Dell Inspiron Mini 12 Netbook Launched

Dell introduced today the Inspiron Mini 12, the company’s new netbook that features a 12-inch display.

“With a starting weight of only 2.72 lbs. and only 0.92 in. thick, current standard features on the Inspiron Mini 12 include: Windows Vista Home Basic, built-in webcam, 1GB of RAM and a choice of 60 GB or 80GB hard drive,” Dell says adding that the widescreen display has a resolution of 1280×800 pixels.

Unlike the most of available netbooks with the Intel Atom N270 processors, the Inspiron 12 uses “more energy efficient” Atom Z520 or Z530. When compared with the 8.9-inch Inspiron Mini 9, the Mini 12 provides “larger screen, more comfortable keyboard and more local storage”.

The new netbook also includes built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless.

The Inspiron Mini 12 is available now only in Japan. It will launch online globally by late November with configurations starting under $600. The netbooks with Ubuntu and Windows XP will be available before the end of the year.

UPDATE: The netbook is available now for a basic price of $549 at Dell’s website.