• Full-size laptops have larger displays but also greater weight than netbooks.Marcy Maloy/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  Dell's Inspiron 910 netbook, commonly known as the Mini 9, features an Intel Atom processor, a solid-state hard drive, and the compact size and light weight typical of netbook computers. Released in 2008, the Mini 9 emerged as a solid competitor in a growing netbook market. The Mini 9's performance, build quality, and cool and quiet operation drew high marks from reviewers. Criticisms focused on the netbook's small LCD and low storage capacity.
  
  

CPU, Memory, Storage

• The Mini 9 utilizes a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, paired with 1 GB of 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM. Typical Mini 9 configurations included an 8 GB or 16 GB solid-state hard drive. Solid-state drives offer the advantage of no moving parts, ensuring stable operation in an ultra-portable computer during its travels. However, PC Magazine noted that with Windows XP installed, little room is left for anything else on an 8 GB drive.
  
  

Display and Video Card

• The Mini-9's 8.9-inch display offers a resolution of 1,024 by 600 pixels. The screen provides good peak brightness even on battery power, according to the website Anandtech. Nonetheless, the smaller display misses the 10-inch "sweet-spot" for netbooks, PC Magazine says. The Mini 9 uses the Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950.
  
  

Ports and Dimensions

• The Mini 9 includes three USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a VGA port for connection to a monitor, microphone and line-out jacks, and a three-in-one media card reader. The netbook measures 9.1 by 1 by 6.8 inches and weighs 2.3 pounds.
  
  

Additional Features

• The Mini 9 includes a 1.3-megapixel web cam. A wireless G network card and Bluetooth support are optional.