of Battery Life Rating: I’ve not been a fan of that many netbooks out there, but this little guy really blew me away. I got to compare this netbook up against netbooks from ASUS, Acer, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Gateway (a pretty exhaustive line-up). There was a sharp contrast between Dell’s Mini 10 series and netbooks made by the other companies. To me, the buying decision really came down to comfort and ingenuity of its design. I find others choosing this model mostly for the same reasons.
===== It’s Comfortable =====

This thing is a dream to use. Most netbooks are unusable to me. What stings me most with netbooks is the keyboard. I’m used to the low-profile, “chiclet-style” scissor-switch keyboards that are (or at least used to be) most common in laptops, and in fact I love them. I’m referring to the type of keys that are flat and flush with the palm rest, and have a little flange or lip on the edges (where the space is between the keys). To see exactly what I mean, check out the close ups here on the right (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00361G10S?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8#productDescription). These types of keyboards make typing a breeze, as they won’t inflict wrist strain due to tall keys or keys that require more force to press.
===== It’s Innovative =====

The touch pad is small, yet clever, allowing you to press down on the bottom-left/bottom-right corners of the pad to left-click/right-click (respectively), rather than wasting space by implementing separate buttons. The touch pad is also very touchable, as its texture and finish is matte, rather than glossy, making it much more conducive to swiping your fingers across than most of the other netbooks I laid fingers on. Most netbooks’ touch pads were glossy, making your skin shear and resist the dragging gestures. I find such a feeling to be nearly as annoying as fingernails on a chalkboard! The other netbooks were also noticeably covered in oily smudges and finger grease, both inside the track pad and also on the wrist rest. Instant turn off for me on anything but the Dell! The Mini 10 on the other hand was smudge free, thanks to their use of an oil-resistant softly-textured palm-rest.
===== It’s Brilliant =====

The display is crisp and bright, and it isn’t too shabby outside either, though I recommend using full brightness when being used outdoors. My only complaint about the screen is its native resolution is a bit low for my tastes, which I hope isn’t just a personal preference. I’d rather see more on the screen than to see things big and close up. However, this is par for netbooks anyway. You should look into this Sony (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PII4HW?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) if you absolutely must have a higher definition display while maintaining the small form factor of a netbook.
===== It’s Media Friendly =====

The built in HD media excellerator and the 9:16 ratio widescreen 10.1″ display is great for watching hi-def movies on the go, with one very important exception: you must have an external DVD (or Blu-Ray) drive. I recommend this Samsung (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C1BBU8?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) which sports a sexy look, on par with the Dell ’s own appeal, without sacrificing functionality. Video playback is generally smooth and very few hiccups in playback have been experienced.
===== It’s Stylish =====

You wont mind being seen with one of these, especially given the choice of colors, you can’t go wrong in customizing. Dell really puts their feet forward in coming through on their philosophy of customization. Some people buy netbooks for the look. If you’re one of these vain PC users, you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve got one sexy looking netbook! I chose the white, personally.
===== It’s Capable =====

The Dell Mini isn’t exactly your run of the mill netbook. Sure, it can do what the others do, and I’ve typically used it for writing and surfing the Web (after all, surfing was the original presmise of the netbook, hense the name). Just be sure to keep your browser tabs to a minimum and not install too many Firefox extensions, and you’ll be fine. But it plays media, including Web videos, Flash sites and Flash games, at a decent pace. As long as you aren’t trying to multi-task by running several other programs at once, you should be just fine.
Windows 7 starters is an ideal OS for the netbook, and it even outperforms XP in several areas, so you can’t go wrong in using it. The memory card reader is an added bonus. I didn’t think it would be all that useful, but it is a life-saver when traveling.
===== Processor and Battery =====

The Dell Mini 1012 features the Intel Atom N450, a 64-bit-capable single-core processor supporting 2GB max ram. It supports Hyper Threading, so mild (but not wild) multi-tasking is possible, within reason. Try not to run more than two apps simultaneously for best performance and battery life. Intel Speedstep Technology is also built in, helping you save battery life. We averaged about 7-8 hours compared to the boasted 9.5 using the 60WHr 6 cell battery.
===== What I Loved =====

* Keyboard design – 92% full-size!

* Touch pad design – genius usability features

* Wrist rest – comfortable, remains clean/streak-free

* 3 USB ports – 2-left/1-right is dandy for using a USB mouse

* Windows 7 – Vista isn’t optimized for netbooks, 7 is

* 9:16 ratio display – great for movies (see above for DVD solution)

* Keyboard + Touch pad design – seriously! It hits the mark spot-on!
===== Dissapointments =====

The things we would have liked to see were:

* 802.11n support – the future is here!

* 1024×600 resolution – would have preferred at least 1280×720

* 5400 RPM hard drive -would have liked a faster SSD (even if smaller)
I hope you’ve found this review to be helpful!
# 13 May 2010 at 6:25 pm

Andrea L. Polk said:
Review by Andrea L. Polk for Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Mini 1012 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook – Up to 8 Hours 8 Minutes of Battery Life Rating: Why 4 stars versus 5? The difference between ‘I like it’ and ‘I love it’. I do like it! I like netbooks for web surfing and emailing, video chat via Skype and little else. Ideally the mini would have a DVD drive, more storage space, a better webcam and THEN I’d love it, but then it would probably be a notebook.
I purchased this item for my 12 year old daughter to access the internet to play online games (Disney’s Club Penguin and Neopets), do basic research for reports and access her email. I wanted something that was ultra-portable, the right size for her small hands, possessing a brilliant display and a good battery life. I went to Dell first because I trust the brand. The Dell Inspiron Mini… did not disappoint.
What I like about it…
1. Great battery life with the 6-cell battery. Averages about 6 hours of solid use with the 6-cell. It does add to the thickness of the back of the unit, but it still fits easily into the case I purchased for it. Targus CityGear Netbook Case for up to 10.2 Inch Netbooks- Black and Grey TSM097US

2. The display is bright and clear.

3. The keyboard, while smaller than the full-sized one, is adequate and responsive.

4. The wireless connection is quick despite not being ‘n-network’ capable.

5. Trend Internet Security USB installed easily and uses very few resources, not bogging down the netbook.
What I wish was better…
1. Less heat! The bottom of the unit gets quite hot. I have to say this worries me. Longevity may be an issue.

2. The finish on the netbook is shiny. I wish it was more fingerprint resistant. I love the glossy black finish, but it does show every smudge.
What I’d love to see in the next generation of netbooks…
DVD drive, n-network ready and HDMI capabilities…with the same price point, battery life and mobility. Yes, I’m really talking about an ideal ‘notebook’ now, but can you blame me? I love the idea of a full-service mini notebook, and I’m sure we’re headed in that direction with the Dell Inspiron Minis.
Mine came with Windows XP, not Windows 7, but I’ve used both and they seem equally zippy to me when accessing the Net. I am pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who would wants portability, speed and quality to access the internet, at a low price point.
I would not recommend purchasing this product if you have large hands, want to watch movies on your laptop (this could be done by purchasing this item: Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black), or wish to do video or photo editing; requiring more computing power – even with a proper amount of storage provided by a Patriot Memory Extreme Performance Xporter Magnum – USB flash drive – 64 GB – 210x – Hi-Speed USB or a Western Digital My Passport Essential SE 1 TB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive WDBABM0010BBK-NESN (Midnight Black).
However, if you know that you want a ‘netbook’ and not a ‘notebook’… and understand its limitations…the Dell Inspiron Mini is a good choice!
# 13 May 2010 at 6:44 pm

dg said:
Review by dg for Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Mini 1012 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook – Up to 8 Hours 8 Minutes of Battery Life Rating: Just purchased this computer. I thought the touchscreen left and right click buttons would be helpful, but after using it, I found it to be a hindrance. The main problem is that you cannot use two hands to navigate as you can on a regular laptop mouse set-up. I often left click with my left index finger, and sweep with my right. This is particularly evident when you try to highlight text. When you press down on the left click button, and also finger over the touch pad to color the text, the mouse wants to navigate in both directions (for each finger) and makes it very difficult to try to get the pointer to hover over one spot.

Very frustrating, and a deal breaker in my case.
On a positive, I can say I absolutely love the keyboard. Quality wise, It is OK, and I do like how the ac plug comes straight out the back which helps prevent side pressures on the plug. It is also a beefy plug, unlike the Esus which has the small adapter pin. The ac adapter itself is as compact as it could be.
# 13 May 2010 at 7:27 pm

Noel Yuhanna said:
Review by Noel Yuhanna for Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Mini 1012 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook – Up to 8 Hours 8 Minutes of Battery Life Rating: I just got the Dell Mini 1012 Netbook… and choose this over ASUS 1005, HP 210 and Samsung mainly because of three reasons:
One, its feels solid…feel more like a laptop.. not any cheap old plastic netbook,

Second, the keyboard rocks, simply amazing to type… its not a chiclet keyboard but feels like a real-keyboard. I am typing a little over 80 WPM on it (thats what I get on my regular laptop)..

Finally, the screen is amazing, very clear and bright, better than ASUS or HP or MSI .. go to a store like BestBuy and see them in action and compare. YouTube picture quality has been amazing.
I have used the Atom N270 Netbook before, but the Atom N450 is cool.. I can run Powerpoint, Word Doc and Internet Explorer at the same time… and switching between the Apps without any delay.. almost like a regular notebook — with N270 it literally used to hang Also, I am getting more than 8 hours of battery life with thoese Applications, which is cool.
# 13 May 2010 at 8:18 pm

William J. Feuer said:
Review by William J. Feuer for Dell Inspiron iM1012-687OBK Mini 1012 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook – Up to 8 Hours 8 Minutes of Battery Life Rating: I agree with the reviewer who complained about the touchpad. It’s the one thing I dislike about this computer. It’s a great piece of hardware for the money. It’s small and light (obviously); the keyboard is very nice (even for a guy who’s 6′2″ with moderately large hands); the small screen is quite workable (and I’m a heavy user of both of the large screens on my office desktop); it’s thoughtfully laid out (eg USB ports on both sides).

I bought it to travel with, take notes with at meetings, do email, run itunes, maybe a little skyping (it has a built in camera) – that kind of thing, and it seems like it will do all those well. Would not want to have sit in front of it for 8 hours, but that’s not what it was designed for. If the ipad with 3G was out, I might have bought that instead. My only reservation is the touchpad. Hopefully, there’s a trick to it and I’ll adjust.
# 13 May 2010 at 9:00 pm

Donna J. Parker said:
Review by Donna J. Parker for Dell Inspiron i1750-1840OBK 1750 17.3-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black) Rating: I’ve only had this computer for four days, but so far I love it. I was mildly concerned about the setup, as I replaced a laptop on a wireless network, but it was super easy. I just followed the on screen instructions, and the computer was completely set up within half an hour. I love the big screen (upgraded from a 15 inch laptop.) Great price from Amazon, too, with superquick delivery.
# 13 May 2010 at 9:18 pm

Carol Smith said:
Review by Carol Smith for Dell Inspiron i1750-1840OBK 1750 17.3-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black) Rating: I love this Laptop, it is just like sitting on a Desk Top. It works just great and was delivered right on time and with no problems. I am going to buy another one for my Son.
# 13 May 2010 at 9:28 pm

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