Dell's new Ubuntu powered Inspiron Mini 9

Here at Canonical we are pretty excited about the global announcements today from Dell about its new Inspiron Mini 9, which will soon ship in many countries with Ubuntu 8.04 pre-installed.

Not only does the Ubuntu version come with a custom launcher that makes the Inspiron Mini 9 fast, safe and easy to use, it has the benefit of numerous open source applications, such as a popular web browser and important office applications, as well as a smaller footprint on the internal solid-state disk and a lower entry price point than alternative operating systems.

We think machines like the Mini 9 will bring Ubuntu to a whole new group of users, from commuters wanting a lightweight device to schoolchildren wanting their first notebook. Welcome to Ubuntu!

We’re also pleased that the Inspiron Mini 9 release represents the growing strength of our relationships with some of the most prominent names in the industry, in this case Dell.

Dell started working with Canonical over a year ago, prompted by an incredible response from the Dell community to its Dell IdeaStorm, culminating very quickly with the launch of numerous Ubuntu-based products in the last year. Over that time we’ve seen the relationship between Dell and Canonical’s engineering teams in China, Taiwan and US go from strength to strength, with the result that Dell has broadened both its Ubuntu product range and increased availability across the globe. Just recently we’ve seen Dell release its new Vostro range into high-volume, emerging markets.

With the introduction of the Inspiron Mini 9, Dell has also focused on the specific consumer requirements of this category of device – working closely with Canonical to deliver some unique UI elements such as the launcher and full support for third party services such as box.net. Dell’s entry into the netbook market will add excitement to an already interesting and fast evolving category.

The success of Ubuntu worldwide is also the success of the open source model, and particularly the huge contribution made by developers, testers and many others across the whole OSS community.

So, Ubuntu pre-installed on a cool, affordable consumer device in the mainstream – awesome

Mark Murphy – Manager, Global Alliances