Dell Slips Mini 12 Netbook

Dell today inadvertently spoiled some of its plans for its larger netbook by posting early information on its own website. Both driver and manual pages have appeared for the Inspiron Mini 12 and now confirm the final name of the company's new Mini 9 alternative, which was previously known primarily under its E Slim codename and is believed to be a step sideways towards a larger screen rather than a deluxe model.

Few details beyond placeholders are available, though the system has long been rumored to run a slower 1.33GHz Atom processor versus the 1.6GHz of the Mini 9. The claimed 1GB of RAM is the same as for top-end Mini 9s but should see the permanent storage switch to a 40GB or better hard drive. Integrated graphics are expected to be supplied by a netbook-friendly GMA 500 chipset; the extra casing afforded by the 12-inch display should also leave room for an optional 3G or WiMAX add-on for long-range Internet access.

It remains uncertain when Dell will release the Mini 12, though the system was originally due as early as summer's end and so is likely before the end of the year. [via CMS Report]

By Electronista Staff