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        Dell netbook sports HDMI port

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Feb 20, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Dell has announced a netbook sporting both a 10-inch display and an HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) output. The Inspiron Mini 10 includes a 1.3GHz Atom Z520 or 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, 1.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Windows XP, the company says.



        (Click here for a larger view of Dell's Inspiron Mini 10)


        Dell's Inspiron Mini 12
        (Click image for further information)
        As it did with its Inspiron Mini 12 released last year, Dell is marching to a different drummer than the vast majority of netbook manufacturers in one key respect. Instead of using Intel's 1.6Ghz Atom N270 processor, the Inspiron Mini 10 employs the chipmaker's Z5xx Atom CPUs ("Silverthorne") usually associated with MIDs (mobile internet devices).

        Compared to the N270, which measures 22mm x 22mm, the Z5xx Atoms come in a 13mm x 13mm package. The Silverthorne parts also save a bit of power, given that the N270 has a rated TDP of 2.5 Watts, while the 1.33GHz Z520 and 1.6GHz Z530 processors chosen by Dell for the Mini 10 have TDPs of just two Watts.

        Additionally, the N270 requires Intel's 945GSE chipset, which is rated for a six Watt TDP. In contrast, the Z520 and Z530 are designed to use Intel's "Poulsbo" SCH (system controller hub) US15W, rated for a TDP of just 2.5 Watts. In theory, then, a portable computer using Silverthorne should, therefore, run cooler and last longer on batteries.


        Dell's Inspiron Mini 10

        Dell hasn't released projected battery life for its new Inspiron Mini 10 (above), but representatives have reportedly claimed the device handles video better than run-of-the-mill N270 netbooks. Putting that boast to the test, the company has fitted the Mini 10 with an HDMI port (below), which can send digital audio and video directly to an HDTV or home theater receiver. The only other netbook we know of with an HDMI output is Asus's high-end N10, which uses an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics processor.


        Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 has a novel HDMI port
        (Click to enlarge)

        HDMI aside, Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 has other typical netbook ingredients, such as 1GB of RAM, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a memory card reader, three USB ports, and audio I/O. The initially offered operating system is Windows XP Home, installed on 120GB or 160GB SATA hard disk drives.

        While Dell is a proponent of wireless broadband, offering its earlier Inspiron Mini 9 for as little as $99 bundled with an AT&T data plan, the Mini 10 lacks an ExpressCard slot. However, the device's 802.11a/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 capabilities are said to be provided via PCI Mini Card slots, which apparently provide scope for a cellular modem. Both mobile broadband and integrated GPS will be future options for the device, according to a posting on a Dell company blog.

        Speaking of options, Dell says the Inspiron Mini 10 will also be available with an optional, integrated ATSC (advanced television systems committee) TV tuner. In addition, while the device's 10-inch display packs 1024 x 576 pixels as standard, a 720p (1280 x 720) version will also be offered, according to the company.

        Available in black, white, pink, red, blue, and green, the Inspiron Mini 10 features a keyboard that's "92 percent the size of a standard keyboard." The netbook weighs 2.86 pounds with a standard three-cell battery. A six-cell battery will also be available, the company adds.

        Features and specifications listed by Dell for its Inspiron Mini 10 include the following:
        • Processor -- Intel Atom Z520 (1.33GHz) or Z530 (1.6GHz)
        • Memory -- 1GB of RAM (soldered-in, not expandable)
        • Display -- 10.1-inch display with 1024 x 576 resolution (1280 x 780 is a planned option)
        • Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam
        • Storage -- 120GB or 160GB hard disk drive
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
        • Wireless:
          • 802.11g or 802.11a/g/n wireless networking
          • Bluetooth 2.1
          • GPS (forthcoming option)
          • ATSC tuner (forthcoming option)
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x HDMI port
          • Audio headphone out and mic in
          • 3 x USB
        • Expansion:
          • SD/SDHC/MMC/MS card reader
          • 2 x PCI Mini card slots (occupied by WiFi and Bluetooth cards)
        • Dimensions -- 10.28 x 7.19 x 1.25 inches (261 x 182.5 x 31.77mm)
        • Weight -- 2.86 pounds (1.3kg) with three-cell battery
        Availability

        The Inspiron Mini 10 will ship next month for prices starting at approximately $400, according to Dell. The first units ship with Windows XP, but the Ubuntu 8.04 distribution of Linux will "be an available option soon," the company says.

        More information on the Inspiron Mini 10 may be found on the Dell website, here, and in a company blog entry, here. Also, the device is pictured in a slideshow offered by our sister publication eWEEK.com, here.


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