Is Dell Towing The Intel Corporate Line?

With the announcement of the end of the Inspiron Mini 12 netbook, it would seem that it is. Dell is ending the Mini 12’s run because the screen drawing is placing too much demand on the Atom processor, or so they say.

from Tech Connect

Introduced in November (2008), the Inspiron Mini 12 quasi-netbook has pretty much lived its life, with Dell confirming that the model is being discontinued. Although some say Intel’s disapproval of 12-inch Atom-based machines is the reason for the Mini 12’s retirement, Dell says that the decision was made because 10-inch is the ’sweet spot’ for netbooks and that larger portable PC’s “require a little more horsepower to be really useful.”

Overall, whatever the reason, one thing is certain, the Mini 12 is out of the picture leaving more opportunity for Acer and Asus’ 11.6-inch machines.

Dell Mini 12, goodbye, we hardly had a chance to know you.

In other places, Intel has said the same thing, in the same way. Industry pundits have been saying that the reason for the decision is the oldest one in the book, profit. Apparently Intel believes that the Atom-powered netbooks should be powered by Celerons instead, where the grass is greener and the dollar bills stack up higher.

This is too bad for many, as the pricing of the larger screen netbook with the Atom processor was at a point that was perfect for many, including students using a netbook as a secondary computer, for classroom notes and light work while not at home or in the dorm.  This was also a favorite of many who eschew weight, but have less than great eyesight!

Now, the market will be reduced to the 11.6 inch netbooks, and yes, that silly little almost half an inch does make a difference.

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