The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is based around the Intel Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor.

It ships with a choice on Linux ubuntu or Windows XP Home edition and 1Gb of DDR2 RAM.

As you might expect graphics are handled by Intel’s integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950.  The output is is displayed on a glossy 8.9″ display which is slightly bigger than that on the Eee PC 700.

No moving parts inside this particular netbook so storage is taken care of with a solid state drive in 4Gb, 8Gb and 16Gb sizes.

Its best attribute is its built-in HSDPA modem.

If you Buy a Mini 9 with a Vodafone mobile broadband contract, or stick your 3G SIM card in the slot beneath the battery then you can enjoy broadband on the move.

If you prefer to hover near WiFi hotspots then the built in 802.11g mini card will be right up your street.

Battery life is  average with the 4 cell power pack providing just over the 3 hour mark.

Pros

Built in HDSPA modem for up to 7.2 Mbps mobile internet access.

8.9 Inch Screen.

4 Cell battery giving around 3 Hours 20 use from a single charge.

Cons

The Mini 9′s keyboard is fiddly to use with some half height keys to cram everything in.

Unlike most Dell products there isn’t much upgradeability at purchase point so no chance to extend battery life or increase the meagre 16Gb storage on offer.

On balance if mobile broadband is important to you then you could do a lot worse than pick up a Mini 9.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is available from £199 including VAT and Shipping.

Also available free with Vodafone mobile broadband.