Dell Inspiron Mini 9 coming to Vodafone next month

Vodafone has announced that it's won the race to offer the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 (aka the Dell E) on contract. Starting from mid-October it'll be giving away Dell's 8.9in Eee PC rival for free to those who sign up for a two-year contract.

It'll still be a costly way of buying a laptop long-term, with price plans rumoured to start at £25 a month (total cost for two years' mobile broadband and the Dell: £600). At least the Inspiron Mini 9 does have the advantage of having HSDPA built-in, with a slot for the Vodafone SIM and Vodafone's own software pre-loaded.

Those hungry to sign up for one can register their interest at www.vodafone.co.uk/netbooks for info as it's released. Click on for the full press release.

VODAFONE UK FIRST TO OFFER DELL'S INSPIRON MINI 9 WITH BUILT-IN MOBILE BROADBAND
 
Thursday 18th September 2008; Vodafone UK will be the first European network operator to offer Dell's InspironTM Mini 9 ultra-mobile device with built-in mobile broadband connectivity through its stores.
Available from mid October, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 will be sold at vodafone.co.uk, Vodafone retail stores and through corporate account managers. Interested customers can pre-register at www.vodafone.co.uk/netbooks.
 
Starting from free with a 24-month contract, the Inspiron Mini 9 is the perfect Internet companion, delivering connectivity in a slim, sleek, piano black design. Complete with a Vodafone SIM, and pre-installed mobile broadband connectivity software, the Mini 9 eliminates the need to use an additional USB modem to connect to the web.  Digital nomads and avid Web surfers alike will be able to connect to the UK's fastest and most reliable mobile broadband network* anytime, anywhere, whether on the road, or on-the-go, while surfing the Web, chatting with friends, or enjoying their favourite online videos and music.
 
"More and more consumers want an easy and quick way to connect to the Internet, but there are times when they also want to catch up with emails on a screen larger than a mobile without compromising portability.  We have taken the natural step to marry together great ultra-mobile technology with the UK's fastest and most reliable mobile broadband service," says Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone UK.
 
"Thanks to the very compact size of the Inspiron Mini 9, and the Vodafone built-in Internet access, customers can now use a single device to log on and access their emails, read the latest news headlines, or update their blog or social networking page as they travel home from work on the train or while they take a break for coffee."
 
Michael Lombardo, VP & General Manger, Consumer, Dell Europe said "Technology has become an essential part of how people connect with one another – whether it's surfing the Web, chatting with friends, keeping updated on the latest news, sharing photos or social networking.  UK customers will now be provided with a greater choice in connectivity options that will enable them to stay in touch whenever, wherever."
 
Weighing in at only 1.035kg, the Inspiron Mini 9 includes a built-in webcam, Bluetooth, sealed keyboard, reliable solid state disc (SSD) drive, and bright 8.9-inch glossy LED display (1024x600).   Users will also appreciate the increased battery life and network reception with integrated mobile broadband compared to using a USB modem.
 
Vodafone UK has invested millions of pounds over the past two years to roll out its high speed mobile broadband network across the UK.  Over the summer, this investment has grown to make high speeds available in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Reading, joining London and major airports.  On average, customers can expect speeds of 1 to 5Mbps.
 
With this agreement, Dell products will be available in nearly 14,000 stores around the globe. By providing new products and services, and multiple ways to connect with Dell – by clicking, calling and visiting – Dell expects to connect with new customers, and increase sales in all regions.
 
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