Dell has launched its Inspiron Mini 9 notebook line, which uses an Intel Atom-based platform with a glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600), and comes in three flavors. All three are packing an Intel Atom N270 processor (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache), but they have different memory and hard drive configurations.

The low-end model features the Ubuntu Linux operating system and is equipped with 512MB of RAM and a 4GB solid state drive. The other two models feature Windows XP Home Edition and pack an 8GB or 16GB solid state drives, respectively. The mid-range notebook has also 512MB of RAM, as the Ubuntu model, but the "high" end model features 1GB of RAM. The three models cost $349, $399 and $449 respectively.

It is quite awkward that the lack of features, which is understandable in such a small and cheap package, made Dell list features such as: Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1, and such. There are add-on options as well: a $20 Bluetooth 2.1 add-on and a replacement 1.3 megapixel webcam instead of the .3M which is default, for $10 extra.

The Inspiron Mini 9 notebooks weigh around 2.28 pounds and measures 1.07 by 9.13 by 6.77 inches.

Dell alleges on one of its blogs that between 6 a.m. Central tomorrow, Sept. 5, you’ll be able to get a Mini for only $99 with the purchase of a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 laptop through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. The offer is allegedly available in the United States only.