Sprint Introduces Dell 3G/4G Notebooks

Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook

The first dual-mode 3G/4G embedded netbook and notebook PCs have been launched by Sprint.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook features Windows 7 Starter and long battery life and is geared toward students and small businesses that need Internet access, Web browsing and social networking. The Dell Inspiron 11z notebook with Windows 7 Premium is designed to be ultramobile for users who require more computing power, Sprint said.

Sprint has unveiled 15 4G devices, 11 of which are available now, since the company introduced 4G service in 2008, including phones, mobile hot spots, routers and USB modems.

Windows Live Essentials 2011 suite of products also comes preloaded on both the Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell Inspiron 11z notebook. The suite enables communicating and sharing on the PC, Web and mobile phone, and includes Hotmail, Messenger, SkyDrive, Photo Gallery and Movie Maker.

“Young professionals, students and even moms will enjoy the Inspiron Mini 10 and the Inspiron 11z, because they deliver fast and reliable access to e-mail, social networking and Internet surfing,” Michael Tatelman, vice president of Global Consumer Sales and Marketing at Dell, said in a statement. “Bundling Sprint’s fast and reliable 3G/4G network support with these easy-to-carry systems ensure they will get the best immersive on-the-go experience available.”

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook comes with an Intel Atom Processor N450 (1.66 GHz); a 10.1-inch widescreen 1,024 x 600 display; 1GB of memory; a 250GB hard drive; and wireless connectivity via Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMax 6250 integrated Wi-Fi/WiMax. The system weighs three pounds and has up to nine hours of battery life.

The Dell Inspiron 11z notebook comes with an Intel Core i3-330UN processor, 1.20GHz, 3 MB of cache, an 11.6-inch 1,366 x 768 WLED HD, 2GB memory expandable to 4GB, an HDMI output port, a 250GB hard drive, and wireless connectivity via Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMax 6250 integrated WiFi/WiMax. It weighs 3.44 pounds and has a battery life of up to six and a half hours.

Both devices have two pricing options: a 3G/4G plan for $49.99 per month and a 3G-only entry-level plan for $39.99 per month. The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook will be available beginning Oct. 31 through Sprint and at select retailers. It is free after a $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year service plan. The Dell Inspiron 11z notebook will be available beginning Nov. 14 and costs $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and new two-year service agreement.

Sprint’s 4G service is now available in 55 cities across the U.S.