For you Linux fans out there the lasted version of the popular open source Linux-based OS Ubuntu is now available for download.  The latest version 8.10 provided 3G support and better Wi-Fi support, ability to boot from a USB pen drive and better virtualization ability to name a few. Should make Linux fans happen and for those that have never tried Linux before Ubuntu is a a great way to get your feet wet. Click the link below to head to the download page to grab it up. 

Ubuntu Download Page

Spec Sheet of the Model we purchased

• Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache)
• 2.28lbs
• Width: 9.13" Height 1.07" front / 1.25" back Depth: 6.77"
• Windows XP Home Edition
• 1GB Ram
• 16GB Solid State Hard Drive
• 802.11g Wireless
• 4 Cell battery
• Glossy Black Finish

The Good

Portable and Lightweight high quality and great looking fast boot times with SSD hard drive. Very quiet overall

Some Drawbacks

Screen can be small for some computing task such as large spreadsheets and pictures, keyboard arrangement can take some getting used to.

Overall a great companion device for quick access to e-mail, web, chat, blogging etc.  Don’t expect this at all to be your main device for mobile computing if  you are a heavy power user.  As these get more power and more features like the recently announced Dell Inspiron Mini 12 these netbooks will become the next big way in mobile computer and possible take a chunk of of the standard notebook market.

Dell announced a new Inspiron Mini 12 to accompany the  Inspiron Mini 9 in their line of netbooks.  Available only in Japan currently but expected to his the US in November the Inspiron Mini 12 packs more power for the size but still keeps its netbook roots. Read on to see quick specs and grab the link to the Dell Japan website that has more pics.

Quick Specs

• 1.3GHz Atom Z520 or 1.6GHz Atom Z530
• Windows Vista Home (XP and Ubuntu options toward the end of the year)
• 12.1-inch 1280 x 800 display
• 1GB of RAM
• Hard drive: 60 GB or 80 GB
• Integrated Bluetooth / WiFi
• Standard 3-cell (3 hour life) and optional 6-cell (6 hour life) battery
• 2.7 lbs (with 3-cell battery)

Dell Japan Site (Click on picture on the top to get to the gallery)

Dell doesn’t take its site down when it introduces product unlike some laptop peddlers. The result, however, is shots like this of early pre-release gear like the Inspiron Mini 9 netbook as Dell spins the product up for retail. $449 fully spec’d just like we heard with 8GB SSD, 1GB memory, Bluetooth 2.1, Windows XP, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. We still expect to see a lesser spec’d $349 model running Ubuntu. Shipping on the 16th of September in your choice of white or black though white will cost you a $25 premium. Dell hasn’t officially announced the product yet but we’re sure they’ll get that sorted out in a few hours. For now, happy URL hacking as we dig for more details.

Dell’s Inspiron Mini 9 pops official — Ubuntu starts at $349 (Update: $99 with purchase of 2nd Dell) – Engadget