And the notebook-netbook market just got a heck of a lot more confusing. Up until now, I’ve largely considered anything with a 10-inch display or smaller to be a netbook or a subnotebook. If the screen is at least 11-inches, I’d lean toward calling it a laptop or a notebook. I’m not quite as sure where I would place this new Dell offering.
It hasn’t been formally announced just yet, but if you peek around the support pages, you’ll find mention of the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. As its name implies, this little computer is equipped with a 12-inch screen, but it is powered by Intel Atom. In this way, it’s the size of a small notebook, but it’s got the power of a regular netbook.
Noted features include your choice of Intel Atom Z520 or Z530 processors, 1GB of RAM, 1.3 megapixel camera, three USB ports, and your choice of either a 3- or 6-cell battery. Interestingly, you can choose between Linux Ubuntu or Windows Vista (no XP). I’m not sure how well that 1GB or RAM and Atom CPU will be able to handle Vista.