[catbigred]

Engadget broke this story. Possible specs on new Minis coming out and the expected lifespan of the current models.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/04/d...r-the-mini-11/ and it's source: http://www.netbooknews.de/3869/dell-...i-10-optionen/
Note on the graph I believe the years are wrong. It notes Q3 09 for the release of the Mini 9 but based on timelines currently out there believe it is supposed to be Q3 08. Adjust accordingly.

[Dreizehn]

So that argus is the Mini 11 then?

[catbigred]

That's the way it looks.

[ryuko2002]

How reliable is this? I just ordered a mini 9, maybe i should have waited a little more..

[thejokell]

I wonder what the chances are that any of these new portables (like the Mini 11) will use the GMA950 and/or other hardware that makes it easy to install OS X. Because I love my Mini 9, but something in a Mini 10 or 11 form factor would be even better.

[catbigred]

Well by the reference of this story, there will be a version of the mini 10 called "bear" that will have the 945 chipset with the n270 Atom processor coming in May.

[EdZ]

Originally Posted by catbigred

It notes Q3 09 for the release of the Mini 9 but based on timelines currently out there believe it is supposed to be Q3 08.

It could be referring to a Mini 9 refresh coming in Q3 09. Intel's 'Pineview' architecture is due to launch in Q1 2010, and the chart lists 'Pinetrail' 10.1" minis arriving in Q3/Q4 2010 which would support this, but that could be a naming co-incidence.

[sane]

If I'm reading this correctly the Dell Mini 9 goes EOL by the end of April, so if you want one get it now.

The mini 10 (Bear) replacement has:

• 1024x576 screen at 10.1" - nothing great there[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• Same chipset, same processor[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• up to 160GB 2.5" SATA disk, so opportunity to replace with 500GB? together with SSD instead/as well[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• the option of a 6 cell battery, but which only gives 2600AHr as opposed to the existing 2200AHr, but with 6Hr duration[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• 802.11n standard Wifi (if that's important to you)[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• basically the same weight as the existing mini 10[/*:qbsdz8jg]
• 1.3Mpix webcam as standard[/*:qbsdz8jg]

As I read it, it looks like Mac OSX on it is probably possible, the disk is nice, but the screen is disappointing. Size is noticeably bigger, but that means better keyboard. Looks like it will be a bit more expensive as well. Not sure that the 3G will be an option.

BTW the dates on the roadmap use the US form for financial years, eg the year of the end of year. FY09 = 08/09

[anton_es]

so, nothing still beats the mini9 in size, weight and price. glad I have one
there's just no purpose in those big-sized netbooks. can buy a lightweight "normal" laptop instead and get much better performance and a "standard" keyboard. I will never part with my 9 until dell can give something truly buy-worthy.

[jrm]

Wow, I just bought my mini but have no regrets (even though it hasn't arrived). It looks like the mini9 is still the most versatile. I too wonder if OSX could be installed on any of these new machines....I'd imagine not, but I am very often wrong!