Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 (right) was introduced in February, at which point it was one of the first netbooks using Intel's Z5xx Atom CPUs ("Silverthorne") previously associated with MIDs (mobile internet devices), rather than the usual N270 processor. Dell representatives noted potential power savings and added that the "Poulsbo" SCH (system controller hub) US15W handles video better than the 945GSE chipset found on the majority of netbooks. They put the latter claim to the test by fitting the Mini 10 with an HDMI output, then a novelty.

Stantum's Slate PC retains the HDMI port along with most of the Mini 10's innards, but the netbook's keyboard, trackpad, and webcam are no more. In return, the device now provides users with a "state-of-the-art," 10.1-inch touchscreen. The screen is touted as featuring patented multi-touch firmware, supporting Windows 7 "natively, with no driver required," and responding to up to ten touches at once.

OUR VERDICT: A video demonstration (below) of Stantum's touchscreen technology is very convincing

The Slate PC, apparently still offering the Mini 10's original 1024 x 576 resolution, employs a resistive touchscreen rather than the capacitive technology popularized by Apple's iPhone. While resistive screens are viewed as old-fashioned by some, Stantum cites advantages, including the fact that such screens may be used with a stylus or while wearing gloves. Resistive technology is also less expensive, offers lower power consumption, and responds to different amounts of finger pressure, the company says.

According to Stantum, the Slate PC has two USB 2.0 ports -- one fewer than the Mini 10, apparently because the touchscreen is USB-interfaced -- along with a microphone input, headphone output, 10/100 Ethernet port, and a SD/MMC card reader. The device also includes 802.11b/g/n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1, the company says.

Memory and processing power are the same as the Dell Mini 10, consisting of 1GB of soldered-down DDR2 memory and a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520. The Slate PC comes with 160GB of hard disk storage and offers the same battery life as the original Dell device, Stantum adds.

Stantum says that the Slate PC comes with Windows 7 but, oddly, notes that there is "no license provided." The company also warms that as the device is a "handmade proof of concept ... [and] is not a retail product, no warranty ... and after-sales service is provided." Consider yourself warned!

Features and specifications listed by Stantum for its Slate PC include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Atom Z520 (1.33GHz)
  
• Chipset -- Intel SCH US15W
• Memory -- 1GB of RAM (soldered-in, not expandable)
  
• Display -- 10.1-inch display with 1024 x 576 resolution and resistive multi-touch
• Storage -- 160GB hard disk drive
  Expansion:
  • SD/SDHC/MMC/MS card reader
    
  • 2 x PCI Mini card slots (occupied by WiFi and Bluetooth cards)
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
  
• Wireless:
  • 802.11g or 802.11a/g/n wireless networking
    
  • Bluetooth 2.1
    
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x HDMI port
    
  • Audio headphone out and mic in
    
  • 2 x USB
• Dimensions -- 10.22 x 7.14 x 1.17 inches (260.5 x 181.5 x 29.8mm)
  
• Weight, with battery -- 2.27 pounds (1.03kg)

A demonstration of the Slate PC
Source: Netbooked
(click to play)Availability

Stantum is accepting orders for its Slate PC now, but did not cite pricing. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

More information on the underlying Inspiron Mini 10 may be found on the Dell website, here, and in a company blog entry, here.

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