Dell Inspiron Mini IM12-2868 12.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook

by Dell

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 0.9 inches ; 2.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001TH7F9C
• Item model number: IM12-2868
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,627 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 13, 2009

Product Description

Color: Obsidian Black

Amazon.com Product Description

A larger sibling to Dell's Inspiron Mini 9, the Inspiron Mini 12 (model IM12-2869) in obsidian black features a larger 12.1-inch screen with a 1280 x 800-pixel high-definition resolution. It's ideal for teens, tweens, travelers and "Tweeters" to surf the Web, chat with friends (both via text and using the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam), stream video and audiocontent, and upload on-the-go photos to blogs or social networking sites. Standard built-in Wi-Fi means quick and easy wireless internet access to hotspots in the home, on campus, in a local coffee shop, in the office or at a conference.

Super thin and ultra-portable.

The Inspiron Mini 12 features an intuitive Dell-developed custom home screen interface that is designed to make it easy to find what you're looking for. Intuitive icons link directly to groups of similar applications, like games, Web and entertainment, and favorite web links for quick access. Plus, the home screen can be personalized, putting your favorites front and center.

A bright 12.1-inch glossy display is designed to be able to present web sites without a lot of left-right scrolling, and the keyboard is large and easy to navigate. Other features include a 80 GB hard drive (capacity before OS is installed), 1 GB of RAM (533 MHz; maximum capacity), integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, 3-in-1 memory card reader, and up to 3 hours of battery life.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 weighs in at just 2.72 pounds.

Even More Storage and Access to Your Files
Dell has teamed up with Box.net to offer exclusive web-based file storage, access and sharing to Inspiron Mini users, including a free Basic plan with 2 GB of remote storage space that's expandable to 25 GB. The Inspiron Mini 12 includes a direct link to a Dell-exclusive home page on Box.net (www.box.net/dell), providing you with an easy way to add incremental online storage space to easily manage your digital lives. Individuals can safely and securely upload files of any type to their Box, including photos, videos, music, documents and presentations, and then access those files from almost anywhere on any device.

Box.net's world-class service requires no software to download. With its OpenBox platform, Box.net enables people to edit documents and photos directly from their web-browser and post media to their blog or social networks, further enhancing the mobility and user experience on the Inspiron Mini.

Additionally, with Dell Remote Access you can find, use and share your digital world, even while away from home. Whether you use a mobile phone with a web browser, a computer outside your home, or share files and folders with a friend; you will have the ability to access files and devices in your home from anywhere with Internet access. Here are some examples on how you could use Dell Remote Access:

• Remotely control any PC running Windows XP or Vista on your home network as if you were sitting in front of it.
• If you have a smart phone with document viewers, you can open presentations, spreadsheets, and documents.
• Take a picture on your phone and upload it to a folder on your computer... and then share the folder with a friend.
• While on a vacation, transfer pictures from your camera (using an Internet connected PC) to a folder on your home computer, so your friends and family can see your vacation in real time.

Power-Sipping Processor
Newly designed from the ground up, the Intel Atom Z520 uses a brand new 45nm (nanometer) design structure with new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve even more energy and give you more time away from the wall outlet. The Intel Atom Z520 provides a 1.3 GHz CPU speed with a 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 512 KB L2 cache--which uses just 2 watts of power. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) It supports Intel's 64-bit computing architecture, which can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory with compatible 64-bit software, as well as Intel's Hyper-Threading technology for speedier multitasking.

Display and Audio
The Inspiron Mini 12 has a 12.1-inch LCD screen with TrueLife high-gloss/anti-reflective technology, which features a sharp contrast finish that's well suited to immersive 3D games and watching videos. This notebook has a single speaker for mono audio playback.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for handsfree video chats. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
• 1 headphone (line-out) and 1 microphone (line-in)
• 3-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Card (MMC), and Memory Stick

Dimensions
This laptop measures 11.77 x 9.02 x 0.92 inches and weighs 2.72 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package includes the Dell Inspiron Mini IM12-2869, 3-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed documentation. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with mail-in service. Dell provides a variety of service offerings and add-on options to help ensure devices are easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:

• Dell Support Center: Quickly access Dell service and support from an icon on your desktop that provides automated fixes, software upgrades and tools to help keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently.
• DellConnect Remote Assistance: Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection (available only on Windows-based systems).

Product Description

The Inspiron Mini 12 allows you to stay connected to your world virtually wherever you go. Inspiron Mini 12’s small, incredibly light design lets you travel light while keeping up with your blog, video chat, instant messenger and email so that you never lose touch with your family and friends. The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 was developed from the ground up to be the perfect companion, keeping you connected while on-the-go. The Inspiron Mini 12 allows you to find, use and share your digital world, even while away from home. Whether you use a mobile phone with a web browser, a computer outside your home, or share files and folders with a friend; you will have the ability to access files and devices in your home from anywhere with Internet access. The Inspiron Mini 12 is designed to keep you connected to your favorite entertainment. When you are on the go, you can still have access to email, shopping and more. A bright 12.1 inch glossy display is designed to be able to present web sites without a lot of left-right scrolling, and the keyboard is large and easy to navigate.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dell Mini 12 defies "netbook" classification and emerges as a star, May 5, 2009

By 

J. Lee (Morristown, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dell Inspiron Mini IM12-2868 12.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook (Personal Computers)

PROS: big, vivid screen; nearly full-sized keyboard AND trackpad; very slim and light despite the 12.1" screen; works great with XP

CONS: glossy case is print-prone; some shrunken buttons on keyboard; 3-cell battery life is low, need the 6-cell; RAM not upgradeable
----------------

Are you looking for a light, slim laptop that mimics the Macbook Air at a fraction of the price? Then the Dell Mini 12 would be a great choice for you!

I wanted the readable/usable screen size of 12.1 (10 might be the sweet spot for some people, but not for me -- see for yourself firsthand) with a good keyboard, large trackpad, and light weight. Another important consideration was battery life of at least 5+ hrs (more on that later).

The Dell Mini 12 hits all of those points. The 12.1" screen causes some debate about its classification as a "netbook," but its Atom processor and low price definitely puts it in netbook territory. The screen is lovely, with true colors, no blotches or dead pixels, and decent viewing angles. The Atom processor (mine is 1.6 GHZ) is more than capable for basic web surfing, light typing, and reading PDFs in a Windows XP environment. And the price (I got it for under $400 at the brand name's Outlet store) is superb, if you shop around.

The one featured on Amazon is decent, though it has the slightly slower chip; however, most online reviews downplay the effect of this clock speed decrease. Realize that it has 1GB of RAM, which is suitable for basic netbook applications on XP. But no expandability exists with this current setup -- that may be a downer for those looking to soup up their netbook into performance ranges of a normal laptop or desktop.

Another knock against the Amazon one -- it comes with only the 3-cell battery. That's good for 2-3 hrs with some serious power conservation (Bluetooth off, screen brightness at maximum low), but the 6-cell gives you 5-6hrs easy. It adds a little bulk to the rear end, but this baby's back is still appealing and makes it easier to hold, if you know what I mean...

Another unexpected but appealing feature to the Dell Mini 12: it is completely fanless. Somehow it manages to stay cool to the touch! Over time, I have found the silence and relative coolness to be big pluses.

In the end, the key thing for me is usability. I found the 12.1" screen to be kind to my eyes and the trackpad/keyboard combo to be virtually normal-sized. The engineers at Dell were still able to package the Mini 12 into a ridiculously slim, light case. The closest competitor here would be the Samsung NC20, which is chunkier, louder, warmer, and more expensive, albeit with a much bigger hard drive and RAM expandability. For my purposes, the Dell Mini 12 is perfect. It just might be the same for you.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good netbook appliance, May 15, 2009

By 

T. Underhill (Hillsboro, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dell Inspiron Mini IM12-2870 12.1-Inch Red Netbook (Personal Computers)

I purchased my cherry red Dell mini 12 a few weeks back directly from Dell. (it was a "scratch and dent" model) I was looking for a inexpensive, small, light and quiet laptop to surf the web/ watch some online videos and on occasion travel with. I also wanted to try out the Linux OS. The Dell Mini 12 fit those requirements. It is easy to set up and I have had no issues with the Linux OS or the software that came with it. There was a sizable amount of "upgrades" that I downloaded (over 250mb!) when I first connected online, but if you have a broadband connection it's no big deal. I've watched videos on Hulu and Youtube and they work fine. I've opened MS office files with the open office package and that works good too. The big plus here is the 12" screen with the 1280 X 800 resolution. You can see an entire web page with that resolution without scrolling (something you can't have with the smaller 9" and 10" models). I also have the 6 cell battery which I can use for 4-5 hours on a charge. However, it does add some extra depth to the unit which is important when buying a slip cover or bag. I purchased a Mini 12 sleeve for my dell mini and it is a tight fit with the 6 cell battery.
Now there are some issues you should be aware of before you purchase the Dell Mini 12. First off if your into the Linux stuff this unit has "custom" hardware and "closed" software that only work with the dell mini 12 version of Umbuntu so if your thinking "I'll just upgrade to the latest greatest" you will be sorely disappointed (check out conical's support pages). If Dell/Intel/conical plan on updating these custom closed drivers so you can upgrade to Umbuntu 9.04 they have not made any official announcement to that effect that I can find. You also should not expect Dell to give you much help with the Linux OS. They will send you to online web support sites. This unit has no fan so in order for it not to get overheated you have things like a slow hardrive and no memory expansion. The speaker output is really poor so plan on using it with head phones. The keyboard not being full size takes a litle getting used to and If I was a fast touch typist a big issue, but I'm not so it works for me. In short, what you have with the Mini 12 is an appliance like your stove or fridge. Buy it, turn it on, configure the settings, it works (hopefully!) but don't go looking to MacGyver this thing into your next video editor! Just plan on buying the next model when it comes out in a year of so.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dell Mini 12 is the Best Netbook as of this writing., August 9, 2009

By 

Mark J. Evereklian "mark e mark 37" (san diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dell Inspiron Mini IM12-2869 12.1-Inch Alpine White Netbook (Personal Computers)

I spent about 35 hours a week trying to find the right Netbook. It is SO hard, since there are so many and they are so very similar. I did try an HP Netbook, which had a good keyboard and good speakers, but the screen was just too small.

After talking to the guys at a Laptop Repair Carlsbad they told me about the Dell Mini 12, and they said that I can get it for less than Dell sells it for, if I buy it from Amazon.com

The Mini 12 came in the mail a few days later, and I was very happy with it, once I disabled most of the startup items using msconfig

It was easy to connect to my wireless network, and I love the large screen. The speakers are the only low point for this device, so I usually in some external speakers. This Netbook is VERY Lightweight, runs most applications fast, and runs cool and very quite, with is no fan. It does have video output, but does not run every resolution, just a few of the more common ones.

Highs
- Very Light
- Large LCD for a Netbook
- Runs cool and quite
- Fast Enough for me

Lows
- Speakers are not LOUD

The Verdict
- Why live with a smaller screen if you don't have to?

Mark

SPECIAL NOTE ON THE ADDITIONAL DELL MINI 12s THAT I BOUGHT AFTER THE FIRST ONE ... SOME OF THESE ARE FACTORY REFURBS BEING SOLD AS NEW. THEY HAVE SCRATCHES ON THE BOTTOM. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE FAULT OF DELL OR AMAZON, BUT IT IS A BIT TACKY.

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