Lessons Learned…

So what have I learned from my brief experience with the Dell Mini 9 Netbook?

I’ve learned that keyboard size and key placement should be a big consideration for touch typists who are looking for a Netbook system. A 10″ system might be the threshold for such users, but you’ll need to test out the Netbook to see first hand.

Also, the screen resolution is a factor for effectively viewing web pages. The current standard of 600 pixels for vertical screen height is too small for viewing modern day web pages. A pixel size of 800 would probably be the minimum (however, most Netbooks don’t go above the 600 pixel threshold).

The Intel Atom CPU seems to do a good job for running applications in Windows XP and Windows 7 Beta OSes. Having 1 GB of RAM seemed sufficient, but 2 GB would be better when running multiple applications simultaneously.

The use of a Solid State Disk (SSD) Drive was a rather pleasant experience, since it allowed for a silent running system. The access speed of a SSD was perfectly acceptable, and having only 16 GB for the OS and files wasn’t a big issue since files could be stored on a SDHC card.

Having the Dell Mini 9 also allowed me to investigate using Windows 7 Beta as a future Operating System. I was pleasantly surprised to find Win7 runs quite well on a Netbook computer, with no issues regarding hardware drivers, etc. It worked out so well, I just might install Win7 on my Latitude D610 laptop just for grins. So, it seems that Win7 can run effectively on low-powered processor with just 1 GB of memory and slower storage drives.

Aside from the Netbook aspects, I also learned a lot about the world of online file syncing and storage which was quite valuable. Microsoft Live Mesh is a wonderful file syncing application with remote desktop connection capability. Other online services such as SkyDrive and Zoho are also useful for online file storage and document management. With these utilities, files can be synced and accessed from multiple PCs and hopefully smartphone devices in the near future.

So I can’t say that the time I’ve invested in learning about Netbooks and waiting for my Dell Mini 9 to arrive was wasted, as I’ve gained knowledge that I can use for my everyday activities.

It might be that later this year or next year that the 10″ or 11″ Netbook models will have everything I need to jump back into the Netbook scene again… but until then good luck to those enjoying their Dell Mini 9s!

Positive Note: Windows 7 OS Runs Smooth on Mini 9

For my initial testing, I decided to install Windows 7 on the Mini 9 and configure all the various tweaks I’ve read about on the different forums and web pages. After working with it for a few hours, I can honestly say that it runs noticeably faster than I expected. I noticed very little (if any) lag time, and it seemed very snappy when popping up menus and application windows. I didn’t have any driver issues or crashes during my testing, and the hardware components that I tested seemed to work well. So, I can say it was a pleasant experience using Windows 7 on the Netbook. The surprising thing, is that I did all my testing with the stock 1 GB RAM installed, and it ran just fine (I forgot to install the 2 GB RAM module that I purchased from NewEgg.com). So, adding more memory could only help when running multiple applications.

Having Second Thoughts…

I’ve had some stick time with my New Dell Mini 9, and I do have some initial thoughts and comments. First, I’m a touch typist (albeit, I won’t win any speed contests), and my hands aren’t too large (I’ve got skinny fingers). Having said that, I can say that typing on the Mini 9 keyboard is noticeably cramp for my fingers, but the worst part is the misplacement of some of the critical keys. For example, the hyphen (dash) and single/double-quote keys are both in a non-standard position on the keyboard and that is causing me major grief. Those are standard characters that I type often while I’m writing, so moving them to a different location on the keyboard is unacceptable for how I type. Also, the period character key is very small (compared to the letter keys), so I often accidentally pressed one of the adjacent keys. Of course, if you were a two-finger typer using the hunt-n-peck method that wouldn’t be such a problem, but it certainly is for touch typing.  So, the keyboard size and misplacement of critical keys is a critical factor in me considering returning the Dell Mini 9.

In addition, the 600 pixel height resolution of the screen also seems to be a hindrance, since most web pages have thick headers at the top and the actual content seems to be below the bottom of the screen (requiring immediate scrolling to see it). Although I setup FireFox to hide the menu and toolbars (showing just the web page), it still didn’t display much of most web pages.

So, I’m a bit dissatisified with the Mini 9 as you can tell. Of course, I didn’t expect it to replace my traditional-sized laptops, but I did hope for a more usable keyboard and screen resolution. Oh well, luckily I bought it from Costco.com so I can easily return it if I decide to go that route. It might be that the 10″ or 12″ Netbooks would be more suitable, but I’ll definitely need to try them out before making a purchase.

First Impressions Of My Dell Mini 9

I finally got my Cherry Red Dell Mini 9 from FedEx this afternoon. The first thing I did was plug in the power adapter, then proceeded to go through the Windows XP start up initialization stuff. Here’s my initial impressions after playing around with the Mini 9 for about 30 minutes.

It’s definitely a small laptop, and seems to be of high quality construction. I love the cherry red cover, and the glossy screen looks very sharp and crisp. It feels very lightweight, but not flimsy. Definitely a portable device which I would feel comfortable carrying around in my hand. The keyboard is noticeably small, but I was able to touch type with it to enter my user information during the WinXP initialization. You probably couldn’t use the keyboard for typing long memos, reports, etc. for extended periods of time, but that’s not something a Netbook was designed for anyways.

Another thing that is quite noticeably is the dead silence while working with the Mini 9. You don’t hear any fans, whirling disk drives, or spinning CD-ROMs. Very nice when working alone in a quiet house!

In the limited time I had to work with the virgin Windows XP installation, the system did seem a bit sluggish. Of course, this is before I made any tweaks to the system. Later this week, I’ll post more info on the Mini 9 after I’ve loaded different software applications and have had time to work with it.

I Love Buying from Newegg.com

For the last several years I’ve built my own computer systems from scratch, buying parts such as the motherboard, memory, hard drives, CD drives, etc. and assembling them in a case. I like doing this (as opposed to buying read-made systems from HP, Dell, Compaq, etc.) because I can create a system to my exact specifications. A few years ago I was going bonkers with my main desktop PC making so much noise with the whirling disk drives and CPU and power supply fans, I decided to build a new system using all “quiet” components. I succeeded, and now have a silent PC running in my home office.

I started out buying all of my computer components from local electonic and computer stores, but over the years found that buy online was cheaper and more convenient. Newgg.com is a wonderful site that I’ve used over the last 8 years ordering everything for my custom PCs with no problems.

Recently, I needed a 16 GB Flash Drive and 16 GB SDHC card, so I put in my online order on Friday at 10:30 am PST and later that afternoon I got a confirmation email that my order was processed and sent out! Now, you really can’t beat the same-day turnaround, along with the free 3-7 days shipping. Note, that I made my payment using my PayPal account, so that may have sped up the payment authorization (verses using a Credit Card or eCheck method).

In addition to the fast order processing and shipping, Newegg.com seems to have the best prices online for computer components. Only on some rare occassions I’ll find a better deal at a local brick store (when they have a big sale), so I definitely recommend you check out Newegg.com for your computer supplies.

My List of Applications For My Dell Mini 9

In addition to installing the Windows 7 OS on my new Dell Mini 9, I’m also planning to install some much needed applications. Since I don’t have a lot of storage space, I need to carefully pick which applications to install. My main use for the Mini is for Internet web browsing, email, and remote desktop connection, so I’m leaving off any heavy duty processor-intensive applications. Here’s my current list of applications:

• 7-Zip – Zip Compression Software
• OpenOffice - Suite of MS-Office clone applications
• FoxIt Reader – PDF File reader
• FileZilla - FTP Client Software
• CCleaner - Temp file and registry file cleaner
• Thunderbird - Email client application
• Sunbird - Calendar application
• XAMPP - Apache Server Software
• Paint.net – Adobe Photoshop clone
• Chrome - Google’s web browser application
• Avast! – Virus Scanner Application
• Live Mesh – Microsoft Online File Syncing/Remote Desktop Software
• AutoHotKey – Keyboard Macro Application
• Safari – Apple’s Web browser

Of course, I’ll try to find the “portable” versions of these applications to save on storage space. And, I’m still debating on whether to use FireFox or Chrome as my web browser. I’m considering Chrome (made by Google) since it allows for the most viewable web page on the screen and it seems to boot up faster than FireFox, but, I’ve been using FireFox for a few years now and I really like it’s features.

Also, I do a lot of web page development, thus the need for the Apache Server and Safari web browser software. Once I get everything installed, I’ll make a posting that shows how much space I’ve used up and what’s free.

When My Mini 9 Arrives, I Plan to…

In anticipation of my Dell Mini 9 arriving sometime next week, I’m making my plans to replace the WinXP OS with Windows 7. Here’s what I have so far:

1. Make sure the Mini 9 BIOS is the latest (A04). If it is not, download the update from the Dell support site and install it.
2. Install the 2 GB RAM module in the Mini 9.
3. Make a backup image of the original WinXP installation using Clonezilla.
   • Boot up the Mini 9 using a USB Flash Drive that is bootable with the Clonezilla software
   • Save the disk image file from Clonezilla to a 2nd USB Flash Drive (8 GB of free space)
4. Re-boot the Mini 9 using a 4 GB Fash Drive that has the Windows 7 Install files, and install the Win7 OS.
5. Install the Win7 Drivers as described in the DellMini Forum posting.
6. Apply all the tweaks I’ve been reading about to speed up the system performance.

I’m doing this because I want to test out Windows 7, since I’ve read that it runs pretty good on the Dell Mini 9. If I have too many issues with it, my plan is to install a nLite version of WinXP back on the system.

I’ve also got a 16 GB SDHC card ordered from Newegg.com and on the way, so that should give me more storage for applications and files.

Costco.com Site No Longer Selling Mini 12

FYI, Costco.com was selling the Dell Mini 9 and 12 online, but as of today it seems they removed the Mini 12 from their available products. I know that Costco in general has products that come and go frequently, but it’s strange that the Mini 12 lasted such a short time. Maybe it will come back, or be replaced by the new Mini 10?

Update (7 Feb 08) - It looks like the Dell Mini 12 is being offered again on the Costco.com web site, but it only has a $50 US discount. So, the Mini 9 is offered $100 less than the Dell Mini 12 at the Costco site.

Update: (6 Feb 08 ) - I just read on the DigiTimes web site that Dell has suspended the shipment of the Mini 12’s. This article didn’t give a reason why. The Dell.com site still has the Mini 12’s available for ordering, however. Maybe this is why the Mini 12 is off the Costco.com site?

Holly Smokes… My Dell Mini 9 Has Shipped!

Ever since I placed my order for my new Cherry Red Dell Mini 9 from Costco.com, I’ve  been visiting the Costco web site to check on the shipping status. So for the last 15 days, the Costco web site simply said “in process”, nothing more…. until this afternoon. I checked the web page around 3 pm, and low-and-behold the “in process” changed to “shipped”. Yippee! So, it took 15 days for Costco to send Dell my order and then for Dell to build and ship it out.

It’s being shipped by FedEx, and I received a tracking number via email from Costco.com. FedEx shows the package having been picked up in Reno, NV (which was strange, since I was expecting it to come from Dell in Texas), however, there wasn’t an estimated delivery date as of yet. So, my new Mini is on its way, and I will keep visiting the FedEx web site to make sure I’m home on the day it arrives (FedEx requires a signature for delivery). Nothing like finding a FedEx “was here” delivery tag hanging from my front door knob!

Update: The FedEx site states the delivery will be tomorrow (Saturday), so I’ll need to make sure to stay home and keep an eye out for the delivery truck!

Still Waiting for my Dell Mini…

I’m anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new Dell Mini 9, and it seems like forever since I first ordered it. I bought the Mini through Costco.com’s online store, and their stated delivery time ranged from 15-20 days from the credit card approval date. So, if they approved my credit card on the day of the order, then it’s been 15 days now of waiting. I’m hoping I’ll get a delivery email from Costco.com within the next 5 days, but that’s probably doubtful considering all the delays I’ve been hearing about. It seems that some people who ordered Directly from the Dell.com site have been waiting since early December 2008 for their Mini’s, which just seems rediculous. Apparently, the party line from Dell is that the delay is due to a shortage of Intel Atom Processors, which may be true. I’m just hoping it doesn’t take one month or more before my Mini ships. What would really suck, is if my Mini arrives and has some kind of hardware problem, and I have to send it back for repair or replacement and then wait another several weeks… I’ll just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.