Recommended Upgrades

When ordering your Mini 9 from the Dell web site, you can pick-and-choose what options you want for your new laptop device. Here’s my recommendation based on my computer experience and also from what I’ve read on the various user forums:

Memory Upgrade

Having sufficient RAM memory installed on your Mini can affect the overall performance of your machine. If you have too little memory, then the operating system will use disk space as “slow” memory to make up the difference. The smallest amount of RAM available for the Dell Mini is 512 MB, while the max is 2 GB. For most cases, having 1 GB of RAM installed will be sufficient for most users needs. However, if you like to run several different applications on your desktop at the same time, then you might run out of RAM and the system may feel sluggish.

One thing to note, is that if you order your Dell Mini with the Windows XP operating system, you are limited to selecting either 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM memory from Dell’s online order site. So if the Mini can accept up to 2 GB of RAM, why does Dell not offer that option? It’s because Microsoft doesn’t allow distributors to install Windows XP on machines that have more than 1 GB of RAM. Thus, Dell cannot offer more than 1 GB of RAM memory on their order site.

So, does this mean you can’t have more than 2 GB of RAM on your Mini with Windows XP? Certainly not! You can always order a 2 GB RAM module from a online vendor or buy one from a local brick store and do the upgrade yourself. The upgrade procedure is very simple, so anyone can do it. Although my Dell Mini that I ordered from Costco.com online came with 1 GB of RAM, I decided to order a 2 GB module from NewEgg.com to upgrade my Mini when it arrives. The 1 GB would probably be sufficient, but for just $20 I can have the extra RAM just in case I run several memory-hungry applications.

If you are ordering your Mini from Dell directly, I suggest you select the 512 MB option and purchase a 2 GB module from a 3rd-party vendor to do the upgrade yourself.

The question now, is what kind of RAM memory is compatible with the Dell Mini? The answer is: Any DDR2 SO-DIMM (laptop memory chip) that runs at 533 MHz (DDR2-4200) or faster. The Dell Mini only has one memory slot, so you need to get a single memory RAM module. For myself, I decided to purchase the Kingston 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 MHz (PC2 5300) from Newegg.com for a price of $18.50 US. Note, that I chose the 667 MHz module over the 533 MHz since it was cheaper. Kingston is a good brand name, so I fell confident my choice of RAM will work fine in my Dell Mini.

Storage Drive

As I mentioned in one of my previous postings, the Dell Mini doesn’t use a conventional hard disk drive. Instead, uses a Solid State Drive (SSD which is similar to a USB Flash Drive. There’s no moving parts, which makes your Dell Mini very, very quiet (and that’s a good thing!). As such, you are currently limited to the amount of space available on these SSD devices. From the Dell site, they offer 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB of space for the SSD using the Ubuntu (Linux) OS, and 8 or 16 GB for the Windows XP OS version.

Of course, the more the better when it comes to storage space, however, you also need to consider the cost with ordering a larger SSD. My recommendation, is to go with 16 GB of storage for the Windows XP version. The WinXP OS takes up about 5 GB of space, so that will leave you with about 10 GB or so of free space for your applications and files. If you need more space, you can always install a SD card and save your files there.

Another option, is to order the smallest SSD from Dell and purchase a bigger one from a 3rd-party online vendor as an upgrade. Upgrading the SSD is as simple as the RAM module, so it should be a problem. The only issue is transferring the operating system files from the old SSD device to the new one. There’s lots of tutorials online at the mydellmini.com forum on how to do this, however, the easiest way is to buy the SDD upgrade kit made by a company called RunCore. They currently have the fastest SSD devices available from16 GB up to 64 GB in size. Included in the RunCore kit is software that will back up and transfer the operating system files from the original SSD device to the new one. If you want to go this upgrade route, I highly recommend buying the RunCore upgrade kit (which can be purchased from MyDigitalDiscount.com).

In my case, the Dell Mini I ordered from Costco.com had the 16 GB SSD, so I decided to stick with that for the time being. If it turns out that it makes sense for me to get more storage space, I’ll order the 32 GB SSD from RunCore for $120 US and do the upgrade.

SD Card

In addition to the main SSD drive, don’t forget the SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) slot in your Dell Mini. You can purchase an SD card  to be used as relatively cheap storage. You can use this card for storing files or even install programs on. Currently, you can get 8 GB of storage for around $15 US and 16 GB for $25 US at several online stores.

Bluetooth Module

An option to have an internal Bluetooth module installed is available for the Dell Mini, at a cost of $20 US. I think this is a useful addition since you can use a bluetooth mouse with your Mini or possibly make a bluetooth connection with your cell phone for wireless access. I recommend you get this option unless you’re certain you would never use it.

Since the Dell Mini that I ordered from Costco.com didn’t come with the Bluetooth module, one option that I have is to use an external USB Bluetooth transciever. Traditionally, these USB devices are the same length as a standard USB Flash Drive, however, some manufacturers are making them very, very low-profile. For example, the Bluetooth USB device shown below is extremely low profile and can be purchased for an incredible price of $2.79 US from FocalPrice.com:

A second option, is to purchase the Bluetooth module from Dell directly, since they do sell individual parts to consumers. From the mydellmini.com forums, a few posters have indicated that they’ve successfully ordered this part from Dell and explain how to do it. The forums also have instructions (with pictures) on how to install the Bluetooth module, albeit the installation isn’t as simple as the RAM and SSD upgrades (you’ll need to disassemble the Dell Mini to insert the module in the proper slot).

Webcam

Dell offers a 0.3 and 1.3 Megapixel Webcam for the Mini. If you’re into the whole webcam thing, I suggest you get the higher resolution 1.3 Megapixel version. It’s only $10 US more than the 0.3 M Pixel version, and I’m sure you’ll be much happier. Now, similar to the Bluetooth module, you can also order the required parts to modify your Dell Mini after-the-fact to include a Webcam. It’s an involved process since you need to replace the screen bezel, add in the webcam and lens, etc., so I recommend you pay the $25 and just get the Webcam installed directly from Dell.

WiFi

The WiFi card in the Dell Mini is a 802.11g mini-card, and it offers the standard WiFi connection as most adapter cards. So, most people don’t bother to upgrade it. If you didn’t order a WiFi card in your Dell Mini (or for any other Netbook), you could possibly add one after the fact. Just like upgrading the RAM memory, in most cases you can easily add in a WiFi card (or upgrade one) by opening up the machine and swapping out or inserting a WiFi module. From the Dell forums, it seems that a lot of people are installing the Intel WiFi 5100 Wireless N Adapter Card. With so many new home routers using the N-Protocol (for higher speed and longer range), it would be worth it to upgrade with this particular WiFi card. And this card doesn’t really cost that much, as I found it at compusource.com for $24 US and also selling on eBay.com for $14.00.

WWAN

Dell also offers a built-in mobile broadband card provided by AT&T cellular (HSPA 7.2). So if you really need to be connected to the Internet and don’t have WiFi remote access, then this is a good option provided you are on the AT&T network. From my understanding, most people won’t be getting this option. Also, if you don’t order this option from Dell when you make your purchase, you won’t be able to add it on later as an upgrade since the connector for the WWAN card is not present on non-WWAN Dell Minis.

Personally, I think connecting via WiFi is sufficient for my needs since most coffee shops, airports, hotels, etc. offer remote WiFi Access.

Color

Last but not least, don’t forget to choose a cover color. Why not make your Dell Mini unique from all those drab, gray colored laptops? I chose cherry red for my Dell Mini, but even the black and white colors look great!

Mouse

If you’re like me, you’ll probably want to get a wireless mouse to use with your new Dell Mini 9. I discuss some different options in this link with regards to Bluetooth and RF mice.