While so far the HP Mini Note is the only netbook that has dared to enter into the Vista arena, Dell has made its intention known to venture into the same playing field when they release their new Inspiron Mini 12 next year.
True, the HP runs on a Via processor as opposed to the Intel Atom found on the Inspiron Mini, but based on the findings of Laptop Mag, performance-wise, Vista's still too much for the Inspiron Mini to handle. The good part, though, is that the bigger screen (biggest as of this writing), thinner profile and near-regular-sized keyboard are positive changes in the right direction and battery life has likewise been improved.
So if you're completely sold on the idea of getting yourself the Inspiron Mini 12 when it does become available locally, they suggest to get either the Win XP or Linux variant. I totally agree with them.
True, the HP runs on a Via processor as opposed to the Intel Atom found on the Inspiron Mini, but based on the findings of Laptop Mag, performance-wise, Vista's still too much for the Inspiron Mini to handle. The good part, though, is that the bigger screen (biggest as of this writing), thinner profile and near-regular-sized keyboard are positive changes in the right direction and battery life has likewise been improved.
So if you're completely sold on the idea of getting yourself the Inspiron Mini 12 when it does become available locally, they suggest to get either the Win XP or Linux variant. I totally agree with them.

This is funny. I was waiting for that little thing (Inspiron mini 12)to come out. It did today. Bad news for me though: It comes only with Vista in UK and it costs £409 instead of the promised £299. I phoned up Dell UK and asked them if I can have it with XP but they told me they can't do that because of some legal reasons. Don't really understood their reasons but as it looks like I've to give it a thought if it's worth for me to buy it.
Dang! Sluggish? I want it fast. Its only available in two colors (Black and white) but knowing Dell im pretty sure they'll add up some new splash of colors like with the Mini inspiron 9. I like mine red or pink. Xp is still a better option here i think dont force Vista with it. Ubuntu on the other hand is a breeze to use like safari. Atleast they left with us choices rigth? left or Rigth?
I wish Dell would make some sort of commitment about XP and Linux. This laptops a completely pointless tease until they do.
had one for a few weeks, yeah it's terribly slow on it's first ever boot but it's fine now and it mostly starts from some sort of sleep
got no porblem with it really, it's quick enough and exactly the size and weight I was hoping for, happy to comprmise power for that, and happy with the price