Liquid cooling your PC has been around for some time now, and what started as a skill that only hard-core hackers and tinkerers could master is now offered in off-the-shelf Dell computers, so what’s a modder to do if he wants to stand out from the crowd at the next LAN party?
How about submerging the entire computer in a fish tank filled with mineral oil?
The computer, which was originally built by Puget Systems, is now available in a DIY kit that includes everything from the aquarium tank and SSD hard drive to the motherboard and power cords, so all you have to do is add components (and a lighting system if you want to be totally L33t). Plus, if you’re worried about voiding your warranty (because this will definitely do that) then rest assured knowing Puget Systems has been running theirs for over a year with no ill effects.
Dell calls it the “Ideal Internet Buddy for Surfing, Shopping and Chatting” (and “Your New Best Friend”, and a “Light, Highly Mobile Device Built For Easy Online Browsing and Entertainment” and an “Internet Companion” and a “Small, easy-to-carry device” that’s ready for “teens, tweens, travelers and Tweeters”, so I guess even Dell can’t figure out what this thing does or who it’s for), but if you’re in the market for a mini-notebook (or as many are calling them, a netbook) that’s perfect for on-the-go travel and/or anyone who doesn’t need a full, desktop capable computer sitting on their lap at all times, then you might just call it yours.
Weighing in at just 2.28 lbs., and with a price of just $349 (in Ubuntu flavor), the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is designed to be the perfect computer for “surfing the Web, chatting with friends, blogging, streaming content, uploading photos or enjoying favorite online videos, music and games”.
It’s also meant to be a durable computer that you can toss in a bag and not worry too much about, with a fully sealed keyboard, and solid state drive (SSD) memory storage.
The 8.9-inch LCD gives you plenty of room for full-sized web browsing, and built-in Wi-Fi means you can connect to any hotspot for instant Internet access.
Options include a built-in webcam for video chat, Bluetooth for wireless connections, and even Windows XP for full software support.
Nifty touches include a free subscription to Box.net for 2GB of online storage, and a full range of colors in the coming months.
The Inspiron Mini 9 is definitely not for everyone, but with the success that Acer has been having with their EeePC netbooks, combined with Dell’s name brand and reliability, I think the Mini 9 is going to open up the world of netbook computing to a whole new audience that’s ready to embrace the change.
Dell’s new Studio Hybrid line of computers is a rather interesting offering.
Designed to be an “anywhere-you-want-it-desktop”, the pint-sized PC comes in six colors, as well as bamboo, features an ultra-compact design with Intel mobile technology performance, a slot-load DVD, HDMI, digital/analog TV tuner, and optional Blu-ray for home entertainment duties.
In addition, the Dell Hybrid helps to preserve the planet as Dell’s greenest and most power-efficient consumer desktop (75% less printed documentation, 70% less power usage, Energy Star 4.0 compliant, and packaging made form 95% recyclable materials).
A good-looking computer that’s good for the environment and performs too?
