It was back in October 2008 that Dell launched its larger-than-usual Inspiron Mini 12 netbook, and we wondered whether or not it'd attract users who find 10in netbooks too small.
The answer, it seems, is an emphatic no. Less than 12 months after launch, Dell has officially confirmed that the Inspiron Mini 12 (pictured below) has been discontinued. According to Dell spokesperson Lionel Menchaca, the decision to drop the system isn't a reflection on Dell's commitment to the netbook market. Instead, it claims that "10-inch displays are the sweet spot for netbooks".
Bad news for consumers searching for a 12in low-cost ultra-portable, perhaps, but Dell has hinted at a potential replacement. Teasing at forthcoming product announcements, the manufacturer adds that "larger notebooks require a little more horsepower to be really useful," promising that there's "more to come from Dell on that later".
Conjecturing somewhat, we reckon the 12in Inspiron Mini was creeping into Intel CULV territory and we wouldn't be surprised to see Dell launch CULV-based notebooks ranging from 12in to 15in in the coming months.
