To officially kick off my freelancing career, I decided to get a netbook. If I was going to be traveling and writing, I needed something considerably lighter than the Compaq briefcase I was currently lugging around.
After careful consideration, I chose the Dell Mini 10v, primarily for it’s value. Starting at $299, it has one of the lower starting prices even for a netbook. I plan on using my netbook primarily for internet and word processing, but someone who wants to do a bit more might want to look into the Mini 10 model.
For the techy-readers out there, the Dell Mini 10v includes:
Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache)
1 GB RAM
Windows XP or Ubuntu
Microsoft Works *I immediately removed Works and loaded Office
160GB, 2.5inch, 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
24WHr Lithium-ion 3-cell battery *I upgraded to the 56WHr Lithium-ion 6-cell battery
Wireless 802.11g (1397) Mini Card
Webcam
The only thing I chose to upgrade was the battery from a 3-cell to a 6-cell, giving my netbook about 8 hours (or more) of battery life. Dell offers different color choices, but I didn’t think $40 to change from the basic black was really worth it.
I think I made the right choice. The 10v weighs around 2.5 lbs and has a 10″ screen, making it great for travel and I can fit it into my medium-sized purse! The 6-cell battery sticks out a bit, but it still fits into a mini laptop sleeve with no problem. It took me a couple days to get used to the smaller keyboard, but the full-sized shift keys are clutch. There was an extra cost to get an external cd drive, but I found one at newegg.com that was on sale for $50!
Photo Credit: Tech Ticker
6 responses so far ↓
1 AdventureRob // Nov 7, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Ahh, good work on getting a netbook, they are greta to travel with
In terms of willy waving, I still think the Samsung NC10 is the best on the market though
It’s worth upgrading the RAM to 2GB as well, it’ll be just a screw underneath and a matter of pulling the old one out and pushing new one in and should cost about $20.
2 Abbie Mood // Nov 7, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I’m pretty pleased with the dell 10v, but I’ve heard the Asus one is good, too… I’ve never heard of that Samsung thing
I’m considering upgrading the memory… right now it’s fine, but it might not be a bad idea!
3 Lauren Quinn // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hmm… que interesante. I braved the internet cafes on my last trip, and swore I’d never travel, write and not have my own computer again. But traveling with the most expensive thing I own is a scary prospect. Think you’ve just turned me on to the perfect solution.
4 Nancy // Nov 8, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Wow-what perfect timing! I was just searching yesterday for a mini myself, as I’ve just recently been turned on to them. I’m glad you like this one! I’ve been contemplating switching to a mac, even though I’ve been a pc user my whole life and am writing on a dell currently. I just seem to constantly get viruses on this computer, no matter how many security systems and scans I have and run…but I prefer the feel of the pc. Did you look at any macs or consider going that route? They seem much more expensive than the pc. $299 is such a great price!
5 Abbie Mood // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:02 pm
@Lauren – I think it’s a good choice, and not so expensive that you’d be devastated if something happened to it…
@Nancy – I looked into Macs, but they are way more expensive. I would totally be willing to try a mac if I didn’t have to shell out so much. I’m pretty sure it’s partially because they come with so many options built in, but honestly it’s probably a lot of stuff I wouldn’t really use anyway.
6 Amiee // Nov 12, 2009 at 6:19 am
Great discussion – I love love love my Mac but would be scared to travel much with it – because it was soooo pricey. It is so worth it though – my new MacBook Pro is so light and and fast and sleek and lovely and without any viruses or security issues ever. I was thinking about getting some sort of mini-thing for traveling cuz that is all you really need for the road.
Leave a Comment