Dell Inspiron Mini 12

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Review

Netbooks are going to be big this year - in every sense of the word. Sensitive to complaints about small, low-resolution screens and ever-eager to invent another lucrative niche, manufacturers are expanding their line-ups with more comfortably proportioned 12in screen models, and Dell is among the first with the Inspiron Mini 12.

Now a netbook with a 12in screen may seem like an oxymoron and we're still stuck on what to call the Inspiron Mini 12. One thing is certain, though - netbook or low-cost laptop, this is one very portable portable. It weighs just over a kilo and is just 27mm at its thickest point, which is almost as thin as the Apple MacBook Air .

The Dell Inspiron Mini 12's desktop footprint is obviously larger than any 10in netbook, but it's no more of a chore to carry around (unless you favour a big coat pocket, of course). At 1.23kg, it weighs about the same as its smaller screened brethren and feels disconcertingly light for its dimensions.

Sadly, the Inspiron Mini 12 isn't quite as stylish as Apple's premium portable, but its low-key good looks should at least mean that it won't attract too much attention when you whip it out in public. The black and silver plastic case is nicely complemented by a glossy black lid, and both red and pink lids are also available (though you need to order them by phone rather than online).

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