Dell is one of the top laptop manufacturers in the world. So it’s no surprise to see them enter the netbook market, and you can be sure that they are in it to win it. Mini 12 is a larger version of Mini 9 that is not only capable but very portable at the same time. The 12 inch screen that you get with your netbook is more than easy on the eye. Mini 12 is known for being the perfect netbook for tweeters. It’s the perfect gadget for those who spend a lot of time on the Internet. The CPU is more than capable and you get more than enough memory to get things done on your Dell netbook. The Intel Atom Z520 uses a brand new 45nm (nanometer) design structure with new hafnium-infused circuitry–which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy. You do get only 3 hours of battery but you can always buy a 6 cell battery.

I find the device to be very well designed. In addition to a 12.1″ screen, you also get TrueLife high-gloss technology that reduces the glare you get on this netbook. The Wi-Fi support and blue-tooth let you get more work done without worrying about wires. And if you want to conduct video-conferences while you are on the go, you can easily do so using the 1.3 MP camera available on this netbook. The 3 USB 2.0 ports make it easy to connect more accessories as you need them.

What I was impressed about with Dell Mini 12 is the online storage that you get with Box.net. You can expand your storage to 25 GB if you prefer. This feature allows you to put your precious files online and protect them against hard drive accidents. Dell Inspiron Mini 12 weighs only 2.72 lbs, which makes this netbook a dream come true for tweeters on the go.

Verdict: B+. Overall, Dell Mini IM12-2868 is cool netbook that makes a great Internet gadget. It’s light and very well designed. The battery could be much better. I also like to see a faster CPU. And the price is a bit on the high side. Nevertheless, Dell Mini 12 is a solid choice if you are looking for a top netbook.