THE MOBILE HORNET … for those who get turned on by mobile devices

The Dell Mini Inspiron  will be the challenger to the Asus Eee mini notebook.   Check out some of the specs below:

DELL MINI INSPIRON:

• Atom 1.6 GHz
• Windows XP Home or Ubuntu Linux OS
• 3 USB ports, Ethernet
• 8-in-1 Card reader
• Kensington lock
• Adapter socket
• Mic/line-out
• VGA port
• Screen size of 8.9 inches
• Screen resolution at 1280×800
• It costs less than US$500 (maybe at US$399 - RM1,300)
• Integrated webcam
• Scheduled to be released before the end of June 2008.

As the University entry is underway, I will recommend students to opt for the Dell Mini Inspiron.  I cannot see myself lugging over 3kg of a standard notebook (not including the books) all over campus and all over town ( if you cannot trust leaving it in your Uni room.

The size and weight of the Dell Mini Inspiron is more user-friendly.  This is even good for business people who have their desktop in their office for some heavy work.  Anyway, when we move, we seldom do any heavy work that the Mini Inspiron cannot perform.  My U1000 / HTC Advantage has been a very complete desktop alternative wherever I go and is small enough to carry on my belt pouch.

According to sources, Dell is reported to resume its handheld device business. It may team up with Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) to develop Windows Mobile-based handheld devices.

Ron Garriques, a former executive vice president at Motorola will head the division to produce the handheld device.

Dell has moved towards the handheld device segment following Acer’s recent announcement of acquiring Taiwan-based smartphone maker E-Ten Information Systems, the sources added.

Foxconn, an important partner for Dell, is also reportedly recruiting talent from other Taiwan-based handset makers in preparation for accepting orders from Dell, the sources pointed out.

The new handheld device will include GPS PDAs and smartphones, the sources added.

Industrial design students at Brigham Young University  presented their concepts for a potential line of “ultra mobile” Dell computers this month as part of their final exam for their “studio” class. The machines were meant to be incorporated into users’ everyday lives, the students told their audience, which included two retired Dell managers and current Dell executives listening via conference call.

Designers interviewed bicycle police officers to gather information for a concept aimed at the military, outdoor enthusiasts and others who want to use computers in “hostile environments.” Another team aimed at college students, for whom they conceived a two-screened machine that can open like a book, or rotate into a tablet, and features an on-screen keyboard. Other markets targeted were young adults and creative professionals such as musicians.

SO IS DELL PLANNING TO RELEASE
A VERY PRACTICAL KIND OF UMPC 
AFTER HALTING THEIR PDA LINE?