The temptation of Windows 7 came to an end with myself grabbing a unit of Inspiron Mini 10v, running on Windows 7 Starter Pack. I opt for lower end netbook and OS, because the other 2 notebooks that I currently own, running on XP and Vista are in my plan to be upgraded, after Microsoft Malaysia announced official price of Windows 7 in their website.

Why Dell?? Inspiron Mini is among the first netbook running on Windows 7 in our market. Furthermore I’m used with their notebooks before. The day I purchased this model, no HP and Acer netbook run on Windows 7 just yet, so it’s a direct decision actually, because I want a netbook running on Windows 7 in the first place. To sweeten the deal, it comes with freebies too (optical mouse, USB hub, headphone).

Generally, Inspiron Mini 10v is an average netbook, with quite sleek & sexy design. The round edge and curve in Inspiron Mini is gorgeous. It is not the thinnest or lightest netbook in the market, but it grips firmly on your hand. You’re not bound to agree with me about this

Performance wise, as I just use it for few hours, it is a little bit sluggish, and intermittent when I browse the internet (could be the connection). It is noticeable especially when I’m typing this post on Wordpress. Other apps seem to work just fine. But overall, it’s fair to say that I’m satisfied with what I pay for. If you’re curious how much it costs, it is RM1299 ( a week ago priced at RM1199).

Other main points on the netbook and Win 7.

• Weighs only 1.17, I can hold and twist it with 1 hand
• If you’re looking for fancy color netbooks, Inspiron Mini offers 6 colors
• Keyboard size is 92% the size of a full size notebook keyboard, quite comfortable
• 6 cells battery that can last about 5-6 hours
• Win 7 Starter pack does not allow you to extend the view to more than 1 monitor.
• Feel a little bit slow, and lagging when many apps open simultaneously
• The touchpad is quite small compared with my huge palm.