Intel's second-generation Atom processor, codenamed Pineview, is making its way into netbooks from many of the industry's big names.
Today, it's over to Dell, who has unveiled a new-look Inspiron Mini 10 equipped with Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N540 processor and integrated GMA 3150 graphics.
Armed with Intel's latest entry-level innards, the Inspiron Mini 10 now boasts up to 9.5 hours of battery life from an optional six-cell battery.
As standard, the system features a 10.1in display offering a 1,024x600 resolution, 1GB of DDR2 memory, 160GB of storage, built-in wireless connectivity and a three-cell battery. Dell expects the system to be available in early January, with prices starting at $299, but users may want to hold out for a number of upgrades scheduled to become available "in coming weeks".
One such upgrade is the optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator, an add-on that should facilitate smooth playback of full-HD media. If that's your kind of thing, you may also want to upgrade to the high-def 1,366x768 display that will also soon be available. Add in a 250GB hard drive, Bluetooth, a HDTV tuner, GPS and an optional six-cell battery, and you're left with a fairly potent-looking netbook - though, you're certain to stray some distance from the $299 entry point.
Users can also look forward to a new "textured, smudge-resistant palm rest," as well as sculpted keys and a choice of six colour options.
One thing's for certain. Come January, you won't be short of choice when shopping for Pineview-based netbooks.
