YouTube video courtesy of Dell

Dell announced a new lower cost version of the Dell Mini 10 notebook called the Mini 10v...

Dell Mini 10v is Official

The low-end version of the Mini 10v comes in at $299 vs. the $349 for the Mini 10 (no "v"). Here's my take on this. You will probably be happier spending the extra $50 for the Mini 10 (no "v"). Here's why...

- The 10v uses the Atom N270 processor while the 10 uses the Z520. The Z520 should provide the potential for better battery life and processor performance.
- The 10v has a 120GB hard drive while the 10 has a 160GB hard drive.
- The 10v uses the Intel 950 graphics chipset while the 10 uses the 500 chipset. Combined with the Z520, it should provide a better multimedia experience.
- The 10v has a VGA output port while the 10 provides a HDMI port. Again, a better graphics experience assuming you have an external LCD that support HDMI (many do).

Unfortunately, both have the shorted (vertically) 1024x576 LCD panel display that several vendors have adopted instead of the 1024x600 display that we saw across the board last summer. However, the Mini 10 has the option of upgrading to a HD widescreen display with a 1366x768 display resolution. That sounds like a winner to me. But, of course, you do need to pay another $35 to get that option on the Mini 10.

Dell says they will offer a 2GB memory option for the Mini 10 in the near future. Combine that with the Z530 chip that provide Intel VT-x for use with Windows 7 XP Mode and a HD screen option and you have what sounds like a very nice Windows 7 netbook.